King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:3 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:3 in the King James Version says “Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put aw...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.”

1 Samuel 28:3 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.

2

And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

3

Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

4

And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

5

And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

Read 1 Samuel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The narrative shifts to Saul, establishing the desperate context for his forbidden consultation. The note that 'Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him' removes any legitimate prophetic voice from Saul's life. The ironic detail that 'Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land' establishes that Saul himself had enforced the prohibition he is about to violate. His earlier obedience to this command makes his coming transgression more deliberate and condemning.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Samuel's death (1 Samuel 25:1) left Saul without his primary prophetic advisor, despite their estranged relationship. The purge of mediums and spiritists implemented Deuteronomy 18:10-11's prohibition, making Saul's coming action a direct violation of both divine and royal law.

Reflection Questions

  1. What protections or convictions have you violated in moments of desperation?
  2. How does previous obedience make later disobedience more serious?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּשְׁמוּאֵ֣ל1 of 15

“Now Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

מֵ֔ת2 of 15

“was dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַיִּסְפְּדוּ3 of 15

“had lamented”

H5594

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

לוֹ֙4 of 15
H0
כָּל5 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 15

“and all Israel”

H3478

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

וַיִּקְבְּרֻ֥הוּ7 of 15

“him and buried”

H6912

to inter

בָֽרָמָ֖ה8 of 15

“him in Ramah”

H7414

ramah, the name of four places in palestine

וּבְעִיר֑וֹ9 of 15

“even in his own city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְשָׁא֗וּל10 of 15

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

הֵסִ֛יר11 of 15

“had put away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

הָֽאֹב֥וֹת12 of 15

“those that had familiar spirits”

H178

properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)

וְאֶת13 of 15
H853

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

הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֖ים14 of 15

“and the wizards”

H3049

properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost

מֵֽהָאָֽרֶץ׃15 of 15

“out of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 28:3 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 28:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:311 Samuel 25:1Leviticus 20:27Exodus 22:18Deuteronomy 18:10-111 Samuel 7:17

Places in This Verse

Ramah 4Settlement · Modern: Al Ram · 31.85°N, 35.23°E13 verses across 1 book
View all places in 1 Samuel 28 →

Test Your Knowledge

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