1 Samuel 24:21
Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
הִשָּׁ֤בְעָה
Swear
H7650
הִשָּׁ֤בְעָה
Swear
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
2 of 15
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
now therefore unto me by the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
now therefore unto me by the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְאִם
that thou wilt not
H518
וְאִם
that thou wilt not
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
5 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תַּכְרִ֥ית
cut off
H3772
תַּכְרִ֥ית
cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
6 of 15
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 #:
7 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זַרְעִ֖י
my seed
H2233
זַרְעִ֖י
my seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
8 of 15
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
אַֽחֲרָ֑י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרָ֑י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְאִם
that thou wilt not
H518
וְאִם
that thou wilt not
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
10 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמִ֖י
my name
H8034
שְׁמִ֖י
my name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
13 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Historical Context
Dynastic elimination was common practice—new kings often killed previous royal families to prevent rival claims. Saul's request acknowledged David would have power to destroy his house. The oath 'by the LORD' invoked divine witness and curse for violation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Saul's focus on family survival reveal about his priorities?
- How should those in power treat the families of former rivals?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.
Saul's request reveals his true concern—dynastic survival rather than personal life. The Hebrew 'lo tachrit et-zar'i acharai' (you will not cut off my seed after me) asks protection for descendants. Ancient Near Eastern succession often involved eliminating rival claimants—Saul feared David would practice what he himself would have done. The phrase 'destroy my name' (tashmid shemi) concerns legacy obliteration, the worst fate imaginable in honor-shame cultures. Saul's request for oath 'by the LORD' seeks divine guarantee. Having failed to kill David, he now negotiates for his family's survival, acknowledging David's eventual power over life and death.