1 Samuel 24:11
Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.
Original Language Analysis
וְאָבִ֣י
Moreover my father
H1
וְאָבִ֣י
Moreover my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
1 of 30
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וּרְאֵה֙
see
H7200
וּרְאֵה֙
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 30
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
גַּ֗ם
H1571
גַּ֗ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
3 of 30
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
וּרְאֵה֙
see
H7200
וּרְאֵה֙
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 30
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּנַ֨ף
the skirt
H3671
כְּנַ֨ף
the skirt
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
6 of 30
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
בְּיָדִ֜י
in mine hand
H3027
בְּיָדִ֜י
in mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 30
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כִּ֡י
H3588
כִּ֡י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 30
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּכָרְתִי֩
for in that I cut off
H3772
בְּכָרְתִי֩
for in that I cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
10 of 30
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּנַ֨ף
the skirt
H3671
כְּנַ֨ף
the skirt
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
12 of 30
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 30
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דַּ֤ע
thee not know
H3045
דַּ֤ע
thee not know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
16 of 30
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וּרְאֵה֙
see
H7200
וּרְאֵה֙
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
17 of 30
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 30
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּיָדִ֜י
in mine hand
H3027
בְּיָדִ֜י
in mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
20 of 30
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
רָעָ֤ה
that there is neither evil
H7451
רָעָ֤ה
that there is neither evil
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
21 of 30
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
וָפֶ֙שַׁע֙
nor transgression
H6588
וָפֶ֙שַׁע֙
nor transgression
Strong's:
H6588
Word #:
22 of 30
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
23 of 30
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָטָ֣אתִי
and I have not sinned
H2398
חָטָ֣אתִי
and I have not sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
24 of 30
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
צֹדֶ֥ה
against thee yet thou huntest
H6658
צֹדֶ֥ה
against thee yet thou huntest
Strong's:
H6658
Word #:
27 of 30
to chase; by implication, to desolate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
28 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Samuel 26:20Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.1 Samuel 23:23See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.1 Samuel 23:14And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.John 15:25But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.2 Kings 5:13And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?1 Samuel 26:18And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?
Historical Context
The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
- What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
- How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.
David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the principle of leaving vengeance to God rather than taking matters into one's own hands. David's restraint shows mature faith that trusts God to vindicate and promote in His timing. This passage warns against using apparent opportunities to advance personal interests when doing so requires violating godly principles.