King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:19 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:19 in the King James Version says “Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 28:19 · KJV


Context

17

And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: to him: or, for himself me: Heb. mine hand

18

Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.

19

Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

20

Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. fell: Heb. made haste, and fell with the fulness of his stature

21

And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Samuel's prophecy extends beyond Saul to his sons and army: 'Tomorrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me.' The phrase 'with me' suggests the realm of the dead rather than any blessed state. The comprehensive disaster, 'the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines,' reveals that Saul's sin has national consequences. Leadership failure brings judgment not just on the leader but on those under his authority. The specificity of 'tomorrow' leaves no room for escape or repentance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The prophecy proved accurate: Saul and three sons (Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua) died the next day on Gilboa. The army was routed, and Philistines occupied significant Israelite territory. One generation's disobedience affected an entire nation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do leaders' sins affect those under their authority?
  2. What does the certainty of prophetic fulfillment teach about taking God's warnings seriously?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
יִתֵּ֥ן1 of 20

also shall deliver

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 20

Moreover the LORD

H3068

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

גַּ֣ם3 of 20
H1571

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

אֶת4 of 20
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 20

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עִמְּךָ֙6 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בְּיַד7 of 20

into the hand

H3027

a 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

פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃8 of 20

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וּמָחָ֕ר9 of 20

and to morrow

H4279

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

אַתָּ֥ה10 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּבָנֶ֖יךָ11 of 20

shalt thou and thy sons

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

עִמִּ֑י12 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

גַּ֚ם13 of 20
H1571

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

אֶת14 of 20
H853

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

מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה15 of 20

the host

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל16 of 20

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יִתֵּ֥ן17 of 20

also shall deliver

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה18 of 20

Moreover the LORD

H3068

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

בְּיַד19 of 20

into the hand

H3027

a 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

פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃20 of 20

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth


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 28:19 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 28:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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