1 Samuel 28:15

1 Samuel 28:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”

King James Version KJV

¶ And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

American Standard Version ASV

And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Samuel said to Saul, Why have you made me come up, troubling my rest? And Saul in answer said, I am in great danger; for the Philistines are making war on me, and God has gone away from me and will no longer give me any answer, by the prophets or by dreams: so I have sent for you to make clear to me what I am to do.

Free Bible Version FBV

Samuel said to Saul, “Why are you bothering me by bringing me up?” “I'm in terrible trouble,” Saul replied. “The Philistines are attacking me, and God has abandoned me. He doesn't answer me anymore, either by prophets or by dreams. That's why I have called you up so you tell me what to do.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me vp? Then Saul answered, I am in great distresse: for the Philistims make warre against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by Prophetes, neither by dreames: therefore I haue called thee, that thou mayest tell me, what I shall doe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Samuel saith unto Saul, 'Why hast thou troubled me, to bring me up?' And Saul saith, 'I have great distress, and the Philistines are fighting against me, God hath turned aside from me, and hath not answered me any more, either by the hand of the prophets, or by dreams; and I call for thee to let me know what I do.'

World English Bible WEB

Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me, to bring me up?” Saul answered, “I am very distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God has departed from me, and answers me no more, by prophets, or by dreams. Therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I shall do.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am grievously distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God hath departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known to me what I shall do.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Samuel said to Saul: Why hast thou disturbed my rest, that I should be brought up? And Saul said, I am in great distress: for the Philistines fight against me, and God is departed from me, and would not hear me, neither by the hand of prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest shew me what I shall do.

Translation for Translators T4T

Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you bothered/disturbed me by causing me to appear?” Saul said, “I am very worried. The army of Philistia is about to attack my army, and God has abandoned me. He does not answer my questions any more. He does not give me dreams to tell me what to do or give messages to prophets to tell me what to do. That is the reason that I came to see you. So you tell me what I should do!”

Plain English Version PEV

Samuel said, “I was dead. Why did you wake me up? Why did you bring me back?” Saul stood up and answered, “Things are really bad for me now. The Philistia mob will try to kill me dead. God turned away from me, and he doesn’t answer me. He doesn’t talk to me through a man, or a dream. Nothing. That’s why I’m here now, to ask you what I have to do.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 28:15

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 28:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵל֙ אֶל שָׁא֔וּל לָ֥/מָּה הִרְגַּזְתַּ֖/נִי לְ/הַעֲל֣וֹת אֹתִ֑/י וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר שָׁ֠אוּל צַר לִ֨/י מְאֹ֜ד וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּ֣ים נִלְחָמִ֣ים בִּ֗/י וֵֽ/אלֹהִ֞ים סָ֤ר מֵֽ/עָלַ/י֙ וְ/לֹֽא עָנָ֣/נִי ע֗וֹד גַּ֤ם בְּ/יַֽד הַ/נְּבִיאִם֙ גַּם בַּ֣/חֲלֹמ֔וֹת וָ/אֶקְרָאֶ֣/ה לְ/ךָ֔ לְ/הוֹדִיעֵ֖/נִי מָ֥ה אֶעֱשֶֽׂה

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שְׁמוּאֵל֙ Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 Shemuel N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

הִרְגַּזְתַּ֖/נִי râgaz H7264 to tremble V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff

לְ/הַעֲל֣וֹת ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

אֹתִ֑/י ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁ֠אוּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

צַר tsârar H6887 to confine V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לִ֨/י Prep | Suff

מְאֹ֜ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv

וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּ֣ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Conj | Ngmpa

נִלְחָמִ֣ים lâcham H3898 to fight V-Niphal

בִּ֗/י Prep | Suff

וֵֽ/אלֹהִ֞ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Conj | N-mp

סָ֤ר çûwr H5493 to turn aside V-Qal-Perf-3ms

מֵֽ/עָלַ/י֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

עָנָ֣/נִי ʻânâh H6030 to dwell V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

ע֗וֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv

גַּ֤ם gam H1571 also DirObjM

בְּ/יַֽד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

הַ/נְּבִיאִם֙ nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Art | N-mp

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

בַּ֣/חֲלֹמ֔וֹת chălôwm H2472 dream Prep | N-mp

וָ/אֶקְרָאֶ֣/ה qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

לְ/ךָ֔ Prep | Suff

לְ/הוֹדִיעֵ֖/נִי yâdaʻ H3045 to know Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

מָ֥ה mâh H4100 what? Part

אֶעֱשֶֽׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 28:15

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.

שְׁמוּאֵל֙ Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 "Shemuel" N-proper

Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'

Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.

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.

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.

לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

הִרְגַּזְתַּ֖/נִי râgaz H7264 "to tremble" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff

In the Bible, this word means to shake or tremble with strong emotions like fear, anger, or excitement. It can also mean to provoke or disturb someone, causing them to become agitated. The KJV Bible translates it in various ways, including 'tremble', 'quake', and 'rage'.

Definition: 1) tremble, quake, rage, quiver, be agitated, be excited, be perturbed 1a)(Qal) to quake, be disquieted, be excited, be perturbed 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to quake, disquiet, enrage, disturb 1c) (Hithpael) to excite oneself

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth. See also: Genesis 45:24; Isaiah 5:25; Psalms 4:5.

לְ/הַעֲל֣וֹת ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

אֹתִ֑/י ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

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.

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁ֠אוּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

צַר tsârar H6887 "to confine" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To rival means to oppose or afflict someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the struggles of the Israelites, such as when they were oppressed by their enemies or faced internal conflicts and afflictions.

Definition: to confine, besiege Another spelling of tsur (צוּר "to confine" H6696A)

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 8:3; Psalms 6:8.

לִ֨/י "" Prep | Suff

מְאֹ֜ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv

Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.

Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness

Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.

וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּ֣ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Conj | Ngmpa

A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.

Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)

Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.

נִלְחָמִ֣ים lâcham H3898 "to fight" V-Niphal

In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.

Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.

בִּ֗/י "" Prep | Suff

וֵֽ/אלֹהִ֞ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Conj | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

סָ֤ר çûwr H5493 "to turn aside" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.

Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.

מֵֽ/עָלַ/י֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | 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.

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

עָנָ֣/נִי ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.

Definition: (Qal) to dwell

Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.

ע֗וֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

גַּ֤ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

בְּ/יַֽד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

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.

הַ/נְּבִיאִם֙ nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Art | N-mp

A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.

Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

בַּ֣/חֲלֹמ֔וֹת chălôwm H2472 "dream" Prep | N-mp

This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.

Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.

וָ/אֶקְרָאֶ֣/ה qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

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.

לְ/ךָ֔ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/הוֹדִיעֵ֖/נִי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

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.

מָ֥ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

אֶעֱשֶֽׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 28:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 28:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:15
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15
Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:15

Context — Saul and the Medium of Endor

13“Do not be afraid,” the king replied. “What do you see?” “I see a god coming up out of the earth,” the woman answered. 14“What does he look like?” asked Saul. “An old man is coming up,” she replied. “And he is wearing a robe.” So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence.

15Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”

16“Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel, “since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? 17He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 16:23–26	In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. And besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that even those who wish cannot cross from here to you, nor can anyone cross from there to us.’
2	1 Samuel 28:6	He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.
3	1 Samuel 18:12	So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.
4	Proverbs 14:14	The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways.
5	Hosea 9:12	Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!
6	Jeremiah 2:17–18	Have you not brought this on yourself by forsaking the LORD your God when He led you in the way? Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile ? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates ?
7	1 Samuel 16:13–14	So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. After the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.
8	Proverbs 5:11–13	At the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and your body are spent, and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my mentors.
9	1 Samuel 28:11	“Whom shall I bring up for you?” the woman asked. “Bring up Samuel,” he replied.
10	Psalms 51:11	Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

1 Samuel 28:15 Summary

[This verse shows that Saul was in a desperate situation, and he was trying to get help from Samuel, who was a prophet of God, but Samuel was upset that Saul had disturbed him. Saul had been disobeying God, and as a result, God was no longer guiding him or answering his prayers, as also seen in 1 Samuel 15:23. This is a reminder that when we disobey God, we can lose His guidance and blessing, but if we repent and turn back to Him, He is always willing to forgive and restore us, as promised in 1 John 1:9.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul consult Samuel through a medium?

Saul consulted Samuel because he was desperate for guidance, as stated in 1 Samuel 28:15, and God was no longer answering him through prophets or dreams, which is a consequence of his disobedience, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23.

Is it permissible for believers to consult mediums or spirits?

No, consulting mediums or spirits is strictly forbidden in the Bible, as seen in Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12, and is considered a form of rebellion against God.

What does it mean that God had turned away from Saul?

When it says that God had turned away from Saul, as stated in 1 Samuel 28:15, it means that God was no longer actively guiding or blessing Saul due to his disobedience and rebellion, as also seen in 1 Samuel 15:23 and 1 Samuel 16:14.

Can believers lose God's guidance and blessing?

Yes, believers can lose God's guidance and blessing if they choose to disobey Him, as seen in the case of Saul, but thankfully, God is always willing to forgive and restore those who repent and turn back to Him, as promised in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:12.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be pushing God away from my life, and how can I restore my relationship with Him?
How do I know when God is guiding me, and what are some ways that I can discern His will for my life?
What are some consequences of disobeying God, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
What does it mean to truly repent and turn back to God, and how can I apply this to my own life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:15

And Samuel said to Saul, why hast thou disquieted me to bring me up?.... This makes it a clear case that this was not the true Samuel; his soul was at rest in Abraham's bosom, in the state of bliss

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:15

And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15

Samuel said to Saul; as the devil appeared in Samuel’ s shape and garb, so also he speaketh in his person, that he might insnare Saul, and encourage others to seek to him in this wicked way. And God permits him to do so for Saul’ s greater condemnation and punishment. Neither by prophets, nor by dreams; he omitteth the Urim here, because he neither did nor could inquire by that, because Abiathar had carried it away to David, and so he expected no answer that way.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15

1 Samuel 28:15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.Ver. 15. Why hast thou disguieted me?] This the true Samuel would never have said; sed ut specie Samuelem ita verbis mentiebatur diabolus, but as the devil had personated Samuel in his form, so now he doth in his words. And God is departed from me.] Whereupon all mischiefs came rushing in upon him, as by a sluice. See Hosea 9:12.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15

(15) And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up?—Erd-manu, in Lange, argues from this that the incantation of the witch of En-dor had brought about the result, viz., the calling up of the shade of Samuel, and that hence the appearance of the prophet was not due to the command of God. Keil, however, rightly concludes that these words by themselves do not decide the question as to what power called up the “spirit.” They simply assert that Samuel had been disturbed from his rest by Saul, and ask the reason why. In the Babylonian Talmud there is a remarkable comment on these words of the shade of the departed prophet. “Rabbi Elazar said, when he read this Scripture text, ‘Why hast thou disquieted me?’ If Samuel the righteous was afraid of the Judgment (to which he thought he was summoned when thus called up), how much more ought we to be afraid of the Judgment? And whence do we infer that Samuel was afraid? Because it is written, ‘And the woman said unto Saul, I saw mighty ones [or perhaps judges]—Elohim—ascending out of the earth: olim, ascending (a plural form), implies at least two, and one of them was Samuel; who, then, was the other? Samuel went and brought Moses with him, and said unto him, ‘Peradventure I am summoned to Judgment-God forbid! O stand thou by me; lo! there is not a thing which is written in thy Law that I have not fulfilled.”—Treatise Chaggigah, fol. 4, b.I am sore distressed.—“O, the wild wail of this dark misery! There is a deep pathos and a weird awesomeness in this despairing cry, but there is no confession of sin, no beseeching for mercy—nothing but the overmastering ambition to preserve himself.”—Dr. W. M. Taylor, of New York: “David.” For the gallant warrior Saul thus to despair was indeed strange, but his gloomy foreboding before the fatal field of Gilboa, where he was to lose his crown and life, were sadly verified by the sequel. Shakespeare thus describes Richard III. heavy and spiritless, with an unknown dread, before the fatal Bosworth field:— “I have not that alacrity of spirit Nor cheer of mind that I was went to have.” King Richard III. So Macbeth is full of a restless, shapeless terror at Dunsinane before the battle:— “There is no flying hence, no tarrying here; I ‘gin to be aweary of the sun.”—Macbeth. Neither by prophets, nor by dreams.—Why does Saul omit to mention here the silence of the “Urim,” especially mentioned in 1 Samuel 27:6, and which seems also in these days to have been the more usual way of enquiry after the will of the Eternal King; of Israel? The Talmud, treatise Berachoth, xii. 2, gives the probable answer. Saul knew the Urim was no longer in his kingdom. It had been worn by one whom he had foully murdered—Ahimelech, the high priest.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15

Verse 15. Why hast thou disquieted me] The complaint is not directed against the woman but against Saul. Indeed, her incantations had no influence in the business, and it does not appear that she had commenced her operations before the angels had prepared the way of the prophet, and before the prophet himself had made his appearance. That thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.] In his former difficulties, and when pressed by his enemies, he was in the habit of consulting Samuel; and now he applies to him as his former preceptor. God, he knew, might answer by such a man as Samuel, when he would answer by no other means.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:15

15–19. Samuel pronounces Saul’s doom 15. Why hast thou disquieted me] Disturbed me from my rest in Sheôl. Samuel utters this complaint, because although he came as God’s messenger, Saul’s sin was the moving cause of so unnatural a mission.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:15

15. Samuel said to Saul — Did, then, Samuel actually speak? We understand that as the witch did all the seeing for Saul, so also she did all the speaking to him. She was the medium both of sight and sound.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:15

	Sermon	Description
	Idols of Pride and Jealousy by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson addresses the destructive nature of pride and jealousy as idols that can harden the heart and blind individuals to their own sin. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit
	The Awful Void by George Kulp	George Kulp delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of spiritual suicide, using the story of King Saul as a cautionary tale. Saul, once anointed by God and filled with the S
	Powerful Convicting Sermon - Hell Fire by Charles Lawson	This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell as described in Matthew chapter 5, focusing on the urgency of understanding its existence and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ
	Instant Replay - the Worm Never Dies (Compilation) by Compilations	Compilations delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Instant Replay - the Worm Never Dies,' emphasizing the torment of a guilty conscience in hell. The preacher vividly describes the an
	Almost a Christian by John Rhys Watkins	In this sermon, the preacher describes a man who is trapped in darkness and torment, symbolizing the state of humanity without Christ. The preacher emphasizes that salvation is ava
	A Tour of Hell by E.A. Johnston	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting the Gospel and turning to Christ. He warns that sudden death can take people away without warning, just as the Bibl
	The Character of Hell by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Luke's Gospel, chapter 16, and focuses on the character of Hell. He shares a personal anecdote about a friend who became an evang