1 Samuel 26:18

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?

American Standard Version (1901)

And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?

Bible in Basic English

And he said, Why does my lord go armed against his servant? what have I done? or what evil is there in me?

Free Bible Version

“Why is my lord hunting me, his servant? What is it that I've done? What crime am I guilty of?” he continued.

King James (Authorized) Version

And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?

Translation for Translators

Then David added, “Sir, why are you pursuing me [RHQ]? What wrong have I done [RHQ]?

Unlocked Literal Bible

He said, “Why does my master pursue his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?

Noah Webster Bible

And he said, Why doth my lord thus pursue his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?

World English Bible

He said, “Why does my lord pursue his servant? For what have I done? What evil is in my hand?

Young's Literal Translation

and he saith, 'Why [is] this — my lord is pursuing after his servant? for what have I done, and what [is] in my hand evil?

Context

David Reproves Abner

¹⁷Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said.¹⁸And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?¹⁹Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’

Summary

In this verse, David is speaking to Saul's servant, emphasizing his innocence and loyalty to the king despite Saul's relentless pursuit to kill him. David acknowledges that it is ultimately up to God to judge between him and Saul, trusting in God's justice and sovereignty. This interaction showcases David's unwavering faith and respect for the authority and anointing of Saul as king, even in the face of danger and betrayal. It also reflects David's humility and reliance on God to defend his cause and vindicate him from false accusations.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And he said, wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant?.... Suggesting that it was both below him to do it, and against his interest; for David was his servant, and he would gladly have continued in his service, and done his business, but he drove him from it, and pursued him as a traitor, when he had not been guilty of any offence to his knowledge: and therefore puts the following questions: for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? what crime had he committed, that he was pursued after this manner, and his life sought for? what had he done worthy of death? having a clear conscience, he could boldly ask these questions.