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1 Samuel 26:12

1 Samuel 26:12 in Multiple Translations

So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s head; and they gat them away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Jehovah was fallen upon them.

So David took the spear and the vessel of water from Saul's head; and they got away without any man seeing them, or being conscious of their coming, or awaking; for they were all sleeping because a deep sleep from the Lord had come on them.

David took the spear and water jug beside Saul's head, and they left. Nobody saw anything; nobody knew what had happened; nobody woke up. Everybody stayed asleep, because the Lord had made them fall into a deep sleep.

So Dauid tooke the speare and the pot of water from Sauls head, and they gate them away, and no man saw it, nor marked it, neither did any awake, but they were all asleepe: for the Lord had sent a dead sleepe vpon them.

And David taketh the spear, and the cruse of water at the pillow of Saul, and they go away, and there is none seeing, and there is none knowing, and there is none awaking, for all of them are sleeping, for a deep sleep [from] Jehovah hath fallen upon them.

So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away. No man saw it, or knew it, nor did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they departed, and no man saw it , nor knew it , neither awaked: for they were all asleep: because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.

So David took the spear, and the cup of water which was at Saul’s head, and they went away: and no man saw it, or knew it, or awaked, but they were all asleep, for a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them.

So David took the spear and the jug, and he and Abishai left. No one saw them or knew what they were doing, and no one woke up, because Yahweh had caused them to be sound asleep.

So David took the spear and the billycan, and they went away quietly. Nobody saw them. God made everybody sleep properly, so nobody woke up.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 26:12

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 26:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקַּח֩ דָּוִ֨ד אֶֽת הַ/חֲנִ֜ית וְ/אֶת צַפַּ֤חַת הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙ מֵרַאֲשֹׁתֵ֣י שָׁא֔וּל וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ לָ/הֶ֑ם וְ/אֵ֣ין רֹאֶה֩ וְ/אֵ֨ין יוֹדֵ֜עַ וְ/אֵ֣ין מֵקִ֗יץ כִּ֤י כֻלָּ/ם֙ יְשֵׁנִ֔ים כִּ֚י תַּרְדֵּמַ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה נָפְלָ֖ה עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
וַ/יִּקַּח֩ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֨ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/חֲנִ֜ית chănîyth H2595 spear Art | N-fs
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
צַפַּ֤חַת tsappachath H6835 jar N-fs
הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙ mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Art | N-mp
מֵרַאֲשֹׁתֵ֣י raʼăshôth H7226 head-place N-fp
שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לָ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff
וְ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part
רֹאֶה֩ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal
וְ/אֵ֨ין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part
יוֹדֵ֜עַ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal
וְ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part
מֵקִ֗יץ qûwts H6974 to awake V-Hiphil
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
כֻלָּ/ם֙ kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff
יְשֵׁנִ֔ים yâshên H3462 to sleep Adj
כִּ֚י kîy H3588 for Conj
תַּרְדֵּמַ֣ת tardêmâh H8639 deep sleep N-fs
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
נָפְלָ֖ה nâphal H5307 to fall V-Qal-Perf-3fs
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 26:12

וַ/יִּקַּח֩ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
דָּוִ֨ד 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.
אֶֽת 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.
הַ/חֲנִ֜ית chănîyth H2595 "spear" Art | N-fs
This word refers to a spear or lance used for thrusting, like a tent pole. It appears in the stories of Saul and Jonathan, where they use spears in battle. The word is also used to describe a shaft or spear-head.
Definition: 1) spear 1a) spear 1a1) shaft of a spear 1a2) spear-head
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: javelin, spear. See also: 1 Samuel 13:19; 2 Samuel 21:19; Psalms 35:3.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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.
צַפַּ֤חַת tsappachath H6835 "jar" N-fs
This word refers to a flat jar or jug used for liquids, like a cruse, as mentioned in 1 Kings 17:12.
Definition: jar, jug (for liquids)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cruse. See also: 1 Samuel 26:11; 1 Kings 17:12; 1 Kings 19:6.
הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙ mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מֵרַאֲשֹׁתֵ֣י raʼăshôth H7226 "head-place" N-fp
In the Bible, this word describes a headrest or pillow, a place to lay your head. It appears in 1 Samuel 19:13, where Michal uses an idol as a headrest. The concept is one of rest and support.
Definition: head place, place at the head A grammatical form of me.ra.a.shah (מְרַאֲשָׁוֹת "head" H4763)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bolster. See also: 1 Samuel 26:12.
שָׁא֔וּל 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.
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
לָ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff
וְ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
רֹאֶה֩ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal
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/אֵ֨ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יוֹדֵ֜עַ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal
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.
וְ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מֵקִ֗יץ qûwts H6974 "to awake" V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this word means to wake up or be awake, like when God told Samuel to arise and anoint a new king in 1 Samuel 16:3. It can also mean to be watchful, as in Psalm 102:7.
Definition: 1) to awake, wake up 1a) (Hiphil) to awaken, arouse, show signs of waking, awake
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: arise, (be) (a-) wake, watch. See also: 1 Samuel 26:12; Proverbs 23:35; Psalms 3:6.
כִּ֤י 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.
כֻלָּ/ם֙ kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יְשֵׁנִ֔ים yâshên H3462 "to sleep" Adj
Means to sleep or be lazy, it also implies growing old or stale, as seen in the story of David's mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 23:32. It can also mean to die or be in a deep sleep. This word is used to describe a state of inactivity.
Definition: 1) to sleep, be asleep 1a) (Qal) to sleep, go to sleep, be asleep 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to remain a long time, be stored up 1b2) to be festering (of leprosy) 1c) (Piel) to cause to sleep, entice to sleep
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: old (store), remain long, (make to) sleep. See also: Genesis 2:21; Psalms 4:9; Psalms 3:6.
כִּ֚י 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.
תַּרְדֵּמַ֣ת tardêmâh H8639 "deep sleep" N-fs
This word refers to a deep sleep or trance, where someone is completely unaware of their surroundings. In Genesis, it describes the sleep God gave Adam before creating Eve. This kind of sleep is also mentioned in other biblical stories.
Definition: deep sleep, trance
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: deep sleep. See also: Genesis 2:21; Job 4:13; Proverbs 19:15.
יְהוָ֔ה 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.
נָפְלָ֖ה nâphal H5307 "to fall" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 26:12

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 2:21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh.
2 Genesis 15:12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.
3 Isaiah 29:10 For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.
4 1 Samuel 24:4 So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up secretly and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.
5 Esther 6:1 That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him.
6 1 Samuel 26:7 That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him.

1 Samuel 26:12 Summary

This verse shows how David trusted God to protect him and did not take matters into his own hands, even when he had the chance to harm Saul. David's actions demonstrate his faith in God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Psalm 103:19. By not killing Saul, David was obeying God's will and waiting for Him to fulfill His promises, which is a powerful lesson for us today (Romans 12:19). David's trust in God's protection allowed him to escape safely, and this event highlights the importance of trusting in God's goodness and care for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David not kill Saul when he had the chance?

David chose not to kill Saul because he recognized Saul as the LORD's anointed, and he did not want to lift his hand against him, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:11, which reflects the principle found in Exodus 22:28 to not curse or harm God's leaders.

What is the meaning of the deep sleep from the LORD that fell on Saul's men?

The deep sleep from the LORD that fell on Saul's men was a supernatural intervention that allowed David to escape undetected, similar to the sleep that fell on Adam in Genesis 2:21, demonstrating God's control over human affairs and His protection of David.

How does this event demonstrate David's character?

This event shows David's trust in God's sovereignty and his commitment to not taking matters into his own hands, which is a reflection of his statement in 1 Samuel 26:10, where he says the LORD Himself will strike down Saul, and it highlights his obedience to God's will as seen in Psalm 37:7.

What role does faith play in this verse?

David's actions in this verse demonstrate his faith in God's protection and provision, trusting that God would take care of him and fulfill His promises, as expressed in Psalm 23:4, where David trusts in God's presence and guidance even in difficult situations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I trust God's sovereignty in my life when faced with challenging situations, just like David did in this verse?
  2. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's protection and provision, similar to David's trust in 1 Samuel 26:12?
  3. How can I demonstrate faith and obedience to God's will, even when it's difficult, as David did in this situation?
  4. What does this verse teach me about God's intervention in human affairs, and how can I apply that understanding to my own life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:12

So David took the spear, and the cruse of water, from Saul's bolster,.... Abishai either refusing to take them, since he might not take away his life; or it may be rather David thought better of it,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:12

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:12

Sent upon them by the Lord, for David’ s advantage.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:12

1 Samuel 26:12 So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’ s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw [it], nor knew [it], neither awaked: for they [were] all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.Ver. 12. So David took the spear.] He took it himself, and would not trust Abishai with it, saith Vatablus, lest he should strike Saul with it; for his fingers even itched to be doing.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:12

(12) No man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked.—The Hebrew is more graphic: “And none saw, and none knew, and none awaked.” A deep sleep from the Lord.—The inference here, at first sight, certainly is that an unnatural, or rather, a supernatural drowsiness had fallen on the camp of Saul. Still, it is not absolutely necessary to suppose that a special miracle was wrought on this occasion. The memory of great carelessness and want of vigilance in the royal army was evidently in David’s mind when he sarcastically reproves the royal general Abner, in 1 Samuel 26:14-16. They were in a friendly district, and never dreamed of a surprise, and possibly the rough soldiers on duty had been carousing. David too and Abishai, owing to their long experience in camp life, often flying before their enemies, were practised scouts, and in the dark night did their perilous work speedily and noiselessly.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:12

Verse 12. David took the spear and the cruse] The spear, we have already seen, was the emblem of power and regal dignity. But it is usual, in Arab camps, for every man to have his lance stuck in the ground beside him, that he may be ready for action in a moment. The cruse of water resembled, in some measure, the canteens of our soldiers. In such a climate, where water was always scarce, it was necessary for each man to carry a little with him, to refresh him on his march. A deep sleep from the Lord] It is the same word which is used, Genesis 2:21, to describe the sleep which God caused to fall upon Adam, when he formed Eve out of his side.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 26:12

12. from Saul’s bolster] From Saul’s head.a deep sleep] The word is used especially of supernaturally caused sleep, as in Genesis 2:21; Genesis 15:12.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:12

12. David took the spear and the cruse — From this the most careless reader might see that we have in this chapter a different occurrence from that of chap. 24.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 26:12

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Hunting a Partridge in the Mountains by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher starts by discussing the story of Saul in 1 Samuel chapter 17. Saul is facing a battle that he knows he cannot win, and he is filled with fear and unce
Watchman Nee Walk in Spirit - Cross and Soul Life by Watchman Nee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of God in creation, which was to have a race of men who could commune with Him through the gift of the spirit. This race was mean
Francis Schaeffer Watershed of the Evangelical World by Francis Schaeffer The video is a sermon by Dr. Francis Schaeffer titled "The Watershed of the Evangelical World." He emphasizes the importance of holding a strong and uncompromising view of Scriptur
Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith Dimension Theory/time Theory by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith In the video, Tim Hathaway and a group of scientists attempt to solve a scientific problem related to causality. They use a special tool to open a maximum security prison and find
Arlen L. Chitwood Lest Thou Be Consumed by Arlen L. Chitwood In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Genesis, specifically chapters 1 through 4. They emphasize that the work of Christ at Calvary can be seen in each of these chapte
Zac Poonen (Genesis) - Part 4 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding marriage as God intended it to be. He emphasizes that marriage is a reflection of the relationship between Ch
Ron Bailey The Three Prayers (Part 2) by Ron Bailey In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose behind our actions. He explains that the word "so that" or "in order that" signifies two ideas in

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