King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:25 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:25 in the King James Version says “Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. S... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

1 Samuel 26:25 · KJV


Context

23

The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

24

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

25

Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Saul's blessing carries prophetic weight despite his compromised spiritual state: 'thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail.' The Hebrew 'yakol tukhal' (surely prevail) uses emphatic doubling to express certainty. This ironic prophecy from David's persecutor confirms what Samuel declared at David's anointing. The narrative conclusion, 'David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place,' signals their final parting. They will not meet again; the next time Saul sees David, it will be through a medium's dark arts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This represents the final direct encounter between Saul and David. The note that 'Saul returned to his place' suggests a return to normalcy that proves illusory. Within months, Saul will consult a necromancer, and soon after, he and his sons will fall on Mount Gilboa.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have unexpected sources spoken truth about your calling or future?
  2. How do you process final encounters with those who have both blessed and wounded you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְשָׁא֖וּל2 of 20

Then Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִד֙4 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בָּר֤וּךְ5 of 20

Blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אַתָּה֙6 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בְּנִ֣י7 of 20

be thou my 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

דָּוִד֙8 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

גַּ֚ם9 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

תַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה10 of 20

great

H6213

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

תַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה11 of 20

great

H6213

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

וְגַ֖ם12 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

תּוּכָ֑ל13 of 20

prevail

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

תּוּכָ֑ל14 of 20

prevail

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ15 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דָּוִד֙16 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְדַרְכּ֔וֹ17 of 20

on his way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְשָׁא֖וּל18 of 20

Then Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

שָׁ֥ב19 of 20

returned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לִמְקוֹמֽוֹ׃20 of 20

to his place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)


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 26:25 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 26:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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