King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:14 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:14 in the King James Version says “And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and s... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?

1 Samuel 26:14 · KJV


Context

12

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

13

Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:

14

And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?

15

And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.

16

This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster. worthy to die: Heb. the sons of death


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's public challenge to Abner exposes the military commander's failure to protect his king. The question 'Answerest thou not, Abner?' carries stinging rebuke, shaming the mighty warrior before the entire army. Abner's irritated response ('Who art thou that criest to the king?') reveals his discomfort at being exposed. This confrontation serves multiple purposes: demonstrating David's access to Saul, exposing the army's negligence, and establishing David's superior vigilance over Israel's true protection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Abner ben Ner was Saul's cousin and the commander of Israel's armies. His failure to protect Saul during this incident would have been a severe embarrassment in the honor-shame culture of the ancient Near East. His later defection to David's cause may have roots in this humiliation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when your failures are publicly exposed?
  2. What does this exchange teach about accountability for those in positions of responsibility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
קָרָ֥אתָ1 of 20

Who art thou that criest

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

דָוִ֜ד2 of 20

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֗ם4 of 20

to the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְאֶל5 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְנֵר֙6 of 20

Then Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 20

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֵר֙8 of 20

of Ner

H5369

ner, an israelite

וַיֹּ֔אמֶר9 of 20

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲל֥וֹא10 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

וַיַּ֤עַן11 of 20

Answerest

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אַבְנֵר֙12 of 20

Then Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

וַיַּ֤עַן13 of 20

Answerest

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אַבְנֵר֙14 of 20

Then Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

וַיֹּ֔אמֶר15 of 20

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִ֥י16 of 20
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

אַתָּ֖ה17 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

קָרָ֥אתָ18 of 20

Who art thou that criest

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל19 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃20 of 20

to the king

H4428

a king


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 26:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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