King James Version
“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.”
1 Samuel 28:23 · KJV
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.
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.
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.
And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:
And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“compelled”
H6555to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
“him and he hearkened”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
“So he arose”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
“and sat”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
“upon the bed”
H4296a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
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.
1 Samuel 28:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Samuel 28:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge