1 Samuel 28:9
And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?
Original Language Analysis
יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙
unto him Behold thou knowest
H3045
יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙
unto him Behold thou knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
6 of 23
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֣ה
hath done
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 23
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
שָׁא֔וּל
what Saul
H7586
שָׁא֔וּל
what Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
10 of 23
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִכְרִ֛ית
how he hath cut off
H3772
הִכְרִ֛ית
how he hath cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
12 of 23
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
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֹב֥וֹת
those that have familiar spirits
H178
הָֽאֹב֥וֹת
those that have familiar spirits
Strong's:
H178
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֖י
and the wizards
H3049
הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֖י
and the wizards
Strong's:
H3049
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָאָ֑רֶץ
out of the land
H776
הָאָ֑רֶץ
out of the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
18 of 23
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וְלָמָ֥ה
H4100
וְלָמָ֥ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
מִתְנַקֵּ֥שׁ
wherefore then layest thou a snare
H5367
מִתְנַקֵּ֥שׁ
wherefore then layest thou a snare
Strong's:
H5367
Word #:
21 of 23
to entrap (with a noose), literally or figuratively
Historical Context
The death penalty for consulting spirits (Leviticus 20:27) was apparently enforced during Saul's reign. The woman's fear indicates real danger, not mere formality. Her survival suggests either remote location, community protection, or incomplete enforcement.
Questions for Reflection
- How do fear and self-preservation conflict with calling in dangerous times?
- What ironies emerge when we seek help from those we have previously condemned?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The medium's fearful response exposes the danger of her profession and the effectiveness of Saul's earlier purge. Her reference to what 'Saul hath done' uses language suggesting violent action ('hikrit,' cut off) against practitioners. Her accusation 'thou layest a snare for my life' reveals awareness that her activities carry a death sentence. This exchange creates dramatic tension: Saul seeks help from someone whose death he previously ordered, while she fears the one seeking her aid.