1 Samuel 24:14
1 Samuel 24:14 in Multiple Translations
Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
After whom has the king of Israel come out? for whom are you searching? for a dead dog, an insect.
Who is the king of Israel coming after? Who are you chasing? A dead dog! Just a flea!
According as the olde prouerbe sayeth, Wickednesse proceedeth from the wicked, but mine hand be not vpon thee.
'After whom hath the king of Israel come out? after whom art thou pursuing? — after a dead dog! after one flea!
Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea?
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea?
As also it is said in the old proverb: From the wicked shall wickedness come forth: therefore my hand shall not be upon thee. After whom dost thou come out, O king of Israel?
“You are the king of Israel. So ◄why are you pursuing me?/you should not be pursuing me.► [RHQ] I am as harmless as [MET] a dead dog or a flea.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 24:14
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 24:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
יֹאמַ֗ר
מְשַׁל֙
הַ/קַּדְמֹנִ֔י
מֵ/רְשָׁעִ֖ים
יֵ֣צֵא
רֶ֑שַׁע
וְ/יָדִ֖/י
לֹ֥א
תִֽהְיֶה
בָּֽ/ךְ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יֹאמַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מְשַׁל֙
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
N-ms
הַ/קַּדְמֹנִ֔י
qadmôwnîy
H6931
eastern
Art | Adj
מֵ/רְשָׁעִ֖ים
râshaʻ
H7561
be wicked
Prep | Adj
יֵ֣צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
רֶ֑שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
wickedness
N-ms
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.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 24:14
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יֹאמַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
מְשַׁל֙
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
N-ms
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
הַ/קַּדְמֹנִ֔י
qadmôwnîy
H6931
"eastern"
Art | Adj
This word can mean something that is old or from an earlier time, or it can describe something that is located in the east. It is used in the Bible to talk about ancient things or people who lived before. The word can also mean 'eastern' or 'older'.
Definition: : eastern 1) former, ancient, eastern 1a) former, ancient 1b) eastern Also means: qad.mo.ni (קַדְמֹנִי ": older" H6931H)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: ancient, they that went before, east, (thing of) old. See also: 1 Samuel 24:14; Ezekiel 38:17; Isaiah 43:18.
מֵ/רְשָׁעִ֖ים
râshaʻ
H7561
"be wicked"
Prep | Adj
Being wicked or acting wrongly is what this Hebrew word describes. In Psalm 37:7, the Bible warns against being wicked and instead encourages trusting in God.
Definition: 1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a2) to be guilty, be condemned 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to condemn as guilty (in civil relations) 1b2) to condemn as guilty (in ethical or religious relations) 1b3) to act wickedly (in ethics and religion)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 22:8; Job 32:3; Psalms 18:22.
יֵ֣צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
רֶ֑שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
"wickedness"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wickedness, describing wrong or immoral actions, as seen in the wickedness of enemies or those hostile to God. It appears in various forms, such as iniquity or wickedness. This concept is discussed in biblical books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wrong, wickedness, guilt 1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law) 1b) wickedness (of enemies) 1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, wicked(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:27; Proverbs 12:3; Psalms 5:5.
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 24:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 24:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:14
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 24:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:14
Context — David Spares Saul
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.” 16When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloudCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 26:20 | So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 17:43 | “Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 9:8 | Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 16:9 | Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 3:8 | Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! |
| 6 | Judges 8:1–3 | Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently. But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? God has delivered Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian, into your hand. What was I able to do compared to you?” When he had said this, their anger against him subsided. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 21:7 | But his wife Jezebel said to him, “Do you not reign over Israel? Get up, eat some food, and be cheerful, for I will get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 6:20 | As soon as David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.” |
1 Samuel 24:14 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 24:14, David is saying that he is not a threat to King Saul, but rather a harmless and insignificant person, much like a dead dog or a flea, as he trusts in God's protection and justice, similar to the trust expressed in Psalm 23:4. This shows David's humility and commitment to not taking revenge, even when he has the opportunity. By comparing himself to such lowly objects, David is emphasizing his dependence on God and his refusal to resort to violence or retaliation, as encouraged in Proverbs 24:29. This is a powerful example for us today, as we face our own challenges and adversaries, and are called to trust in God's sovereignty and mercy, as seen in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of David's comparison of himself to a dead dog and a flea in 1 Samuel 24:14?
David is emphasizing his insignificance and vulnerability before King Saul, highlighting the disproportionate nature of Saul's pursuit, as seen in the contrast between the powerful king and the lowly objects he is compared to, much like the humble attitude expressed in Psalm 22:6-8
Is David showing disrespect to King Saul by his words in 1 Samuel 24:14?
No, David is not showing disrespect, but rather appealing to Saul's sense of justice and mercy, as he has done previously in 1 Samuel 24:12, emphasizing that his actions are not against the king but in defense of his own life
How does this verse relate to the broader context of David's relationship with King Saul?
This verse is part of a larger narrative where David, despite having opportunities to harm Saul, chooses not to, demonstrating his trust in God's sovereignty and his commitment to not taking revenge, as encouraged in Romans 12:19
What can we learn from David's response to Saul's pursuit in 1 Samuel 24:14?
We can learn the importance of responding to persecution or adversity with humility and trust in God, rather than resorting to vengeance or retaliation, as taught in Matthew 5:38-42
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when you feel pursued or attacked by others, and what can you learn from David's example in 1 Samuel 24:14?
- In what ways can you identify with David's feelings of vulnerability and insignificance, and how can you apply his trust in God to your own life?
- What are some areas in your life where you need to trust God's sovereignty and justice, rather than taking matters into your own hands?
- How can you demonstrate humility and mercy in your relationships with others, especially those who may be opposed to you?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:14
After whom is the king of Israel come out?.... From his court and palace, with an army of men, and at the head of them: after whom dost thou pursue?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
After a worthless, contemptible, and impotent person, such as I am. Thou disparagest thyself in contending with such a person; and even thy conquest of me will be inglorious and shameful.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
1 Samuel 24:14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.Ver. 14. After a dead dog, after a flea.] Egregiam vero laudem, a great praise, a great purchase sure, to kill a dead dog, to fight with a flea! Is this an employment fit for a king? an exploit worthy of such an army? Caligula took his army to the ocean, as if he would have passed over into Brittany, and done great matters there: but he only caused his soldiers to pick up cockle shells that lay on the shore, and so returned to Rome: Magnifie glorians quasi oceano subacto. Ridiculum caput! Domitian spent his time in catching flies: and Artaxerxes in making knife handles. Was this handsome? Aquila non captat muscas, as saith the proverb of the ancients. Facis quod est tanto rege indignum, dum me tenuissimum, infimum, et infirmissimum tanto comitatu persequeris. - Jun. Dio, in Calig.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
(14) After a dead dog, after a flea.—These homely but vivid similes are very common in Oriental discourse. David certainly, in his protestations of loyalty, could scarcely humble himself more than by drawing a comparison between the king of Israel in his grandeur and power and a poor dead dog—evidently an object held in special loathing by the Hebrews. “After a flea”—the original is even stronger, after “one flea” (a single flea)—“against a single flea,” which is not easily caught, and easily escapes, and if it is caught, is poor game for a royal hunter.—Berl. Bible and Lange.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
Verse 14. After a dead dog] A term used among the Hebrews to signify the most sovereign contempt; see 2 Samuel 16:9. One utterly incapable of making the least resistance against Saul, and the troops of Israel. The same idea is expressed in the term flea. The Targum properly expresses both thus: one who is weak, one who is contemptible.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:14
14. after a dead dog, &c.] “A dead dog, a single flea,” express what is absolutely contemptible, harmless, and insignificant. A worthy object truly for an expedition of the King of Israel with his picked troops!
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 24:14
After whom ... - i. e., was it consistent with the dignity of the king of Israel to lead armies in pursuit of a weak and helpless individual like David?
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14
14. After a dead dog, after a flea — A term of contempt and a term of insignificance.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Studies in Jonah 01 a Worshipping Prophet by James R. Cochrane | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and highlights the concept of being alive yet spiritually dead. He explains that the Hebrews used the words "life" and "d |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 121 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to extraordinary messages from God. He uses the example of David going through a valley of humiliation and choos |
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Dressing Up by John Fischer | John Fischer explores the concept of dressing up, not just in physical attire but in the context of life and faith. He questions the significance of clothing in expressing identity |
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Fear and Joy in the Presence of God by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the duality of fear and joy in the presence of God, using the story of David and Michal to illustrate the importance of God's presence in our lives. He highl |