1 Samuel 24:22
1 Samuel 24:22 in Multiple Translations
So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.
And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the stronghold.
And David gave Saul his oath. And Saul went back to his house; but David and his men went up to their safe place.
So David promised this to Saul with an oath. Then Saul went back home, but David and his men returned to the stronghold.
Sweare now therfore vnto me by the Lord, that thou wilt not destroy my seede after me, and that thou wilt not abolish my name out of my fathers house.
And David sweareth to Saul, and Saul goeth unto his house, and David and his men have gone up unto the fortress.
David swore to Saul. Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
And David swore to Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men repaired to the hold.
Swear to me by the Lord, that thou wilt not destroy my seed after me, nor take away my name from the house of my father.
David solemnly promised Saul that he would not harm Saul’s family. Then Saul went back home, and David and his men went back up into the place where they had been hiding.
David promised to do what Saul asked. Then Saul went back home. But David went back with his men to the hill country, and they stayed in a safe place.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 24:22
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 24:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
הִשָּׁ֤בְעָ/ה
לִּ/י֙
בַּֽ/יהוָ֔ה
אִם
תַּכְרִ֥ית
אֶת
זַרְעִ֖/י
אַֽחֲרָ֑/י
וְ/אִם
תַּשְׁמִ֥יד
אֶת
שְׁמִ֖/י
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
אָבִֽ/י
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
הִשָּׁ֤בְעָ/ה
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms | Suff
לִּ/י֙
Prep | Suff
בַּֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תַּכְרִ֥ית
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
זַרְעִ֖/י
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms | Suff
אַֽחֲרָ֑/י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
תַּשְׁמִ֥יד
shâmad
H8045
to destroy
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁמִ֖/י
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
אָבִֽ/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 24:22
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
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.
הִשָּׁ֤בְעָ/ה
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
לִּ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
בַּֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תַּכְרִ֥ית
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
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.
זַרְעִ֖/י
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
אַֽחֲרָ֑/י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תַּשְׁמִ֥יד
shâmad
H8045
"to destroy"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word shâmad means to destroy or desolate something, used to describe annihilation or devastation. It is used in the Bible to describe the destruction of cities or nations, such as in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to destroy, exterminate, be destroyed, be exterminated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be annihilated, be exterminated 1a2) to be destroyed, be devastated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to annihilate, exterminate 1b2) to destroy Aramaic equivalent: she.mad (שְׁמַד "to destroy" H8046)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 2 Samuel 22:38; Psalms 37:38.
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.
שְׁמִ֖/י
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִֽ/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 24:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 24:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:22
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 24:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:22
Context — David’s Oath to Saul
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 | 1 Samuel 23:29 | And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En-gedi. |
| 2 | John 2:24 | But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. |
| 3 | Matthew 10:16–17 | Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. |
| 4 | Proverbs 26:24–25 | A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. |
1 Samuel 24:22 Summary
In 1 Samuel 24:22, David promises Saul that he will not harm him or his family, and then David and his men go to a safe place. This shows that David is a man of his word and that he trusts God to take care of him, even when things seem scary or uncertain (as in Psalm 23:4). David's actions are a great example of how we should treat others, even if they have hurt us, and how we should trust God to work everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). By following David's example, we can learn to be people of integrity and faith, and to trust God in all circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oath did David give to Saul in 1 Samuel 24:22?
David gave his oath to Saul, promising not to cut off his descendants or wipe out his name from his father's house, as requested by Saul in 1 Samuel 24:21, in order to ease Saul's concerns about his future as king.
Why did Saul ask David to swear an oath to him in 1 Samuel 24:21?
Saul asked David to swear an oath because he recognized 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, much like the concerns of Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:14-17.
What does the stronghold in 1 Samuel 24:22 refer to?
The stronghold in 1 Samuel 24:22 likely refers to the fortress or secure location where David and his men would reside, possibly the same location mentioned in 1 Samuel 23:14 and 1 Samuel 23:29, providing them with a safe haven from Saul's pursuit.
How does David's actions in 1 Samuel 24:22 demonstrate his character?
David's actions in 1 Samuel 24:22 demonstrate his integrity and trustworthiness, as he keeps his promise and shows mercy to Saul, reflecting the heart of a true leader and a man after God's own heart, as described in 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22.
Reflection Questions
- What would I do if I were in David's position, being pursued by someone who wanted to harm me, and how can I apply his example of trust and obedience to my own life?
- How can I demonstrate the same kind of integrity and trustworthiness that David showed to Saul, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God and wait on His timing, just like David did in this situation, and how can I cultivate patience and faith in those areas?
- How can I balance my desire for self-protection with the need to show mercy and kindness to those who may be against me, as David did with Saul, and what does this reveal about my relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:22
And David sware unto Saul,.... That he would not cut, off his posterity; which oath he religiously observed, in sparing Mephibosheth, 2 Samuel 21:7, and in punishing the murderers of Ishbosheth, 2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
David sware unto Saul. Quest. How then could David destroy so many of Saul’ s sons, ,9? Answ. David could bind himself by his oaths, but he could not bind God, to whose good pleasure all promises, vows, and oaths must in all reason be submitted; and that was done by God’ s command, and God was well pleased with it, . Nor is it to be supposed that David sware not to destroy any of them in case God should specially command it, or that should by miscarriage render themselves obnoxious to the sword of justice; but only that he would not do it barely on his own private account, nor seek occasions of so doing. Unto the hold, to wit, of En-gedi, ; for having had so great and frequent experience of Saul’ s inconstancy, and malice, and perfidiousness, he would trust him no more.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
1 Samuel 24:22 And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.Ver. 22. And David sware unto Saul.] The same in effect that he had sworn before to Jonathan. And Saul went home.] Convinced, but not converted; Punctus et repunctus, minime tamen ad resipiscentiam compunctus. Gat them up unto the hold,] i.e., Of Engedi, for they knew that there was little hold to be taken of Saul’ s melting protestations, whom they had found so faithless. Credulity argueth folly.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
(22) And David sware unto Saul.—The generous son of Jesse at once complied with Saul’s curious request, and for a time, at least, the persecution and pursuit of David ceased. Stricken with remorse, the gloomy king left him to himself; no word, however, seems to have passed as to restoring the exile to his home or rank. Bishop Wordsworth quotes here a characteristic passage from one of Chrysostom’s eloquent homilies, in which the Patristic method of allegorising all these famous scenes of Old Testament history is well exemplified. “Meditate on the example of David, and do thou imitate it: imitate it in his self-control and in his love of his enemy. The cave in which he was became like a Christian Church, and he became like a Christian bishop, who first preaches a sermon and then offers the sacrifice of the altar. “So David preached a sermon by his example, and offered a true sacrifice—the spiritual sacrifice of himself and of his own anger; he became as it were a priest, a sacrifice, and an altar, and having offered his victims, he gained a glorious victory.”—St. Chrysostom, tom. 4, p. 761.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
Verse 22. Saul went home] Confounded at a sense of his own baseness, and overwhelmed with a sense of David's generosity. David and his men gat them up unto the hold.] Went up to Mizpeh, according to the Syriac and Arabic. David could not trust Saul with his life; the utmost he could expect from him was that he should cease from persecuting him; but even this was too much to expect from a man of such a character as Saul. He was no longer under the Divine guidance; an evil spirit had full dominion over his soul. What God fills not, the devil will occupy.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:22
22. gat them up unto the hold] Returned to the fastnesses of En-gedi. Experience had proved that Saul’s repentance was not to be trusted.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 24:22
Saul does not appear to have invited David to return to Gibeah, or to have given him any security of doing so with safety.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:22
22. The hold — The particular stronghold in this wilderness (chap. xxiii, 29) in which at the time David and his men had their headquarters.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) John 1-2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a moment of his birth, emphasizing his physical appearance and feeling like an outcast. He then transitions to the story of a donk |
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The Trinity by Ernest Barker | In this sermon, Chapman discusses the claim of Jesus to understand the motives and desires of mankind. He references John 2:24, where it is stated that Jesus knew what was in man. |
|
Winning God's Approval - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving from simply believing in Jesus to becoming a person whom Jesus can entrust Himself to. The ultimate goal is to recei |
|
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(Through the Bible) Job 38-42 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the variety and intricacy of God's creation, using the example of snowflakes. He mentions how Job, in the Bible, recognized the uniqueness of |
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Let the House Be Builded - Part 3of3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus' presence on earth and his subsequent withdrawal. The speaker suggests that God cannot involve himself in man's disorder |
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Failure of an Empty Life by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas discusses the failures of three biblical figures—Peter, Mary, and Thomas—who all attempted to live a Christian life without truly possessing the necessary faith in |
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K-464 Death and Resurrection of Israel (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of delivering the word of God. He shares a personal experience of preaching at a university during a tim |