1 Samuel 26:9
1 Samuel 26:9 in Multiple Translations
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not; for who can put forth his hand against Jehovah’s anointed, and be guiltless?
And David said to Abishai Do not put him to death; for who, without sin, may put out his hand against the man on whom the Lord has put the holy oil?
But David said to Abishai, “No, don't kill him! Who can attack the Lord's anointed one and not be guilty of a crime?
And Dauid sayde to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can lay his hand on the Lordes anoynted, and be giltlesse?
And David saith unto Abishai, 'Destroy him not; for who hath put forth his hand against the anointed of Jehovah, and been acquitted?'
David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?”
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not; for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed and be guiltless?
And David said to Abisai: Kill him not: for who shall put forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and shall be guiltless?
But David whispered to Abishai, “No, do not kill Saul. Yahweh has appointed him to be king, so Yahweh will surely [RHQ] punish anyone who kills him.
But David answered, “You can’t kill him. God will punish you. He picked Saul to be our big boss.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 26:9
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 26:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
דָּוִ֛ד
אֶל
אֲבִישַׁ֖י
אַל
תַּשְׁחִיתֵ֑/הוּ
כִּ֠י
מִ֣י
שָׁלַ֥ח
יָד֛/וֹ
בִּ/מְשִׁ֥יחַ
יְהוָ֖ה
וְ/נִקָּֽה
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֛ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲבִישַׁ֖י
ʼĂbîyshay
H52
Abishai
N-proper
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּשְׁחִיתֵ֑/הוּ
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms | Suff
כִּ֠י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
שָׁלַ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יָד֛/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
בִּ/מְשִׁ֥יחַ
mâshîyach
H4899
anointed
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/נִקָּֽה
nâqâh
H5352
to clear
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 26:9
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
דָּוִ֛ד
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲבִישַׁ֖י
ʼĂbîyshay
H52
"Abishai"
N-proper
Abishai was an Israelite and nephew of King David, first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6, his name means my father is Jesse or my father is a gift. He was the brother of Joab and Asahel. Abishai played a significant role in the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6 and Zeruiah (H6870); brother of: Joab (H3097) and Asahel (H6214) § Abishai = "my father is Jesse" or "my father is a gift" grandson of Jesse, nephew of David via his sister Zeruiah, brother of Joab
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Abishai. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 18:5; 1 Chronicles 19:15.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּשְׁחִיתֵ֑/הוּ
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms | Suff
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
כִּ֠י
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.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
שָׁלַ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
יָד֛/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
בִּ/מְשִׁ֥יחַ
mâshîyach
H4899
"anointed"
Prep | N-ms
Messiah means anointed one, referring to a king, priest, or the Messiah in the Bible. It describes someone set apart for a special purpose. The term is used in the Old Testament to describe kings and priests, and in the New Testament to describe Jesus.
Definition: 1) anointed, anointed one 1a) of the Messiah, Messianic prince 1b) of the king of Israel 1c) of the high priest of Israel 1d) of Cyrus 1e) of the patriarchs as anointed kings
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: anointed, Messiah. See also: Leviticus 4:3; 2 Samuel 22:51; Psalms 2:2.
יְהוָ֖ה
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/נִקָּֽה
nâqâh
H5352
"to clear"
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
To be or make clean, either physically or morally, as seen in the book of Psalms where David asks God to cleanse him. This word is also used to describe being free from guilt or punishment. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to be empty, be clear, be pure, be free, be innocent, be desolate, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to be empty, be clean, be pure 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleaned out, be purged out 1b2) to be clean, be free from guilt, be innocent 1b3) to be free, be exempt from punishment 1b4) to be free, be exempt from obligation 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to hold innocent, acquit 1c2) to leave unpunished
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: acquit [idiom] at all, [idiom] altogether, be blameless, cleanse, (be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold) guiltless, be (hold) innocent, [idiom] by no means, be quit, be (leave) unpunished, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 24:8; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 19:13.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 26:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 26:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:9
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 26:9
Context — David Again Spares Saul
7That 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.
8Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!”
9But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”
10David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. 11But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 1:14 | So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” |
| 2 | Psalms 105:15 | “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 1:16 | For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 24:6–7 | So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way. |
1 Samuel 26:9 Summary
[This verse shows that David trusted in God's sovereignty and respected His authority, even when it was hard. David knew that Saul was still the king, and to harm him would be to rebel against God. This teaches us to trust in God's plan and timing, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31. By waiting on God and respecting those in authority, we can demonstrate our faith and trust in His goodness and wisdom, as taught in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David refuse to kill Saul, even when he had the perfect opportunity?
David recognized that Saul was still the Lord's anointed king, and to harm him would be to rebel against God's authority, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:9 and supported by the principle in Romans 13:1-2.
Does this mean that we should never stand up against evil leaders or authority figures?
While we are called to respect and obey those in authority, as taught in Romans 13:1-7 and Titus 3:1, there may be times when we must stand against injustice or evil, as seen in the example of Daniel in Daniel 6:10 and the apostles in Acts 5:29.
How can we balance the need to respect authority with the need to stand up for what is right?
This balance is found in trusting in God's sovereignty, as David did in 1 Samuel 26:10, and seeking to obey His commands, as taught in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 22:37-40.
What does it mean to be the 'Lord's anointed'?
To be the Lord's anointed refers to someone who has been set apart and appointed by God for a specific purpose or role, as seen in the examples of Saul in 1 Samuel 10:1 and David in 1 Samuel 16:13, and is a concept that is also applied to Jesus Christ in Psalm 2:2 and Acts 4:26-27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to 'take matters into my own hands' rather than trusting in God's sovereignty?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with my need to respect and obey those in authority?
- What does it mean for me to 'respect' someone in authority, even if I disagree with their actions or decisions?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, as David did, and wait for Him to bring about justice and righteousness?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:9
And David said to Abishai, destroy him not,.... He laid his commands upon him not to hurt him: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:9
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:9
Though Saul be a cruel tyrant, and rejected by God, yet he is our sovereign lord and king; and I, though designed king, as yet am but a private person, and his subject; and therefore cannot kill him without sin, nor will I consent that thou shouldst do it.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:9
1 Samuel 26:9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’ S anointed, and be guiltless?Ver. 9. Destroy him not.] Hoc enim indecens et indignum mihi videtur. "Keep thee far from an ill matter." "Meddle not with them that are given to change." The Ruteni are said to have every day one new king or more, according as they are able to make themselves so. Val. Max. Christian, p. 350.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:9
(9) Against the Lord’s anointed.—David—taught, no doubt, by the prophet Samuel—looked upon the person of Saul as made sacred and inviolable by the royal anointing. Through the anointing Saul had become the possession of Jehovah; only Jehovah, then, could lawfully take away that sacred life. This he elaborates in the next verse. It is possible that these exalted sentiments respecting the Divine rights of kings were not uttered by David while standing in the dark night among Saul’s soldiers by the sleeping king, but subsequently, when he and Abishai were talking the incident over together.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 26:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How to Deal With Vandals by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on how to deal with vandals, drawing parallels between the church under attack in Revelation and a modern-day church facing hostility. He discusses the story of |
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Touch Not Mine Anointed, and Do My Prophets No Harm by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the grave consequences of speaking against God's servants, likening it to playing with dangerous forces. He warns that slander and gossip can lead to person |
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Thoughts on 1 Samuel by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby reflects on the Book of 1 Samuel, emphasizing God's sovereignty and grace in the face of Israel's failures. He discusses how God provided Samuel as a prophet when |
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Will You Pray in Secret This Week? by Derek Melton | Derek Melton emphasizes the importance of prayer for the leadership of a nation, highlighting the consequences of moral decay within a government and the need for repentance and me |