1 Samuel 24:21
1 Samuel 24:21 in Multiple Translations
So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.”
Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house.
Swear now therefore unto me by Jehovah, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house.
So give me your oath by the Lord, that you will not put an end to my seed after me or let my name be cut off from my father's family.
Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not destroy my descendants who follow me, and that you will not wipe out my name from my family line.”
For now behold, I know that thou shalt be King, and that the kingdome of Israel shall be stablished in thine hand.
and, now, swear to me by Jehovah — thou dost not cut off my seed after me, nor dost thou destroy my name from the house of my father.'
Swear now therefore to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.”
Swear now therefore to me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.
And now as I know that thou shalt surely be king, and have the kingdom of Israel in thy hand:
Now while Yahweh is listening, solemnly promise to me that you will not kill my family and get rid of all my descendants.”
So promise me right now, with God listening, that you will not kill my family dead after you become the big boss. And after you become the big boss, keep on being good to them, so that my family will not finish up.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 24:21
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 24:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּה֙
הִנֵּ֣ה
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
כִּ֥י
מָלֹ֖ךְ
תִּמְל֑וֹךְ
וְ/קָ֨מָה֙
בְּ/יָ֣דְ/ךָ֔
מַמְלֶ֖כֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מָלֹ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Ptc
תִּמְל֑וֹךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/קָ֨מָה֙
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
בְּ/יָ֣דְ/ךָ֔
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
מַמְלֶ֖כֶת
mamlâkâh
H4467
kingdom
N-fs
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 24:21
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מָלֹ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Ptc
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
תִּמְל֑וֹךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
וְ/קָ֨מָה֙
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
בְּ/יָ֣דְ/ךָ֔
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.
מַמְלֶ֖כֶת
mamlâkâh
H4467
"kingdom"
N-fs
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 24:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 24:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:21
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 24:21
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:21
Context — David’s Oath to Saul
19When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day.
20Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.
21So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.”
22So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 21:23 | Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 21:6–8 | let seven of his male descendants be delivered to us so that we may hang them before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD.” “I will give them to you,” said the king. Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 20:14–17 | And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. |
| 4 | Genesis 31:48 | Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. |
| 5 | Hebrews 6:16 | Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. |
| 6 | Genesis 31:53 | May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. |
1 Samuel 24:21 Summary
[In this verse, Saul is asking David to promise not to harm his family or destroy his legacy, which shows that Saul is recognizing David's future as king. This is similar to how we might ask for forgiveness and mercy from someone we have wronged, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15. David's response to Saul demonstrates his commitment to trusting in God and keeping his word, which is an important example for us to follow. By trusting in God's sovereignty, like David did, we can also show forgiveness and mercy to those around us, just as God has shown to us through Jesus Christ, as described in Ephesians 4:32.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul ask David to swear not to cut off his descendants?
Saul asked David to swear not to cut off his descendants because he was acknowledging that David would one day be king, as stated in 1 Samuel 24:20, and he wanted to ensure his family's safety and legacy, similar to the request made by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:14-17.
What does it mean to 'wipe out my name from my father's house'?
To 'wipe out my name from my father's house' means to completely destroy one's family line and heritage, leaving no descendants or legacy, as seen in the context of Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where the preservation of a family name was important.
Is this request by Saul a sign of repentance?
While Saul's request may seem like a sign of repentance, it is more likely a pragmatic attempt to secure his family's future, as his actions in 1 Samuel 24:22 do not demonstrate a full turning away from his sin, as described in 1 John 1:9.
How does David's response to Saul relate to his character?
David's response to Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 24:22, demonstrates his integrity and commitment to his faith, as he chose to trust in the Lord and keep his oath, much like the example set by Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and 15:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate forgiveness and mercy to those who have wronged me, just like David showed to Saul?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when faced with difficult circumstances?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God, just as David did, and seek to honor Him in all my interactions?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's promise of protection and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Psalm 91:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:21
Swear now therefore unto me by the Lord,.... By the Word of the Lord, as the, Targum: that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me; as was usually done in despotic governments in the eastern
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:21
Thou wilt not cut off my seed after me; as princes use to destroy their competitors, and those that have any hopes of or pretence to their crown; and Saul had endeavoured to destroy David for the same reason, and therefore he feared a retaliation. Thou wilt not destroy my name, to wit, by cutting off my seed. So it is the same thing repeated in other words, as is usual in Scripture.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:21
1 Samuel 24:21 Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’ s house.Ver. 21. That thou wilt not cut off my seed.] His care of posterity’ s good was commendable; but till now he had taken a very ill course for them; as that Roman tyrant had done, whom when the people slew together with his children, they cried out, Of so ill a litter, not one whelp is to be left alive.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:21
(21) Swear now therefore unto me.—So strongly was Saul convinced at this moment that David would at no distant period of time occupy the throne of Israel that he entreated him, when that day should come, not to destroy all his (Saul’s) children. This barbarous custom has been always too common a practice in the jealous East. It seems to have been equally dreaded by Jonathan, who made—it will be remembered—this condition of mercy to be shown by David in his day of power to his (Jonathan’s) children a part of the solemn covenant concluded between them. (See 1 Samuel 20:15.) In the frequent dynastic changes which took place in the kingdom of Israel, we have instances of such wholesale massacres of the royal family of the fallen house. (See 1 Kings 15:29, where Baasha slew King Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, and took his throne. Then Baasha, we read, “smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed; “and in 1 Kings 16:11, where Zimri murdered his master, King Baasha. Zimri, “as soon as he sat on his throne, slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends.”) A similar massacre is described, only with more ghastly details, in 2 Kings 10, where “Jehu slew all that remained to Ahab in Samaria.” There the story is peculiarly an Oriental scene of history, with the seventy baskets containing the seventy heads of princes presented as an acceptable offering to the new stern king of Israel—Jehu. It was, therefore, no vain dread of what might happen in the future which made King Saul ask this of David. Doubtless the fear of some such awful catastrophe happening to his own loved children and friends was no small part of the punishment of Saul.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:21
Verse 21. Swear now] Saul knew that an oath would bind David, though it was insufficient to bind himself; see 1 Samuel 19:6. He had sworn to his son Jonathan that David should not be slain; and yet sought by all means in his power to destroy him!
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:21
21. Swear now, &c] Saul pledges his successor not to follow the barbarous Oriental custom. See on 1 Samuel 20:14.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 24:21
Swear now ... - The same request which Jonathan made 1 Samuel 20:15. The deep, genealogical feeling of the Israelites breaks out here as so often elsewhere.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Thou Shalt Eat Bread at My Table Continually. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound blessings of God's love through the story of Mephibosheth, who, despite his lameness and perceived worthlessness, is invited to eat at King David |
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Through the Bible - Genesis 29-31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's journey to Haran, where he meets Rachel at a well, showcasing God's guidance in his life. Jacob's love for Rachel leads him to work seven years for he |
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Apostasy in the Church by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of apostasy and its origin. He emphasizes that faith cannot be blind and that it is based on knowledge and understanding of the wo |
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Our Anchor Within the Veil by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having an anchor in life. He shares his personal experience of being converted and how his priorities shifted from sports |
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Heaven: Its Hope by D.L. Moody | The preacher delves into the concept of hostility, describing it as a word spoken against or defiance against authority, often involving strife and enmity. The term 'antilogia' is |
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Ideals and Realities by G.H. Lang | G.H. Lang preaches about the importance of understanding the conditional nature of God's covenants with His people, emphasizing that while God's promises are sure in His purpose an |
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Gathered to His People by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life and legacy of Abraham, emphasizing his profound faith and the virtues that stemmed from it, such as courage, knowledge, self-control, patience, godl |