King James Version
1 Samuel 26:18 in the King James Version says “And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?”
1 Samuel 26:18 · KJV
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
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.
And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?
Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods. accept: Heb. smell abiding: Heb. cleaving
Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
“thus pursue”
H7291to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
“after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
“for what have I done”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
“is in mine hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
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.
1 Samuel 26:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Samuel 26:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge