1 Samuel 26:24

1 Samuel 26:24 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble.”

King James Version KJV

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

American Standard Version ASV

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of Jehovah, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And so, as your life was dear to me today, may my life be dear to the Lord, and may he make me free from all my troubles.

Free Bible Version FBV

In the same way as I valued your life today, may the Lord value my life, and may he rescue me from all my troubles.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And beholde, like as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes: so let my life be set by in the eyes of the Lord, that he may deliuer me out of all tribulation.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and lo, as thy soul hath been great this day in mine eyes, so is my soul great in the eyes of Jehovah, and He doth deliver me out of all distress.'

World English Bible WEB

Behold, as your life was respected today in my eyes, so let my life be respected in the LORD’s eyes, and let him deliver me out of all oppression.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And behold, as thy life was precious this day in my eyes, so let my life be precious in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And as thy life hath been much set by this day in my eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord, and let him deliver me from all distress.

Translation for Translators T4T

Just like I considered your life to be valuable and spared your life today, I hope/desire that Yahweh will consider my life to be valuable and spare my life and save me from all my troubles.”

Plain English Version PEV

That’s why I want him to be good to me. I want him to keep me alive, just like I was good to you today, and did not kill you.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 26:24

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 26:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הִנֵּ֗ה כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר גָּדְלָ֧ה נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֛ הַ/יּ֥וֹם הַ/זֶּ֖ה בְּ/עֵינָ֑/י כֵּ֣ן תִּגְדַּ֤ל נַפְשִׁ/י֙ בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וְ/יַצִּלֵ֖/נִי מִ/כָּל צָרָֽה

וְ/הִנֵּ֗ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

גָּדְלָ֧ה gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Qal-Perf-3fs

נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֛ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

הַ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

בְּ/עֵינָ֑/י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff

כֵּ֣ן kên H3651 right Part

תִּגְדַּ֤ל gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

נַפְשִׁ/י֙ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וְ/יַצִּלֵ֖/נִי nâtsal H5337 to rescue Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

צָרָֽה tsârâh H6869 dearth N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 26:24

וְ/הִנֵּ֗ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | 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.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

גָּדְלָ֧ה gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.

Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.

נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֛ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

הַ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

בְּ/עֵינָ֑/י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

כֵּ֣ן kên H3651 "right" Part

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.

תִּגְדַּ֤ל gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

נַפְשִׁ/י֙ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

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.

וְ/יַצִּלֵ֖/נִי nâtsal H5337 "to rescue" Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

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.

צָרָֽה tsârâh H6869 "dearth" N-fs

A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.

Definition: death, destitution

Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 26:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 26:24 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:24
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:24
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:24
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 26:24
Sermons on 1 Samuel 26:24

Context — Saul Acknowledges His Sin

22“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of the young men come over and get it. 23May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

24As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble.”

25Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son. You will accomplish great things and will surely prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 5:7	Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
2	2 Corinthians 1:9–10	Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,
3	Psalms 54:7	For He has delivered me from every trouble, and my eyes have stared down my foes.
4	Psalms 18:25	To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless;
5	Acts 14:22	strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
6	2 Thessalonians 3:2	And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith.
7	Psalms 18:1	I love You, O LORD, my strength.
8	Matthew 7:2	For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
9	Psalms 18:48	who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.
10	Psalms 144:2	He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

1 Samuel 26:24 Summary

In 1 Samuel 26:24, David is saying that just as he chose to spare Saul's life, he is asking God to protect and care for his own life. This shows that David trusts in God's goodness and sovereignty, just like it says in Psalm 23:4, where it says God is with us even in difficult times. David's prayer is a great example for us to follow, as we can ask God to rescue us from our troubles, just like He promises in Psalm 50:15. By trusting in God's care, we can have peace and confidence, even in the midst of challenges, just as David did.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does David mean by 'As surely as I valued your life today' in 1 Samuel 26:24?

David is saying that just as he spared Saul's life, he is asking God to spare and protect his own life, demonstrating his trust in God's providence and care, as seen in Psalm 121:7-8.

Why does David say 'so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble'?

David is expressing his faith that God will deliver him from all his troubles, just as God had delivered him from Saul's attempts to kill him, as promised in Psalm 34:19.

Is David's statement in 1 Samuel 26:24 a declaration of his own righteousness?

No, David's statement is not a declaration of his own righteousness, but rather a recognition of God's sovereignty and a plea for God's protection, as seen in his earlier statement in 1 Samuel 26:23, where he acknowledges God's deliverance.

How does David's attitude in 1 Samuel 26:24 reflect his character?

David's attitude in this verse reflects his character as a man who trusts in God's sovereignty, values human life, and seeks to honor God, as seen in his actions throughout 1 Samuel 26 and in other passages like 1 Samuel 24:6.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty, just like David did in 1 Samuel 26:24?
How can I demonstrate valuing others' lives, just as David spared Saul's life, in my own relationships and interactions?
What are some troubles or challenges I am currently facing, and how can I, like David, ask God to rescue me from them?
In what ways can I, like David, acknowledge God's deliverance and providence in my life, and express gratitude for His care?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:24

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes,.... Or "magnified" (y); and made great account of, as being the life of the king of Israel, and the Lord's anointed, and so spared: so

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:24

Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:24

1 Samuel 26:24 And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.Ver. 24. And, behold, as thy life, &c.] What brave rhetoric is here! what heart could be so hard as to resist it? Ipsa Suada, credo, si loqui posset, non potuisset εμφατικοτερως.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 26:24

24. was much set by] For the expression cp. 1 Samuel 18:30, though a different Heb. word is used here: lit. “was great.” deliver me out of all tribulation] Cp. Psalms 34:17; Psalms 54:7.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 26:24

	Sermon	Description
	Forgiveness by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central theme of the Bible, which is the cross of Jesus Christ. He specifically highlights Isaiah 53 as a passage that reveals the signi
	Beatitudes - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a woman named Mrs. Crook who shares some distressing news. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God and trustin
	Beatitudes - Part 9 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had a difficult life. He was sent by his father to his brothers, but they betrayed him and sold him into slavery. He e
	When You Pray by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of prayer and the kingdom of God. He begins by sharing a parable from Matthew 18, where Jesus illustrates the concept of forg
	God Has Prepared a Place for You by Teresa Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah in the Bible. He highlights how the preaching of God's word can have a profound impact on people's lives, even those who
	The Sins of the Prophets by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our sinfulness and acknowledging that we are in the presence of God. He highlights the story of a man who sudd
	Attributes of God - Grace, Mercy, Longsuffering and Goodness by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the smallness of the earth in the vast universe, highlighting the insignificance of humanity in comparison. However, despite our sinful state