1 Samuel 15:25
Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֕ה
H6258
שָׂ֥א
Now therefore I pray thee pardon
H5375
שָׂ֥א
Now therefore I pray thee pardon
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
2 of 9
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
נָ֖א
H4994
נָ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
3 of 9
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חַטָּאתִ֑י
my sin
H2403
חַטָּאתִ֑י
my sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
5 of 9
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
וְשׁ֣וּב
and turn again
H7725
וְשׁ֣וּב
and turn again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
עִמִּ֔י
H5973
עִמִּ֔י
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
7 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Prophetic presence at royal worship provided legitimacy. Saul's desire to worship with Samuel at Gilgal was partly political - demonstrating continued prophetic support. His request reveals more concern for reputation than relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it reveal when we seek human religious validation more than divine forgiveness?
- How does desire for religious respectability sometimes masquerade as genuine repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.
Saul's request - 'pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD' - seeks restored relationship with Samuel rather than genuine repentance toward God. His focus on worshipping 'with' Samuel suggests concern for public appearance. The Hebrew nasa ('pardon' or 'lift up') requests that Samuel bear away his sin. Yet Samuel cannot grant what only God provides. Saul wants the prophet's company more than God's forgiveness, religious respectability more than genuine restoration.