King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:9 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:9 in the King James Version says “And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spir...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

1 Samuel 28:9 · KJV

Context

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?

10

And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.

11

Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.

Read 1 Samuel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The medium's fearful response exposes the danger of her profession and the effectiveness of Saul's earlier purge. Her reference to what 'Saul hath done' uses language suggesting violent action ('hikrit,' cut off) against practitioners. Her accusation 'thou layest a snare for my life' reveals awareness that her activities carry a death sentence. This exchange creates dramatic tension: Saul seeks help from someone whose death he previously ordered, while she fears the one seeking her aid.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The death penalty for consulting spirits (Leviticus 20:27) was apparently enforced during Saul's reign. The woman's fear indicates real danger, not mere formality. Her survival suggests either remote location, community protection, or incomplete enforcement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do fear and self-preservation conflict with calling in dangerous times?
  2. What ironies emerge when we seek help from those we have previously condemned?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 23

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֜ה2 of 23

“And the woman”

H802

a woman

אֵלָ֗יו3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּ֨ה4 of 23
H2009

lo!

אַתָּ֤ה5 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙6 of 23

“unto him Behold thou knowest”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵ֣ת7 of 23
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר8 of 23
H834

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

עָשָׂ֣ה9 of 23

“hath done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שָׁא֔וּל10 of 23

“what Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 23
H834

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

הִכְרִ֛ית12 of 23

“how he hath cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת13 of 23
H853

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

הָֽאֹב֥וֹת14 of 23

“those that have familiar spirits”

H178

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

וְאֶת15 of 23
H853

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

הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֖י16 of 23

“and the wizards”

H3049

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

מִן17 of 23
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאָ֑רֶץ18 of 23

“out of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְלָמָ֥ה19 of 23
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אַתָּ֛ה20 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מִתְנַקֵּ֥שׁ21 of 23

“wherefore then layest thou a snare”

H5367

to entrap (with a noose), literally or figuratively

בְּנַפְשִׁ֖י22 of 23

“for 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

לַֽהֲמִיתֵֽנִי׃23 of 23

“to cause me to die”

H4191

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

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 28:9 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 28:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 28:32 Kings 5:72 Samuel 18:13

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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