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1 Samuel 24:9

1 Samuel 24:9 in Multiple Translations

and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?

¶ And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearkenest thou to men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

And David said to Saul, Why do you give any attention to those who say that it is my desire to do you wrong?

“Why do you pay attention to people who say, ‘Watch out, David wants to harm you’?” David asked.

Dauid also arose afterward, and went out of the caue, and cryed after Saul, saying, O my lorde the King. And when Saul looked behinde him, Dauid inclined his face to the earth, and bowed himselfe.

And David saith to Saul, 'Why dost thou hear the words of man, saying, Lo, David is seeking thine evil?

David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to men’s words, saying, ‘Behold, David seeks to harm you’?

And David said to Saul, Why hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

And David also rose up after him: and going out of the cave cried after Saul, saying: My lord the king. And Saul looked behind him: and David bowing himself down to the ground, worshipped,

Then he said to Saul, “◄Why do you pay attention to people when they say ‘David wants to harm you’?/You should not pay attention to people when they say ‘David wants to harm you’.► [RHQ]

David said, “Some men reckon that I want to hurt you. Don’t listen to them.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 24:9

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 24:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּ֨קָם דָּוִ֜ד אַחֲרֵי כֵ֗ן וַ/יֵּצֵא֙ מן ה/מערה מֵֽ/הַ/מְּעָרָ֔ה וַ/יִּקְרָ֧א אַֽחֲרֵי שָׁא֛וּל לֵ/אמֹ֖ר אֲדֹנִ֣/י הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ וַ/יַּבֵּ֤ט שָׁאוּל֙ אַֽחֲרָ֔י/ו וַ/יִּקֹּ֨ד דָּוִ֥ד אַפַּ֛יִם אַ֖רְצָ/ה וַ/יִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ
וַ/יָּ֨קָם qûwm H6965 -kamai Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
אַחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 after Prep
כֵ֗ן kên H3651 right Adv
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מן min H4480 from Prep
ה/מערה mᵉʻârâh H4631 cave Art | N-fs
מֵֽ/הַ/מְּעָרָ֔ה mᵉʻârâh H4631 cave Prep | Art | N-fs
וַ/יִּקְרָ֧א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַֽחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 after Prep
שָׁא֛וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֲדֹנִ֣/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּבֵּ֤ט nâbaṭ H5027 to look Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
אַֽחֲרָ֔י/ו ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּקֹּ֨ד qâdad H6915 to bow Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֥ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
אַפַּ֛יִם ʼaph H639 face N-md
אַ֖רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ shâchâh H7812 to bow Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 24:9

וַ/יָּ֨קָם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
דָּוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אַחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
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.
כֵ֗ן kên H3651 "right" Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
ה/מערה mᵉʻârâh H4631 "cave" Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
מֵֽ/הַ/מְּעָרָ֔ה mᵉʻârâh H4631 "cave" Prep | Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֧א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אַֽחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
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.
שָׁא֛וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנִ֣/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וַ/יַּבֵּ֤ט nâbaṭ H5027 "to look" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
אַֽחֲרָ֔י/ו 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.
וַ/יִּקֹּ֨ד qâdad H6915 "to bow" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To bow means to shrivel up or bend the body in deference. In the Bible, it is often used to describe showing respect or worship, like bowing down to God. This act is seen in many stories, including those of Moses and the prophets.
Definition: (Qal) to bow down
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bow (down) (the) head, stoop. See also: Genesis 24:26; 1 Samuel 24:9; Nehemiah 8:6.
דָּוִ֥ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אַפַּ֛יִם ʼaph H639 "face" N-md
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
אַ֖רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַ/יִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ shâchâh H7812 "to bow" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 24:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ecclesiastes 7:21–22 Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you. For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
2 Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
3 Proverbs 16:28 A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.
4 Psalms 101:5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.
5 Proverbs 25:23 As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
6 Proverbs 26:20–22 Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
7 Psalms 141:6 When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant.
8 Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9 Proverbs 17:4 A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.
10 James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

1 Samuel 24:9 Summary

[In this verse, David is asking Saul why he believes the rumors that David wants to hurt him, when in fact David has just spared his life. This shows that David is a man of integrity and trust in God. As we read in Psalm 37:3-7, we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances. By seeking God's truth and wisdom, we can avoid getting caught up in gossip and false accusations, and instead choose to honor God in all our interactions, just like David did with Saul.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David ask Saul why he listened to the words of men who said David intended to harm him?

David asked Saul this question to point out that the rumors and accusations against him were false, as seen in 1 Samuel 24:9, and to show that he was not a threat to Saul, as he had just spared his life in the cave, as described in 1 Samuel 24:10.

What can we learn from David's interaction with Saul in this verse?

We can learn the importance of not jumping to conclusions based on hearsay or rumors, but rather seeking the truth, as encouraged in Proverbs 18:13, and of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.

How does David's question to Saul relate to our own lives?

David's question reminds us to be cautious of gossip and false accusations, and to seek wisdom and discernment in our relationships, as advised in Ephesians 4:29-32, and to trust in God's protection and guidance, as promised in Psalm 121:7-8.

What does this verse reveal about David's character?

This verse reveals David's integrity, humility, and commitment to honoring God, as he chose not to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity, demonstrating his trust in God's plan, as seen in Romans 8:28, and his obedience to God's command to respect those in authority, as taught in Romans 13:1-2.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can apply David's example of trusting in God's sovereignty in my own life, especially when faced with difficult circumstances?
  2. How can I be more mindful of the impact of my words and actions on others, and seek to honor God in all my interactions, as David did with Saul?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be listening to 'the words of men' rather than seeking God's truth, and how can I seek wisdom and discernment in those areas?
  4. How can I cultivate a heart of humility and forgiveness, like David, when faced with hurt or betrayal, and trust in God's plan for my life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:9

And David said to Saul, wherefore hearest thou men's words,.... The false charges and accusations, that some of Saul's courtiers brought against David, as Doeg the Edomite, and such like sycophants

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:9

He prudently and modestly translates the fault from Saul to his followers and evil counsellors.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:9

1 Samuel 24:9 And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’ s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Ver. 9. Wherefore hearest thou men’ s words?] The tale hearer is no less faulty than the tale bearer; for as this carrieth the devil in his tongue, so doth that other in his ear. David blameth not so much Saul as his toadies, yet showeth that both were blameworthy.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:9

(9) Wherefore hearest thou men’s words?—David had many deadly enemies at the court of Saul, who evidently laboured with success to deepen Saul’s jealousy, and to widen the breach which already existed between the king and David. Doeg has been already mentioned as one of the more prominent of these slanderers; another was Cush the Benjamite, who was alluded to in the inscription which heads the seventh Psalm. The Ziphites and their representatives at the royal residence also belonged to this class of malicious foes spoken of here.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:9

9–15. David pleads his innocence 9. men’s words] Calumniators like “Cush the Benjamite,” against whom Psalms 7 is directed, strove to inflame Saul’s mind against David. That Psalm has been with much probability referred to this period of his life. David’s protestation of innocence in 1 Samuel 24:3-4 of the Psalm is closely parallel to his words in 1 Samuel 24:10-11; and his appeal to the judgment of Jehovah in 1 Samuel 24:8-9 of the Psalm resembles that in 1 Samuel 24:15.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 24:9

David was quite aware that there were flatterers at Saul’s court who were continually inflaming the King’s mind by their false accusations against him. This explains the language of many of the Psalms, e. g. Ps.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:9

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith A Series of Proverbs Part 1 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the inevitability of death and the inability to escape it. He also discusses the misuse of authority and how those in power often suff
Ernest Woodhouse Deserting Principal for Convenience by Ernest Woodhouse In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs 29 and discusses the importance of standing up for principles and doing what is right, rather than what is convenient. He highlight
Carter Conlon Wolves by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew chapter 13, where Jesus tells a parable about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds am
Joshua Daniel Attack of the Devil - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of courage and faith in facing challenges, using the story of Caleb and the spies sent to explore the promised land. Despite the obstacles and
George Verwer Message 11 by George Verwer In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the practical wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and warns against mere talk that leads to pove
Peter Maiden The Power of the Tongue by Peter Maiden In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and its potential for both life and death. He urges listeners to speak truthfully and to restrain themselves in conve
George Verwer Gv on Proverbs by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use

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