1 Samuel 15:24
And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
Original Language Analysis
חָטָ֔אתִי
I have sinned
H2398
חָטָ֔אתִי
I have sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָבַ֥רְתִּי
for I have transgressed
H5674
עָבַ֥רְתִּי
for I have transgressed
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
7 of 18
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פִּֽי
the commandment
H6310
פִּֽי
the commandment
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
9 of 18
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבָרֶ֑יךָ
and thy words
H1697
דְּבָרֶ֑יךָ
and thy words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
12 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָרֵ֙אתִי֙
because I feared
H3372
יָרֵ֙אתִי֙
because I feared
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
14 of 18
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֔ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
16 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
2 Samuel 12:13And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.Proverbs 29:25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.Numbers 22:34And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Exodus 23:2Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Historical Context
Fear of the people was a leadership failure throughout Israel's history. Aaron made the golden calf because he feared the people (Exodus 32:22-24). Leaders who fear followers more than God inevitably compromise divine commands for human approval.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your confession of sin include taking responsibility or deflecting blame?
- How does fear of people lead to disobedience toward God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
Saul's confession - 'I have sinned' - finally acknowledges failure, yet his explanation undermines it: 'because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.' He admits sin while blaming the people's influence. The Hebrew yare ('feared') and shama ('obeyed') ironically reverse proper priorities: Saul should have feared God and obeyed His voice, but instead feared and obeyed the people. His confession acknowledges the wrong action without accepting full responsibility. Partial confession, like partial obedience, falls short.