1 Samuel 24:16
1 Samuel 24:16 in Multiple Translations
When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud
¶ And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
Now when David had said these words to Saul, Saul said, Is this your voice, David, my son? And Saul was overcome with weeping.
After David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that you speaking, David my son?” and he wept out loud.
The Lord therfore be iudge, and iudge betweene thee and me, and see, and pleade my cause, and deliuer me out of thine hand.
And it cometh to pass, when David completeth to speak these words unto Saul, that Saul saith, 'Is this thy voice, my son David?' and Saul lifteth up his voice, and weepeth.
It came to pass, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is that your voice, my son David?” Saul lifted up his voice and wept.
And it came to pass when David had made an end of speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
Be the Lord judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and judge my cause, and deliver me out of thy hand.
When David finished speaking, Saul called out to him and asked, “My son David, is that your voice that I am hearing?” Then he began to cry loudly.
After David said that, Saul asked him, “Is that really you, my son David?” And he cried out loud.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 24:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 24:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֤ה
יְהוָה֙
לְ/דַיָּ֔ן
וְ/שָׁפַ֖ט
בֵּינִ֣/י
וּ/בֵינֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/יֵ֨רֶא֙
וְ/יָרֵ֣ב
אֶת
רִיבִ֔/י
וְ/יִשְׁפְּטֵ֖/נִי
מִ/יָּדֶֽ/ךָ
וְ/הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/דַיָּ֔ן
dayân
H1781
judge
Prep | N-ms
וְ/שָׁפַ֖ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בֵּינִ֣/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵינֶ֑/ךָ
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
וְ/יֵ֨רֶא֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
וְ/יָרֵ֣ב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רִיבִ֔/י
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs | Suff
וְ/יִשְׁפְּטֵ֖/נִי
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
מִ/יָּדֶֽ/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 24:16
וְ/הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/דַיָּ֔ן
dayân
H1781
"judge"
Prep | N-ms
A dayan is a judge or someone who advocates for others in a court of law. In the Bible, judges played important roles in resolving disputes and interpreting the law.
Definition: a judge Aramaic equivalent: day.yan (דַּיָּן "judge" H1782)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: judge. See also: 1 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 68:6.
וְ/שָׁפַ֖ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
בֵּינִ֣/י
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵינֶ֑/ךָ
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וְ/יֵ֨רֶא֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/יָרֵ֣ב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רִיבִ֔/י
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
וְ/יִשְׁפְּטֵ֖/נִי
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
מִ/יָּדֶֽ/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 24:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 24:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:16
Context — David’s Oath to Saul
14Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?
15May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”
16When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud
17and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. 18And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 26:17 | Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said. |
| 2 | Genesis 33:4 | Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. |
| 3 | Luke 21:15 | For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. |
| 4 | Acts 6:10 | but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. |
| 5 | Job 6:25 | How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? |
| 6 | Proverbs 15:1 | A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
| 7 | Proverbs 25:11 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. |
1 Samuel 24:16 Summary
In 1 Samuel 24:16, Saul is overcome with emotion as he realizes David's kindness and mercy towards him, despite his own wrongdoing. This response shows that even those who have acted wrongly can feel remorse and conviction, as seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. However, true change requires more than just feelings - it demands a change of heart and actions, as taught in Ezekiel 36:26-27 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn to trust God to vindicate us and to show kindness and mercy to those who may be against us, just as David did, and as encouraged in Matthew 5:7 and Luke 6:36.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul call David his son in 1 Samuel 24:16?
Saul addressed David as his son because he recognized David's actions were those of a faithful and obedient son, despite Saul's own pursuit of him, much like the father's love in Luke 15:20-24. This title also reflects the close relationship David once had with Saul's family, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 1 Samuel 20:3.
What prompted Saul's emotional response in this verse?
Saul's weeping aloud was a response to the conviction he felt upon hearing David's words, realizing his own wrongdoing and David's merciful treatment of him, as described in 1 Samuel 24:14-15. This reaction is reminiscent of the repentance described in 2 Corinthians 7:10.
Is Saul's remorse in this verse a sign of true repentance?
While Saul's emotions in 1 Samuel 24:16 seem sincere, his subsequent actions, such as continuing to pursue David, suggest that his remorse may not have led to lasting change, unlike the repentance described in Matthew 3:8. True repentance involves a change of heart and actions, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:3-4.
How does David's interaction with Saul in this verse relate to Jesus' teachings?
David's merciful treatment of Saul, despite being pursued by him, reflects the principle of loving one's enemies taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28. This behavior demonstrates the kind of love and forgiveness that Christians are called to exhibit towards others, as seen in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show mercy and kindness to those who may be pursuing or persecuting me, just as David did with Saul?
- How can I, like David, trust God to vindicate me and plead my case, rather than taking matters into my own hands, as encouraged in Romans 12:19 and 2 Timothy 4:14?
- In what ways can I demonstrate the same level of humility and restraint as David, when faced with opportunities to harm or seek revenge against others, as seen in Proverbs 24:29 and 1 Peter 3:9?
- What does Saul's emotional response in this verse reveal about the impact of conviction and remorse on our lives, and how can I respond to these feelings in a way that leads to true repentance and change, as described in Acts 2:37-38 and 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:16
And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul,.... And wonderful it is that Saul, so full of wrath and fury, and so eager of David's life, should stand still and
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
Is this thy voice, my son David? he knew his voice though being at a great distance from him, he could not discern his face. And wept; partly from the sense of his sin against God, and of his wicked and base carriage to David; (for there are some such temporary passions oft-times in hypocrites and ungodly men;) and principally from the remembrance of so great and so late a danger as he had now escaped; which commonly produceth grief and tears; as . Yet these may be tears of affection or tenderness (upon the sense of David’ s kindness) rather than of grief.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
1 Samuel 24:16 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.Ver. 16. And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.] As overcome with David’ s kindness, whose innocency now triumphed in Saul’ s conscience, and produced a velleity, an imperfect motion of the will: but not voluntatem, a direct and complete will against his sin.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
(16) These words.—L. Philippson (in the Israelitish Bible, Leipzig) sums up strikingly the general effect of David’s moving but natural words to Saul. “This appeal possesses so much natural eloquence, such warmth, such true earnestness, that no one who has any love for the simple beauties of the Bible can read it unmoved. There is a striking grandeur, too, in the whole scene. We see David standing on some peak in this wilderness of rocks, holding up the trophy of his romantic generosity, gazing at and addressing the melancholy Saul, whom he loved as a father, paid homage to as a king, and reverenced as the Lord’s Anointed, but who, for his part, hated him without a cause, and hunted him down with a restless, murderous zeal; and (as David stood there and gazed on Saul) he seized the opportunity, and tried to touch his royal enemy’s heart with words, hurried, indeed, and quickly spoken, but breathing the intense earnestness of his inward feeling. He was overwhelmed with the consciousness of a sorrow too deep for words, yet he spoke as one inspired with the knowledge of a noble deed just done.” And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.—And for a time the words, but still more the forbearance, of David in the cave touched Saul to the quick. He not only spoke kindly to the hated David, but even wept. There is nothing strange in this sudden change of feeling in one so nervous and excitable as was Saul. It is clear that for the moment Saul meant to alter his conduct to David, but the sad sequel shows that the impression made was only transitory; and David, by his conduct, clearly saw this, for he made—as the last verse of the chapter shows us—no effort to return to his old home and position with Saul, but maintained his independent, though precarious, position as an outlaw.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
Verse 16. My son David?] David had called Saul his master, lord, and king. Saul accosts him here as his son, to show that he felt perfectly reconciled to him, and wished to receive him as formerly into his family.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:16
16–22. Saul’s momentary remorse 16. my son David] The old fatherly feeling revived. The generous loving heart of the old days had not yet utterly perished.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:16
16. Saul lifted up his voice, and wept — “Behold,” says Kitto, “how that stern heart is melted! The hard wintry frosts thaw fast before the kindly warmth of David’s generous nature.”
Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Persons Having Religious Affections of Many Kinds, Accompanying One Another, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards discusses how having various religious affections does not necessarily indicate true gracious affections. He explains that false religion can manifest in different |
|
(1 Samuel) Measure for Measure by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Saul from the Bible. He focuses on the scene where David spares Saul's life in the wilderness. The preacher emphasizes |
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Genesis #20 Ch. 31-34 Wrestling to the End of Self by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Misler discusses Genesis chapters 31 through 34. He begins by emphasizing the importance of relying on God's word, particularly Romans 8, during times of stre |
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Hosea 12:2 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the life of Jacob, an unlikely candidate for the title 'Power with God.' Despite his deceptive actions and attempts to gain advantage over others, Jacob ultima |
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(2008 Usa Tour) Preachers in the Last Days! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for preachers to separate themselves from worldly influences and dedicate themselves fully to preaching the word of God. He critici |
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The Way to Overcome by Smith Wigglesworth | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in Jesus. He highlights that those who believe in Jesus are definite in their faith and can trust that wh |
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Three Pictures of Discipleship by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the three key conditions of discipleship based on Luke 14: building the skyscraper of faith by counting the cost, fighting the battle against the devil by de |