1 Samuel 14:24
And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
Original Language Analysis
הָ֠אִישׁ
And the men
H376
הָ֠אִישׁ
And the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 24
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 24
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
נִגַּ֖שׂ
were distressed
H5065
נִגַּ֖שׂ
were distressed
Strong's:
H5065
Word #:
3 of 24
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 24
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֑וּא
H1931
הַה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 24
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיֹּאֶל֩
had adjured
H422
וַיֹּאֶל֩
had adjured
Strong's:
H422
Word #:
6 of 24
properly, to adjure, i.e., (usually in a bad sense) imprecate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֖ם
So none of the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
So none of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 24
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הָ֠אִישׁ
And the men
H376
הָ֠אִישׁ
And the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 24
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לָֽחֶם׃
any food
H3899
לָֽחֶם׃
any food
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
15 of 24
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
16 of 24
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
וְנִקַּמְתִּי֙
that I may be avenged
H5358
וְנִקַּמְתִּי֙
that I may be avenged
Strong's:
H5358
Word #:
18 of 24
to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
20 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
22 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Joshua 6:26And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.Romans 10:2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
Historical Context
Military fasting oaths were known in ancient Near Eastern warfare, sometimes seeking divine favor through sacrifice. Saul's oath, however, appears more about demonstrating intensity and control than genuine piety. Such binding oaths, once pronounced, were considered irrevocable.
Questions for Reflection
- How do rash vows made from wrong motives produce unintended harm?
- What does Saul's focus on 'my enemies' rather than 'God's enemies' reveal about his heart?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
Saul's oath - 'Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies' - represents characteristic overreach. The phrase 'that I may be avenged' reveals self-centered motivation: victory serves Saul's vengeance, not God's glory. This rash vow creates multiple problems: weakening his troops ('the men of Israel were distressed'), endangering his son who was absent when pronounced, and eventually causing the people to sin (verse 32). Poor leadership produces cascading harm.