King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:24 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:24 in the King James Version says “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 u...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

1 Samuel 28:24 · KJV

Context

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.

24

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:

25

And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'fat calf in the house' suggests the woman was not impoverished despite her dangerous profession. Her hasty preparation of both meat and unleavened bread (no time for rising) demonstrates the urgency of the situation. The detail of kneading and baking personally indicates this was not a wealthy household with servants. This simple meal, prepared by a condemned practitioner for a condemned king, becomes Saul's last supper before his death. The domestic details humanize the tragic narrative.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

A fatted calf was reserved for special occasions; its sacrifice here indicates the woman recognized the significance of her guest. Unleavened bread could be prepared quickly and was common in hospitality contexts when time was limited.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the woman's generous hospitality suggest about common grace in unexpected places?
  2. How do ordinary meals become significant in crisis moments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְלָֽאִשָּׁ֤ה1 of 11

“And the woman”

H802

a woman

עֵֽגֶל2 of 11

“calf”

H5695

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

מַרְבֵּק֙3 of 11

“had a fat”

H4770

a stall (for cattle)

בַּבַּ֔יִת4 of 11

“in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וַתְּמַהֵ֖ר5 of 11

“and she hasted”

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

וַתִּזְבָּחֵ֑הוּ6 of 11

“and killed”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

וַתִּקַּח7 of 11

“it and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

קֶ֣מַח8 of 11

“flour”

H7058

flour

וַתָּ֔לָשׁ9 of 11

“and kneaded”

H3888

to knead

וַתֹּפֵ֖הוּ10 of 11

“it and did bake”

H644

to cook, especially to bake

מַצּֽוֹת׃11 of 11

“unleavened bread”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

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 28:24 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 28:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 15:23Genesis 18:7-8

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