1 Samuel 26:16
This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 30
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ט֞וֹב
is not good
H2896
ט֞וֹב
is not good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
2 of 30
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
הַדָּבָ֣ר
This thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֣ר
This thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 30
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּה֮
H2088
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשִׂיתָ֒
that thou hast done
H6213
עָשִׂיתָ֒
that thou hast done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 30
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חַי
liveth
H2416
חַי
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
7 of 30
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוָ֑ה
As the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
As the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 30
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
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
בְנֵי
ye are worthy
H1121
בְנֵי
ye are worthy
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 30
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מָ֙וֶת֙
to die
H4194
מָ֙וֶת֙
to die
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
11 of 30
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 30
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שְׁמַרְתֶּ֛ם
because ye have not kept
H8104
שְׁמַרְתֶּ֛ם
because ye have not kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
15 of 30
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 30
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶ֖ם
your master
H113
אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶ֖ם
your master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
17 of 30
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 30
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מְשִׁ֣יחַ
anointed
H4899
מְשִׁ֣יחַ
anointed
Strong's:
H4899
Word #:
19 of 30
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
יְהוָ֑ה
As the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
As the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
20 of 30
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְעַתָּ֣ה׀
H6258
רְאֵ֗ה
And now see
H7200
רְאֵ֗ה
And now see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
22 of 30
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
26 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּ֖יִם
of water
H4325
הַמַּ֖יִם
of water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
28 of 30
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Cross References
Psalms 102:20To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;Psalms 79:11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.1 Samuel 26:11The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.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.1 Samuel 26:9And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?2 Samuel 12:5And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:2 Samuel 19:28For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?
Historical Context
The death penalty for failing to protect the king was standard in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. By Israelite law, those charged with the king's safety who failed could face execution. David's pronouncement acknowledges this judicial reality while declining to enforce it.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between identifying sin and executing judgment?
- What truth have you declared while leaving the consequences to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's verdict ('ye are worthy to die') pronounces a sentence he refuses to execute, modeling the difference between declaring truth and usurping God's prerogative in judgment. The evidence of the king's spear and water cruse proves David's access and restraint beyond dispute. The threefold repetition of 'the LORD'S anointed' throughout this dialogue emphasizes David's consistent theological framework: regardless of Saul's behavior, his office demands respect that only God can revoke.