1 Samuel 26:21
Then 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.
Original Language Analysis
חָטָ֜אתִי
I have sinned
H2398
חָטָ֜אתִי
I have sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
3 of 23
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
שׁ֣וּב
return
H7725
שׁ֣וּב
return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 23
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
בְּנִֽי
my son
H1121
בְּנִֽי
my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָרַ֤ע
for I will no more do thee harm
H7489
אָרַ֤ע
for I will no more do thee harm
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
ע֔וֹד
H5750
ע֔וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
תַּ֠חַת
H8478
תַּ֠חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
12 of 23
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָֽקְרָ֥ה
was precious
H3365
יָֽקְרָ֥ה
was precious
Strong's:
H3365
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, apparently, to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) valuable; causatively, to make rare (figuratively, to inhibit)
נַפְשִׁ֛י
because my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֛י
because my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
15 of 23
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ
in thine eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ
in thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
16 of 23
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הַיּ֣וֹם
this day
H3117
הַיּ֣וֹם
this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
17 of 23
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וָֽאֶשְׁגֶּ֖ה
and have erred
H7686
וָֽאֶשְׁגֶּ֖ה
and have erred
Strong's:
H7686
Word #:
21 of 23
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
Cross References
1 Samuel 15:24And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.1 Samuel 24:17And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.Exodus 9:27And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.Matthew 27:4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.1 Samuel 15:30Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.
Historical Context
This is one of several occasions where Saul acknowledged David's righteousness after being confronted with evidence of David's mercy. The pattern of confession followed by resumed persecution reveals the depth of Saul's spiritual bondage and the inadequacy of mere emotional response to sin.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between momentary conviction and genuine repentance?
- How do you evaluate whether confession will lead to lasting change?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Saul's confession contains the most transparent self-assessment of his reign: 'I have sinned... I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.' The Hebrew 'sakhal' (played the fool) indicates senseless, irrational behavior, while 'shagah' (erred) suggests wandering from the path. Yet despite this clarity of self-knowledge, Saul's pattern will reveal that conviction without repentance produces only momentary remorse. His promise 'I will no more do thee harm' will prove hollow, demonstrating the difference between emotional response and genuine change.