King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:14 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:14 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

1 Samuel 28:14 · KJV

Context

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?

15

And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. by prophets: Heb. by the hand of prophets

16

Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?

Read 1 Samuel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The identifying details, 'an old man covered with a mantle' (Hebrew: 'me'il'), connect to Samuel's characteristic prophetic garb. The mantle (me'il) was specifically associated with Samuel from when his mother made him a little robe (2:19) to when Saul tore his mantle symbolizing the torn kingdom (15:27). Saul's immediate perception that 'it was Samuel' and his prostration (Hebrew: 'wayyiqqod') indicate recognition and reverence. The king bows before the prophet he once resisted, now seeking what he previously rejected.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The mantle was the characteristic garment of prophets, later associated with Elijah and Elisha. Samuel's me'il served as a recognition marker and symbol of prophetic authority throughout his career.

Reflection Questions

  1. What identifying marks reveal someone's true identity and calling?
  2. How do we respond differently to God's messengers in desperate situations than in prosperous ones?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 20

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהּ֙2 of 20
H0
מַֽה3 of 20
H4100

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

תָּאֳר֔וֹ4 of 20

“unto her What form”

H8389

outline, i.e., figure or appearance

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר5 of 20

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֤ישׁ6 of 20

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

זָקֵן֙7 of 20

“An old”

H2205

old

עֹלֶ֔ה8 of 20

“cometh up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וְה֥וּא9 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עֹטֶ֖ה10 of 20

“and he is covered”

H5844

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

מְעִ֑יל11 of 20

“with a mantle”

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

וַיֵּ֤דַע12 of 20

“perceived”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

שָׁאוּל֙13 of 20

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

כִּֽי14 of 20
H3588

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

שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל15 of 20

“that it was Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

ה֔וּא16 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיִּקֹּ֥ד17 of 20

“and he stooped”

H6915

to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference

אַפַּ֛יִם18 of 20

“with his face”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אַ֖רְצָה19 of 20

“to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃20 of 20

“and bowed”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

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 28:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 28:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:272 Kings 2:13-142 Kings 2:81 Samuel 24:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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