King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:12 in the King James Version says “And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.”

1 Samuel 28:12 · KJV

Context

10

And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.

11

Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.

12

And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.

13

And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.

14

And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. What: Heb. What is his form?

Read 1 Samuel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The woman's terrified cry when she 'saw Samuel' suggests something unexpected occurred. The Hebrew 'watiz'aq beqol gadol' (cried with a loud voice) indicates genuine shock. Her immediate recognition that her client is Saul implies that Samuel's actual appearance (rather than a demonic counterfeit) conveyed information she could not have anticipated. Most interpreters understand this as an exceptional divine intervention where God actually permitted Samuel's appearance, surprising even the medium accustomed to deception.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Scholars debate whether this was truly Samuel or a demonic impersonation. The narrative presents it as Samuel, and the prophecy proves accurate. Most Reformed interpreters see this as a unique divine act, permitting Samuel's appearance to deliver final judgment on Saul.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you understand this unusual supernatural event within the biblical narrative?
  2. What does it suggest when even practitioners of deception encounter something genuine?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַתֵּ֤רֶא1 of 16

“saw”

H7200

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

הָֽאִשָּׁ֨ה2 of 16

“And when the woman”

H802

a woman

אֶת3 of 16
H853

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

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל4 of 16

“Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

וַתִּזְעַ֖ק5 of 16

“she cried”

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

בְּק֣וֹל6 of 16

“voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

גָּד֑וֹל7 of 16

“with a loud”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

לֵאמֹ֛ר8 of 16

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֨ה9 of 16

“And when the woman”

H802

a woman

אֶל10 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁאֽוּל׃11 of 16

“me for thou art Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לֵאמֹ֛ר12 of 16

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֥מָּה13 of 16
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

רִמִּיתָ֖נִי14 of 16

“Why hast thou deceived”

H7411

to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)

וְאַתָּ֥ה15 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שָׁאֽוּל׃16 of 16

“me for thou art Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

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 28:12 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 28:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 14:51 Samuel 28:3

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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