1 Samuel 18:12
1 Samuel 18:12 in Multiple Translations
So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.
¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
And Saul was afraid of David, because Jehovah was with him, and was departed from Saul.
And Saul went in fear of David, because the Lord was with David and had gone away from Saul.
Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David, but he had given up on Saul.
And Saul was afrayd of Dauid, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.
And Saul is afraid of the presence of David, for Jehovah hath been with him, and from Saul He hath turned aside;
Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and had departed from Saul.
And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and had departed from Saul.
And Saul feared David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from himself.
Because it became evident that Yahweh had abandoned Saul but that he was helping David, Saul was afraid of David.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 18:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרָ֥א
שָׁא֖וּל
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֣י
דָוִ֑ד
כִּֽי
הָיָ֤ה
יְהוָה֙
עִמּ֔/וֹ
וּ/מֵ/עִ֥ם
שָׁא֖וּל
סָֽר
וַ/יִּרָ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | Prep | N-cp
דָוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עִמּ֔/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וּ/מֵ/עִ֥ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Conj | Prep | Prep
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
סָֽר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:12
וַ/יִּרָ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
דָוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עִמּ֔/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וּ/מֵ/עִ֥ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Conj | Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
סָֽר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 18:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:12
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:12
Context — Saul Envies David
10The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,
11and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.
12So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.
13Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back, 14and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 18:15 | When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 18:29 | he grew even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 16:13–14 | So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. After the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 28:15 | Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 16:18 | One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.” |
| 6 | Acts 7:9 | Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him |
| 7 | Acts 24:25 | As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” |
| 8 | Luke 8:37 | Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to depart from them, because great fear had taken hold of them. So He got into the boat and started back. |
| 9 | Hosea 9:12 | Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them! |
| 10 | Psalms 48:3–6 | God is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be a fortress. For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor. |
1 Samuel 18:12 Summary
This verse tells us that Saul was afraid of David because he knew that God was with David, but not with him. This fear came from recognizing that God's presence and blessing were evident in David's life, much like we see in the life of Joseph in Genesis 39:2-3. When we are not walking with God, we may become fearful or jealous of others who are, and this can lead us to act in ways that are not pleasing to Him. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God's presence and favor are available to us, and we can seek Him and trust in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Saul afraid of David?
Saul was afraid of David because he recognized that the LORD was with David, but had departed from him, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:12. This fear was rooted in Saul's understanding of God's presence and blessing, as described in Genesis 39:2-3, where Joseph's success was evident because the LORD was with him.
What does it mean that the LORD had departed from Saul?
The LORD departing from Saul means that God's presence, blessing, and favor were no longer with him, as stated in 1 Samuel 18:12. This is reminiscent of when God's presence departed from Samson in Judges 16:20, leading to his downfall.
How did Saul's fear of David affect his actions?
Saul's fear of David led him to try to eliminate David, first by throwing a spear at him, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:11, and later by sending him away to command a thousand men, as stated in 1 Samuel 18:13. This fear consumed Saul and drove his decisions, much like the fear that drove King Herod to attempt to kill Jesus, as described in Matthew 2:13-16.
What can we learn from Saul's fear and actions?
We can learn that when we are not walking in God's presence and favor, we may become fearful and act out of jealousy or insecurity, as seen in Saul's actions. This is a reminder to seek God's presence and to trust in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 23:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to operate without God's presence and favor, and how can I seek His blessing?
- How do I respond when I see God's presence and favor on someone else's life, and what can I learn from their example?
- What are some ways that fear and jealousy can lead me astray, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty instead?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in my life, and what are some practical ways to seek His favor and blessing?
- What are some potential consequences of allowing fear and jealousy to drive my actions, and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:12
And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him,.... Protecting and preserving him, prospering and succeeding him, giving him victory over his enemies, and favour among the people; the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:12
And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:12
Saul was afraid of David, lest as he had gotten the favour of God and of all the people, he should also take away his kingdom.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:12
1 Samuel 18:12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.Ver. 12. And Saul was afraid of David.] His heart ached and quaked within him, when he saw how God preserved and prospered David, whom he attempted to destroy, but could not effect it; himself forsaken of God, was as a man wildered in a dark night.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:12
(12) And Saul was afraid of David.—Even after the scenes in the royal chamber just related, David remained at Court. He looked on such manifestations of bitter hatred as simple outbursts of a temporary insanity. His loyal nature would not believe in the enduring hate of one so great and noble as Saul; but we read here that even when the king recovered from the paroxysm, he feared David. Saul was conscious that his old vigour and ability were deserting him, and in David he recognised the presence of a power he knew had once been his. Not being able, even in his sane hours, to endure the presence of one whom he too surely felt would sooner or later take his place, the king dismissed him honourably from the Court, and invested him with an important military charge. Perhaps already the dark thought which some time later (see 1 Samuel 18:17; 1 Samuel 18:25) influenced the king had entered into his unhappy mind.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:12
12–16. David’s advancement 12. In the Sept. (B) this verse follows immediately after the clause of 1 Samuel 18:8, “to me they have ascribed but thousands,” and reads simply, “and Saul was afraid of David.”
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:12
12. Saul was afraid of David — He became sensible that he was fighting against God, and this feeling bred terror, and continued to disturb him more and more. Compare 1 Samuel 18:15; 1 Samuel 18:29.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On Their Feet and Ready by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the spiritual battle every believer faces, highlighting that Satan fears those who are steadfast in prayer and ready to fight in faith. He warns against |
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Keys to Mental Health by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the congregation and invites those who are attending for the first time to come forward for individual ministry. He asks them what they want |
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The Devil Is After One Thing in Your Trial by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having God's word deeply rooted within us to resist the devices of darkness. They rebuke depression and lies of the devil, |
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Walking in the Light by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not making excuses for the blood of Jesus and instead accepting the truth of forgiveness through Him. The speaker encourage |
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Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1 by Jack Hyles | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a person |
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(1 Samuel) God’s Worship Leader by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the purpose of worship is not entertainment, but to draw people into the presence of God. He criticizes the modern church culture in th |
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Fresh Oil - Part 3 by Jack Hyles | This sermon emphasizes the necessity for spirit-filled preachers who are empowered by God to lead and impact the nation. It recounts a personal journey of seeking the power of God, |