1 Samuel 31:5
And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֥רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נֹשֵֽׂא
And when his armourbearer
H5375
נֹשֵֽׂא
And when his armourbearer
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
2 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
כֵלָ֖יו
H3627
כֵלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
3 of 13
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וַיָּ֥מָת
and died
H4191
וַיָּ֥מָת
and died
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
5 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
he fell
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
he fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
7 of 13
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
ה֛וּא
H1931
ה֛וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חַרְבּ֖וֹ
likewise upon his sword
H2719
חַרְבּ֖וֹ
likewise upon his sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
11 of 13
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
Historical Context
The custom of retainers dying with their king appears across ancient cultures. This armor-bearer's suicide represented the ultimate expression of personal loyalty to his master.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the armor-bearer's loyalty suggest about Saul's personal relationships?
- How do we evaluate such extreme loyalty in light of Scripture's values?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The armor-bearer's suicide following Saul's death reveals the depth of loyalty Saul commanded from his immediate attendant. The Hebrew 'wayyamot immo' (died with him) emphasizes their shared fate. This servant's faithfulness unto death contrasts with those who fled and survived. His act, while not endorsed, demonstrates that Saul retained the devotion of those nearest him. Even failed leaders may inspire profound loyalty.