1 Samuel 18:8
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּ֨חַר
wroth
H2734
וַיִּ֨חַר
wroth
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 18
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
לְשָׁא֜וּל
And Saul
H7586
לְשָׁא֜וּל
And Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 18
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
מְאֹ֗ד
was very
H3966
מְאֹ֗ד
was very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וַיֵּ֤רַע
displeased
H3415
וַיֵּ֤רַע
displeased
Strong's:
H3415
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, to be broken up (with any violent action) i.e., (figuratively) to fear
בְּעֵינָיו֙
H5869
בְּעֵינָיו֙
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 18
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הַדָּבָ֣ר
and the saying
H1697
הַדָּבָ֣ר
and the saying
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
נָֽתְנ֖וּ
They have ascribed
H5414
נָֽתְנ֖וּ
They have ascribed
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
רְבָב֔וֹת
ten thousands
H7233
רְבָב֔וֹת
ten thousands
Strong's:
H7233
Word #:
11 of 18
abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)
נָֽתְנ֖וּ
They have ascribed
H5414
נָֽתְנ֖וּ
They have ascribed
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
13 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָֽאֲלָפִ֑ים
but thousands
H505
הָֽאֲלָפִ֑ים
but thousands
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
14 of 18
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וְע֥וֹד
H5750
וְע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
אַ֥ךְ
H389
Cross References
1 Samuel 15:28And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.Proverbs 13:10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.James 4:5Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?1 Samuel 20:31For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.Esther 3:5And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
Historical Context
Ancient monarchies frequently faced challenges from successful military commanders who leveraged popularity into coups. Saul's fear had historical precedent, though David gave no indication of such ambitions. The progression from anger to suspicion ('eyed David') marks Saul's descent.
Questions for Reflection
- How does insecurity corrupt perception of others' success?
- What does Saul's fear teach about the relationship between spiritual health and leadership security?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
Saul's question 'what can he have more but the kingdom?' reveals the root of his jealousy - fear of losing power. The Hebrew charah (to burn with anger) indicates intense emotional response. Saul correctly perceived that popular acclaim could translate into political power. His spiritual condition transformed what should have been national celebration into personal threat. Fear of man replaced fear of God.