1 Samuel 31:4
Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
Original Language Analysis
נֹשֵׂ֣א
me But his armourbearer
H5375
נֹשֵׂ֣א
me But his armourbearer
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
3 of 28
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
כֵלָ֜יו
H3627
כֵלָ֜יו
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
4 of 28
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַחֶ֔רֶב
a sword
H2719
הַחֶ֔רֶב
a sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
6 of 28
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וּדְקָרֻ֙נִי֙
and thrust me through
H1856
וּדְקָרֻ֙נִי֙
and thrust me through
Strong's:
H1856
Word #:
7 of 28
to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
9 of 28
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
הָֽעֲרֵלִ֨ים
therewith lest these uncircumcised
H6189
הָֽעֲרֵלִ֨ים
therewith lest these uncircumcised
Strong's:
H6189
Word #:
11 of 28
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)
וּדְקָרֻ֙נִי֙
and thrust me through
H1856
וּדְקָרֻ֙נִי֙
and thrust me through
Strong's:
H1856
Word #:
13 of 28
to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile
וְהִתְעַלְּלוּ
and abuse
H5953
וְהִתְעַלְּלוּ
and abuse
Strong's:
H5953
Word #:
14 of 28
to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 28
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָבָה֙
would
H14
אָבָה֙
would
Strong's:
H14
Word #:
17 of 28
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
נֹשֵׂ֣א
me But his armourbearer
H5375
נֹשֵׂ֣א
me But his armourbearer
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
18 of 28
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
כֵלָ֔יו
H3627
כֵלָ֔יו
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
19 of 28
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
20 of 28
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מְאֹ֑ד
not for he was sore
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
not for he was sore
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
22 of 28
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
25 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחֶ֔רֶב
a sword
H2719
הַחֶ֔רֶב
a sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
26 of 28
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
Cross References
2 Samuel 1:6And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.Judges 9:54Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.1 Kings 16:27Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he shewed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?1 Samuel 14:6And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.1 Samuel 17:36Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.1 Samuel 17:26And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?2 Samuel 17:23And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.2 Samuel 1:14And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?2 Samuel 1:20Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.Judges 14:3Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.
Historical Context
Fear of enemy desecration of bodies was significant in ancient warfare. Captive kings often faced public humiliation and torture. Saul's suicide prevented Philistine mockery of the living king, though they would still abuse his corpse.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the manner of Saul's death reflect the trajectory of his life?
- What does the armor-bearer's refusal reveal about the power of conscience even under pressure?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Saul's request that his armor-bearer kill him and the servant's refusal create his final crisis. His fear of being 'abused' (Hebrew: 'hith'allelu-vi') by the uncircumcised Philistines reveals concern for dignity in death. The armor-bearer's terror at killing the king echoes David's own refusal throughout the narrative. Saul's final act, 'he fell upon it' (his own sword), ends his life by his own hand. The king who lived by the sword dies by one, though not in battle.