King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:21 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:21 in the King James Version says “And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed t... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 28:21 · KJV


Context

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.

22

Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.

23

But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The medium's compassion toward the broken king presents an unexpected humanizing moment. She who risked her life for Saul's illegal request now shows concern for his welfare. Her statement 'I have put my life in my hand' (Hebrew: 'nafshy bekhappy') acknowledges the danger she accepted. This pagan woman demonstrates more practical care for Saul than he has received from legitimate spiritual sources. The irony is sharp: a necromancer extends kindness to the king whose prophets and God have abandoned him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The medium's hospitality, despite her initial fear, follows ancient Near Eastern customs of care for guests. Her willingness to feed Saul before his final battle provides a poignant contrast to the silence of heaven.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do unexpected sources sometimes provide comfort when legitimate channels fail us?
  2. What does it suggest when those outside the faith show more compassion than those within?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַתָּב֤וֹא1 of 23

came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָֽאִשָּׁה֙2 of 23

And the woman

H802

a woman

אֶל3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֔וּל4 of 23

unto Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַתֵּ֖רֶא5 of 23

and saw

H7200

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

כִּֽי6 of 23
H3588

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

נִבְהַ֣ל7 of 23

troubled

H926

to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously

מְאֹ֑ד8 of 23

that he was sore

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר9 of 23

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו10 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּ֨ה11 of 23
H2009

lo!

וָֽאֶשְׁמַע֙12 of 23

and have hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

שִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֙13 of 23

unto him Behold thine handmaid

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

בְּקוֹלֶ֔ךָ14 of 23

thy voice

H6963

a voice or sound

וָֽאָשִׂ֤ים15 of 23

and I have put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

נַפְשִׁי֙16 of 23

my life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בְּכַפִּ֔י17 of 23

in my hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וָֽאֶשְׁמַע֙18 of 23

and have hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת19 of 23
H853

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

דְּבָרֶ֔יךָ20 of 23

unto thy words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֥ר21 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ22 of 23

which thou spakest

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָֽי׃23 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


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 28:21 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 28:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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