1 Samuel 26:18
And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?
Original Language Analysis
לָ֥מָּה
H4100
לָ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֲדֹנִ֥י
Wherefore doth my lord
H113
אֲדֹנִ֥י
Wherefore doth my lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
4 of 13
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
רֹדֵ֖ף
thus pursue
H7291
רֹדֵ֖ף
thus pursue
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
5 of 13
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֶ֣ה
H4100
מֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָשִׂ֔יתִי
for what have I done
H6213
עָשִׂ֔יתִי
for what have I done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וּמַה
H4100
וּמַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
The servant-master relationship (Hebrew: 'eved') implied mutual obligations in ancient Israel. Masters owed protection and provision; servants owed loyalty and service. David's faithful service made Saul's persecution a violation of covenantal expectations.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you suffered persecution without legitimate cause?
- How does David's appeal to justice model appropriate self-defense?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's plaintive question exposes the irrationality of Saul's persecution: 'Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant?' The Hebrew construction emphasizes the absurdity: the king of Israel hunting a faithful servant who has done no wrong. David's appeal to evidence ('what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?') challenges Saul to produce any legitimate justification. This defense anticipates the righteous sufferer's cry throughout Scripture, culminating in Christ before His accusers.