1 Samuel 20:26
1 Samuel 20:26 in Multiple Translations
Saul said nothing that day because he thought, “Something has happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.”
Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.
Nevertheless Saul spake not anything that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.
But Saul said nothing that day, for his thought was, Something has taken place making him unclean; it is clear that he is not clean.
Saul didn't say anything that day because he thought, “Something has probably happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—yes, he must be unclean.”
And Saul sayde nothing that day: for hee thought, Some thing hath befallen him, though he were cleane, or els becaus he was not purified.
And Saul hath not spoken anything on that day, for he said, 'It [is] an accident; he is not clean — surely not clean.'
Nevertheless Saul didn’t say anything that day, for he thought, “Something has happened to him. He is not clean. Surely he is not clean.”
Nevertheless Saul spoke not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.
And Saul said nothing that day, for he thought it might have happened to him, that he was not clean, nor purified.
On that day, Saul did not say anything about David, because he was thinking, “Something must have happened that caused David to become unacceptable to worship God.”
Saul noticed that he was not there, but he thought to himself, “Maybe something has happened to him, so he can’t eat at the ceremony?” (You see, God said that if something happened to somebody first, like maybe they touched a dead body, then they can’t eat at a special ceremony.) So Saul did not ask anybody about David.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:26
BAB
Word Study
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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 20:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹֽא
דִבֶּ֥ר
שָׁא֛וּל
מְא֖וּמָה
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/ה֑וּא
כִּ֤י
אָמַר֙
מִקְרֶ֣ה
ה֔וּא
בִּלְתִּ֥י
טָה֛וֹר
ה֖וּא
כִּֽי
לֹ֥א
טָהֽוֹר
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
דִבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
שָׁא֛וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
מְא֖וּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
anything
N-fs
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִקְרֶ֣ה
miqreh
H4745
accident
N-ms
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
בִּלְתִּ֥י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Conj
טָה֛וֹר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
pure
Adj
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
טָהֽוֹר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
pure
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:26
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
דִבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
שָׁא֛וּל
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.
מְא֖וּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
"anything"
N-fs
This word refers to something, no matter how small, or nothing at all. It's used in phrases like 'anything' or 'nothing'. The Bible uses it in various books to convey the idea of something or nothing.
Definition: anything
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: fault, [phrase] no(-ught), ought, somewhat, any (no-)thing. See also: Genesis 22:12; 1 Samuel 25:15; Jeremiah 39:10.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
כִּ֤י
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.
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מִקְרֶ֣ה
miqreh
H4745
"accident"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means an unexpected event or accident, like something that happens by chance. It appears in the Bible to describe an unforeseen meeting or occurrence, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to convey a sense of surprise or coincidence.
Definition: 1) unforeseen meeting or event, accident, happening, chance, fortune 1a) accident, chance 1b) fortune, fate
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: something befallen, befalleth, chance, event, hap(-peneth). See also: Ruth 2:3; Ecclesiastes 2:15; Ecclesiastes 9:3.
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בִּלְתִּ֥י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
טָה֛וֹר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
"pure"
Adj
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Definition: 1) pure, clean 1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals) 1b) pure (physically) 1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: clean, fair, pure(-ness). See also: Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 13:40; Psalms 12:7.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
טָהֽוֹר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
"pure"
Adj
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Definition: 1) pure, clean 1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals) 1b) pure (physically) 1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: clean, fair, pure(-ness). See also: Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 13:40; Psalms 12:7.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:26
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:26
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:26
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:26
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:26
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:26
Context — Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
24So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat.
25He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty.
26Saul said nothing that day because he thought, “Something has happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.”
27But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” 28Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 15:5 | Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. |
| 2 | Leviticus 11:24 | These creatures will make you unclean. Whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening, |
| 3 | Leviticus 11:27 | All the four-footed animals that walk on their paws are unclean for you; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening, |
| 4 | Leviticus 15:19–21 | When a woman has a discharge consisting of blood from her body, she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening. Anything on which she lies or sits during her menstruation will be unclean, and anyone who touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. |
| 5 | Numbers 19:16 | Anyone in the open field who touches someone who has been killed by the sword or has died of natural causes, or anyone who touches a human bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days. |
| 6 | Leviticus 7:20–21 | But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people. If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 16:5 | “In peace,” he replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. |
| 8 | Leviticus 15:16–17 | When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Any clothing or leather on which there is an emission of semen must be washed with water, and it will remain unclean until evening. |
| 9 | Leviticus 11:31 | These animals are unclean for you among all the crawling creatures. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until evening. |
| 10 | Leviticus 11:40 | Whoever eats from the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening, and anyone who picks up the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening. |
1 Samuel 20:26 Summary
In 1 Samuel 20:26, Saul thinks that David is unclean because he didn't come to the New Moon feast. But really, David was just hiding from Saul because he was afraid for his life. This shows us that we shouldn't jump to conclusions or make assumptions about others without knowing the whole story, as warned in Proverbs 18:13. Instead, we should try to understand where they're coming from and be patient, just like Jonathan was with David. By doing so, we can avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships with others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul think David was unclean?
Saul thought David was unclean because he assumed something had happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean, as stated in 1 Samuel 20:26, which is in line with the laws of cleanliness found in Leviticus 15:1-33.
What does it mean to be ceremonially unclean?
To be ceremonially unclean means that a person has come into contact with something that makes them unfit to participate in religious ceremonies or eat sacred food, as described in Leviticus 7:19-21 and Numbers 19:1-10.
Why didn't Saul immediately confront David?
Saul didn't immediately confront David because he was waiting to see if his assumption about David's uncleanness was correct, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:26-27, where Saul waits until the second day to ask about David's absence.
Is this verse relevant to New Testament believers?
While the concept of ceremonial uncleanness is primarily an Old Testament concept, the idea of being set apart for God is still relevant today, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, where believers are called to be separate from the world and dedicated to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be using assumptions to judge others, rather than seeking to understand their circumstances?
- How can I cultivate a heart of patience and understanding, like Jonathan had for David, in my relationships with others?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to 'cover up' or make excuses, rather than being honest and open with others, like Saul was trying to do in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of not judging others based on appearances, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:26, to my interactions with others today?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:26
Nevertheless, Saul spake not anything that day,.... About David's absence, took no notice of it, said nothing about it: for he thought something had befallen him; some impurity, some nocturnal
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:26
Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean. He is not clean.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:26
Something hath befallen; some accident which hath rendered him unclean, and so unfit to partake of this feast, which consisted in part of the remainders of these peace-offerings, according to the law, ; unfit also to come into any company, much more into the king’ s company, lest he should pollute them also. See Poole "". See also Leviticus 11 Leviticus 15.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:26
1 Samuel 20:26 Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he [is] not clean; surely he [is] not clean.Ver. 26. Something hath befallen him.] Casus est, it is some of those chances wherewith men are defiled and unfitted for holy services; such as were the touching of dead bodies, nocturnal pollutions, &c. He is not clean.] Himself, then, surely was clean, sc., from those legal pollutions; but his heart was full of filth, and his hands of blood. This is the guise of hypocrites.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:26
26. he is not clean] Persons who were ceremonially unclean were peremptorily excluded from participating in a religious festival. See Leviticus 7:20-21; 1 Samuel 16:5.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:26
He is not clean - The new moon being a religious feast, and the meat to be eaten being peace-offerings, no one could assist at the feast who had any ceremonial uncleanness upon him (marginal references).
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:26
26. He is not clean — Some ceremonial defilement prevents his attendance at this festival of the new moon. Compare marginal references.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Lord and the Woman Who Had the Issue of Blood Mark 5:24-34 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey explores the profound encounter between Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood, emphasizing her desperate need for healing and the faith that drove her to touch Je |
|
David and Goliath by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, which is described as the glory of all lands on earth. He emphasizes the importance of cas |