1 Samuel 22:8
That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?
Original Language Analysis
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 29
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קְשַׁרְתֶּ֨ם
That all of you have conspired
H7194
קְשַׁרְתֶּ֨ם
That all of you have conspired
Strong's:
H7194
Word #:
2 of 29
to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
כֻּלְּכֶ֜ם
H3605
כֻּלְּכֶ֜ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 29
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָלַ֗י
H5921
עָלַ֗י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְאֵין
H369
וְגֹלֶ֣ה
against me and there is none that sheweth
H1540
וְגֹלֶ֣ה
against me and there is none that sheweth
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
6 of 29
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָזְנִי֙
H241
בִּכְרָת
hath made a league
H3772
בִּכְרָת
hath made a league
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
9 of 29
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
בְּנִ֨י
me that my son
H1121
בְּנִ֨י
me that my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 29
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
11 of 29
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בְּנִ֨י
me that my son
H1121
בְּנִ֨י
me that my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 29
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְאֵין
H369
חֹלֶ֥ה
and there is none of you that is sorry
H2470
חֹלֶ֥ה
and there is none of you that is sorry
Strong's:
H2470
Word #:
15 of 29
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
מִכֶּ֛ם
H4480
מִכֶּ֛ם
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
16 of 29
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
עָלַ֖י
H5921
עָלַ֖י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְגֹלֶ֣ה
against me and there is none that sheweth
H1540
וְגֹלֶ֣ה
against me and there is none that sheweth
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
18 of 29
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָזְנִ֑י
H241
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
21 of 29
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֵקִים֩
hath stirred up
H6965
הֵקִים֩
hath stirred up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
22 of 29
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
בְּנִ֨י
me that my son
H1121
בְּנִ֨י
me that my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
23 of 29
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
24 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָלַ֛י
H5921
עָלַ֛י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
26 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Royal conspiracy was a genuine concern in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where succession disputes frequently led to assassination. However, Saul's accusations against his own son and servants suggest pathological suspicion rather than reasonable caution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does abandoning trust in God lead to seeing enemies everywhere?
- What warning does Saul's self-pity and paranoia offer to those in positions of authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?
Saul's paranoid accusation against his own servants and son reveals a soul consumed by suspicion. The Hebrew 'qashar' (conspired) was a serious charge implying treason. His claim that Jonathan 'stirred up' (Hebrew 'qum') David to ambush him inverts reality—David consistently spared Saul's life. The phrase 'none of you that is sorry for me' (Hebrew 'choleh') literally means 'none sick/grieved on my account,' revealing Saul's self-pity. Three times he uses 'none' (ein), emphasizing his perceived isolation. This distorted worldview, seeing conspiracy everywhere, typifies the paranoid ruler who has abandoned God's perspective. Saul had become his own worst enemy.