1 Samuel 24:13
1 Samuel 24:13 in Multiple Translations
As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked cometh forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be upon thee.
There is an old saying, From the evil-doer comes evil: but my hand will never be lifted up against you.
As the old saying goes, ‘From the wicked comes wickedness,’ but I myself will never try to harm you.
The Lord be iudge betweene thee and me, and the Lord auenge me of thee, and let not mine hand be vpon thee.
as saith the simile of the ancients, From the wicked goeth out wickedness, and my hand is not on thee.
As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness;’ but my hand will not be on you.
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but my hand shall not be upon thee.
The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord revenge me of thee: but my hand shall not be upon thee.
There is a proverb that has the words, ‘Evil things are done by evil people.’ But I am not evil, so I will not do evil things to you.
You know what people often say, ‘Only bad people do bad things.’ I do not want to be a bad person, so I will not touch you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 24:13
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 24:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט
יְהוָה֙
בֵּינִ֣/י
וּ/בֵינֶ֔/ךָ
וּ/נְקָמַ֥/נִי
יְהוָ֖ה
מִמֶּ֑/ךָּ
וְ/יָדִ֖/י
לֹ֥א
תִֽהְיֶה
בָּֽ/ךְ
יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בֵּינִ֣/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵינֶ֔/ךָ
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
וּ/נְקָמַ֥/נִי
nâqam
H5358
to avenge
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִמֶּ֑/ךָּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וְ/יָדִ֖/י
yâd
H3027
hand
Conj | N-cs | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
בָּֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 24:13
יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
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.
בֵּינִ֣/י
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵינֶ֔/ךָ
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/נְקָמַ֥/נִי
nâqam
H5358
"to avenge"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
This verb means to avenge or punish, often used to describe God's justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:43 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) to avenge, take vengeance, revenge, avenge oneself, be avenged, be punished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to avenge, take vengeance 1a2) to entertain revengeful feelings 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to avenge oneself 1b2) to suffer vengeance 1c) (Piel) to avenge 1d) (Hophal) to be avenged, vengeance be taken (for blood) 1e) (Hithpael) to avenge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), [idiom] surely, take vengeance. See also: Genesis 4:15; Esther 8:13; Psalms 8:3.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
מִמֶּ֑/ךָּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ/יָדִ֖/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
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.
תִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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.
בָּֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 24:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 24:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:13
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:13
Context — David Spares Saul
11See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.
12May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.
13As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.
14Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? 15May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 7:20 | So then, by their fruit you will recognize them. |
| 2 | Matthew 7:16–18 | By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. |
| 3 | Matthew 12:33–34 | Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. |
| 4 | Matthew 15:19 | For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. |
1 Samuel 24:13 Summary
This verse means that David recognizes that King Saul's actions are wicked, but he will not fight back or try to hurt him, because he trusts in God's justice and sovereignty (1 Samuel 24:12). David is showing that he will not take revenge, even when he has the chance, and instead will leave it up to God to deal with Saul (Romans 12:19). This is an example for us to follow, to trust in God's justice and not take matters into our own hands, and to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). By doing so, we can show that we trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, just like David did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the old proverb in 1 Samuel 24:13 mean?
The old proverb 'Wickedness proceeds from the wicked' means that people who are wicked will naturally do wicked things, as seen in the actions of King Saul (1 Samuel 24:13, Proverbs 10:32).
Why does David say his hand will never be against Saul?
David says his hand will never be against Saul because he recognizes that Saul is God's anointed king, and he will not take matters into his own hands, instead trusting in God's justice and sovereignty (1 Samuel 24:12, Romans 12:19).
How does this verse relate to David's character?
This verse shows David's character as one who trusts in God's justice and is committed to not taking revenge, even when he has the opportunity, as seen in his words and actions in 1 Samuel 24:11-15 and Psalm 37:7-8.
What can we learn from David's example in this verse?
We can learn from David's example to trust in God's justice and sovereignty, and to not take matters into our own hands, even when we feel wronged or persecuted, as taught in 1 Peter 2:20-23 and Matthew 5:38-42.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel wronged or persecuted, do I trust in God's justice or take matters into my own hands?
- What are some ways I can show trust in God's sovereignty in my daily life, like David did in this verse?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with the command to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me, as seen in Matthew 5:44?
- What does it mean for me to 'not take revenge' in my relationships and interactions with others, and how can I apply this principle in practical ways?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:13
As saith the proverb of the ancients,.... It is an old saying, has been long in use, and may be applied to the present case; or the "proverb of the ancient one"; of the oldest man, the first man
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
i.e. Wicked men will do wicked actions, among which this is one, to kill their sovereign lord and king; as David implied above, , and more fully expresseth, . And therefore if I were so wicked and vile a person as thy courtiers represent me to thee, I should make no conscience of laying wicked and violent hands upon thee, but should assassinate thee when I had opportunity; which because I have now neglected and refused to do, though moved to it by some of my wicked soldiers, know therefore that I am not guilty of any wicked designs against thee, but am just and innocent towards thee. Or thus, Wicked actions (such as that would have been if I had killed thee) proceed only from the wicked, of which number I am none, and therefore my hand shall not be upon thee.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
1 Samuel 24:13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.Ver. 13. Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked.] They are carried away even as they are led, they act as they are acted and agitated by the devil and their lusts. If a graceless man "find his enemy, will he let him go well away?" But my hand shall not be upon thee, far I am an honest man; and as thou never hast, so thou never shalt find me otherwise. He that is once wicked, is presumed to be so always, as occasion serveth him. But "the counsel of the wicked is far from me," therefore thou needest not fear any hurt from me. I abhor the motion.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
(13) The proverb of the ancients.—Clericus, quoted by Lange, explains these words: “David means to say, that if he had been guilty of conspiracy against the king, he would not have neglected this favourable opportunity to kill him, since men usually indulge their feelings, and from a mind guilty of conspiracy nothing but corresponding deeds could come forth.” So Grotius, who writes how “actions usually correspond to the quality of the mind.” Erdmann quotes a Greek proverb: “From a bad raven comes a bad egg.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
Verse 13. Wickedness proceeded from the wicked] This proverb may be thus understood: He that does a wicked act, gives proof thereby that he is a wicked man. From him who is wicked, wickedness will proceed; he who is wicked will add one iniquity to another. Had I conspired to dethrone thee, I should have taken thy life when it was in my power, and thus added wickedness to wickedness.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:13
13. Wickedness, &c.] A man’s character is known by his actions. If I were wicked at heart, I should have shewn it by killing you. Cp. Matthew 7:16-20. but mine hand shall not be upon thee] It is not clear whether this is part of the proverb or David’s own utterance. In the first case the proverb is a general disclaimer of a desire for vengeance: in the second, David reaffirms his resolution not to touch Saul as a consequence of his moral integrity.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:13
13. Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked — And therefore were I the wicked man that some represent me, (1 Samuel 24:9,) I would have wrought wickedness against the king when it lay in my power.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(True Disciple Conference) We Have Forgotten That the Way Is Narrow by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building one's life on the Word of God. He challenges the common misconception that building on the sand represents a weak |
|
|
There's Too Much Riding on Eternity by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the importance of ministers of Jesus Christ being willing to confront and address the spiritual condition of individuals in the congregation. |
|
|
College Conference - 2 Cor. 13:5 & 1 Jn. by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the problem of reductionism in our understanding of the gospel. He criticizes the tendency to simplify the message of Jesus Christ into a few |
|
|
Peachtree Baptist Church - Part 4 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. He uses the analogy of a little boy trying to imitate his father's walk to illustrate t |
|
Pure Heart, Pure Church - Part 8 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the need for confession of sin and a return to a deep reverence for God's presence, highlighting the importance of recognizing and repenting of sin, as well |
|
Does Doctrine Matter - Part 8 by Derek Melton | Derek Melton emphasizes the critical importance of doctrine, particularly the doctrine of regeneration, in the Christian faith. He explains that true regeneration leads to a transf |
|
This Heart Is Too Small - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the message to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, emphasizing the importance of being true and faithful witnesses before God. It highlights the need to |