1 Samuel 24:19
For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִמְצָ֥א
find
H4672
יִמְצָ֥א
find
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
אִישׁ֙
For if a man
H376
אִישׁ֙
For if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְשִׁלְּח֖וֹ
will he let him go
H7971
וְשִׁלְּח֖וֹ
will he let him go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
6 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
away
H1870
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
away
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
7 of 17
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
טוֹבָ֔ה
thee good
H2896
טוֹבָ֔ה
thee good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
8 of 17
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וַֽיהוָה֙
wherefore the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָה֙
wherefore the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְשַׁלֶּמְךָ֣
reward
H7999
יְשַׁלֶּמְךָ֣
reward
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
10 of 17
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
טוֹבָ֔ה
thee good
H2896
טוֹבָ֔ה
thee good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
11 of 17
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
תַּ֚חַת
H8478
תַּ֚חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
12 of 17
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הַיּ֣וֹם
unto me this day
H3117
הַיּ֣וֹם
unto me this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 17
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
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The logic of ancient Near Eastern blood feuds and power struggles made releasing enemies nearly unthinkable. Saul's question reflects cultural assumptions David defied. His blessing invokes Yahweh as guarantor of righteous recompense.
Questions for Reflection
- How does David's treatment of Saul model Christ's teaching to love enemies?
- What does Saul's blessing without behavioral change reveal about incomplete repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.
Saul's rhetorical question acknowledges the extraordinary nature of David's mercy. The Hebrew 'veshilleho bederek tovah' (let him go well away/send him off in a good way) describes more than mere release—David actively blessed Saul rather than just refraining from harm. Saul's prayer 'the LORD reward thee good' invokes divine blessing on David—remarkable from his pursuer. The phrase 'this day' (hayyom hazzeh) emphasizes the immediate demonstration. Yet Saul's blessing remains passive—he asks God to reward David rather than committing to cease his persecution. He prays for David's reward while planning to deny it.