1 Samuel 20:26
Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דִבֶּ֥ר
spake
H1696
דִבֶּ֥ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
שָׁא֛וּל
Nevertheless Saul
H7586
שָׁא֛וּל
Nevertheless Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
3 of 16
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
מְא֖וּמָה
not any thing
H3972
מְא֖וּמָה
not any thing
Strong's:
H3972
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 16
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
הַה֑וּא
H1931
הַה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 16
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
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִקְרֶ֣ה
Something hath befallen
H4745
מִקְרֶ֣ה
Something hath befallen
Strong's:
H4745
Word #:
9 of 16
something met with, i.e., an accident or fortune
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 16
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
בִּלְתִּ֥י
him he is not
H1115
בִּלְתִּ֥י
him he is not
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
טָהֽוֹר׃
clean
H2889
טָהֽוֹר׃
clean
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
12 of 16
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
13 of 16
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
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Leviticus 15:5And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.Leviticus 11:27And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even.Leviticus 11:24And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.
Historical Context
Ceremonial uncleanness from various causes prohibited participation in religious feasts (Leviticus 7:20-21). Assuming such uncleanness was charitable interpretation of absence. Saul's restraint the first day showed calculated patience awaiting clearer opportunity.
Questions for Reflection
- When have religious explanations been used to mask less noble motivations?
- What does Saul's pretended concern reveal about the gap between religious appearance and heart reality?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.
Saul's silence on the first day - assuming David was ceremonially unclean - revealed his religious pretense. He would not publicly inquire lest it appear he suspected David. The phrase 'surely he is not clean' uses ritual language to mask murderous intent. Saul maintained the appearance of pious concern while harboring deadly purpose. Religious people sometimes hide violent hearts behind ceremonial scruples. The waiting game continued into the second day.