King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:7 in the King James Version says “Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her....” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.”

1 Samuel 28:7 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

5

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

6

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

7

Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.

8

And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.

9

And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?

Read 1 Samuel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Saul's command to seek a medium (Hebrew: 'eshet ba'alat-ov,' a woman possessing a spirit) represents his ultimate spiritual betrayal. Having enforced God's law against such practices, he now desperately violates it himself. The location 'En-dor' (spring of the dwelling) places the medium in Issachar's territory, requiring Saul to travel past enemy lines. The servants' ready knowledge of her location suggests the purge of mediums was incomplete or that such practices persisted secretly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Necromancy and spirit consultation were common throughout the ancient Near East but explicitly forbidden in Israel (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:10-11). The survival of practitioners despite royal prohibition indicates either incomplete enforcement or persistent popular demand.

Reflection Questions

  1. What forbidden sources of guidance tempt people when legitimate means seem closed?
  2. How does desperation lead to spiritual practices we would normally condemn?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֤וּ1 of 21

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֜וּל2 of 21

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

עֲבָדָיו֙3 of 21

“of her And his servants”

H5650

a servant

בַּקְּשׁוּ4 of 21

“Seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

לִי֙5 of 21
H0
אֵ֥שֶׁת6 of 21

“me a woman”

H802

a woman

בַּֽעֲלַת7 of 21

“that hath”

H1172

a mistress

א֖וֹב8 of 21

“a familiar spirit”

H178

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

וְאֵֽלְכָ֥ה9 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֵלֶ֖יהָ10 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֶדְרְשָׁה11 of 21

“to her and enquire”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

בָּ֑הּ12 of 21
H0
וַיֹּֽאמְר֤וּ13 of 21

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֲבָדָיו֙14 of 21

“of her And his servants”

H5650

a servant

אֵלָ֔יו15 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּ֛ה16 of 21
H2009

lo!

אֵ֥שֶׁת17 of 21

“me a woman”

H802

a woman

בַּֽעֲלַת18 of 21

“that hath”

H1172

a mistress

א֖וֹב19 of 21

“a familiar spirit”

H178

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

בְּעֵ֥ין20 of 21
H0
דּֽוֹר׃21 of 21

“at Endor”

H5874

en-dor, a place in palestine

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 28:7 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 28:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 16:16Psalms 83:101 Chronicles 10:13Joshua 17:11Isaiah 8:19-20Habakkuk 2:3

Places in This Verse

En-dorSettlement · Modern: Khirbet es Safsafa · 32.64°N, 35.39°E3 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 28 →

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