1 Samuel 24:17
And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
Original Language Analysis
מִמֶּ֑נִּי
H4480
מִמֶּ֑נִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גְּמַלְתִּ֥יךָ
than I for thou hast rewarded
H1580
גְּמַלְתִּ֥יךָ
than I for thou hast rewarded
Strong's:
H1580
Word #:
9 of 13
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
me good
H2896
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
me good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
10 of 13
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Cross References
1 Samuel 26:21Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.Matthew 5:44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;Genesis 38:26And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.
Historical Context
Public acknowledgment of wrongdoing before witnesses created binding social expectations in ancient Israel. Saul's confession before his army should have constrained future action, but his subsequent pursuit of David showed the confession's hollowness.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is acknowledging someone is 'more righteous' insufficient for genuine repentance?
- How do you distinguish between temporary remorse and transformative repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
Saul's confession employs comparative language that falls short of full repentance. The Hebrew 'tsaddik attah mimmeni' (you are more righteous than I) acknowledges relative moral standing without absolute self-condemnation. His recognition of the exchange—David giving good for evil—accurately describes the dynamic. The Hebrew 'gemaltani tovah' (rewarded me good) and 'gemaltikha ra'ah' (rewarded you evil) uses covenant language of recompense. Saul states facts without committing to change. His confession resembles Pharaoh's temporary admissions under pressure (Exodus 9:27; 10:16)—accurate assessments during crisis that failed to produce lasting transformation.