King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:16 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:16 in the King James Version says “This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your mast... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 26:16 · KJV


Context

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

17

And Saul knew David's voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.

18

And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's verdict ('ye are worthy to die') pronounces a sentence he refuses to execute, modeling the difference between declaring truth and usurping God's prerogative in judgment. The evidence of the king's spear and water cruse proves David's access and restraint beyond dispute. The threefold repetition of 'the LORD'S anointed' throughout this dialogue emphasizes David's consistent theological framework: regardless of Saul's behavior, his office demands respect that only God can revoke.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The death penalty for failing to protect the king was standard in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. By Israelite law, those charged with the king's safety who failed could face execution. David's pronouncement acknowledges this judicial reality while declining to enforce it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between identifying sin and executing judgment?
  2. What truth have you declared while leaving the consequences to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 30 words
לֹא1 of 30
H3808

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

ט֞וֹב2 of 30

is not good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

הַדָּבָ֣ר3 of 30

This thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּה֮4 of 30
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 30
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשִׂיתָ֒6 of 30

that thou hast done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חַי7 of 30

liveth

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 30

As the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֤י9 of 30
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְנֵי10 of 30

ye are worthy

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

מָ֙וֶת֙11 of 30

to die

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

אַתֶּ֔ם12 of 30
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֲשֶׁ֧ר13 of 30
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא14 of 30
H3808

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

שְׁמַרְתֶּ֛ם15 of 30

because ye have not kept

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

עַל16 of 30
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶ֖ם17 of 30

your master

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

עַל18 of 30
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְשִׁ֣יחַ19 of 30

anointed

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

יְהוָ֑ה20 of 30

As the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְעַתָּ֣ה׀21 of 30
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

רְאֵ֗ה22 of 30

And now see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֵֽי23 of 30
H335

where? hence how?

חֲנִ֥ית24 of 30

spear

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ25 of 30

where the king's

H4428

a king

וְאֶת26 of 30
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

צַפַּ֥חַת27 of 30

is and the cruse

H6835

a saucer (as flat)

הַמַּ֖יִם28 of 30

of water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

אֲשֶׁ֥ר29 of 30
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָֽו׃30 of 30

that was at his bolster

H4763

properly, a headpiece, i.e., (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)


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 26:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 26:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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