1 Samuel 14:33
Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ
Then they told
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ
Then they told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
הָעָ֛ם
Behold the people
H5971
הָעָ֛ם
Behold the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
חֹטִ֥אים
sin
H2398
חֹטִ֥אים
sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
against the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַדָּ֑ם
with the blood
H1818
הַדָּ֑ם
with the blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
10 of 17
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
בְּגַדְתֶּ֔ם
Ye have transgressed
H898
בְּגַדְתֶּ֔ם
Ye have transgressed
Strong's:
H898
Word #:
12 of 17
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
Historical Context
The 'great stone' would serve as a proper slaughtering location where blood could drain appropriately. Saul's provision of correct procedure demonstrates awareness of the law his oath had caused people to violate. His response is managerial rather than repentant.
Questions for Reflection
- How do leaders sometimes address symptoms of problems they caused without acknowledging their role?
- What is the difference between managing consequences and repenting of causes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.
Saul receives report that 'the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood.' His response - 'Ye have transgressed' - blames the people without acknowledging his oath's role in their desperation. He commands a great stone for proper slaughter, attempting to manage the crisis his leadership created. Saul addresses symptoms without recognizing cause. His pattern of deflecting responsibility while maintaining religious appearance continues.