1 Samuel 24:18
1 Samuel 24:18 in Multiple Translations
And you have shown this day how well you have dealt with me; for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.
And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.
And thou hast declared this day how that thou hast dealt well with me, forasmuch as when Jehovah had delivered me up into thy hand, thou killedst me not.
And you have made clear to me how good you have been to me today: because, when the Lord gave me up into your hands, you did not put me to death.
Today you have demonstrated how well you have treated me—for when the Lord handed me over to you, you didn't kill me.
And sayd to Dauid, Thou art more righteous then I: for thou hast rendred me good, and I haue rendred thee euill.
and thou hast declared to-day how that thou hast done good with me, how that Jehovah shut me up into thy hand, and thou didst not slay me,
You have declared today how you have dealt well with me, because when the LORD had delivered me up into your hand, you didn’t kill me.
And thou hast showed this day how thou hast dealt with me; forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thy hand, thou didst not kill me.
And he said to David: Thou art more just than I: for thou hast done good to me, and I have rewarded thee with evil.
When Yahweh put me in a place in that cave where you could have easily killed me, you did not do that.
And now you have just told me that you feel sorry for me. God brought us together in the cave, but still you did not kill me.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 24:18
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 24:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
דָּוִ֔ד
צַדִּ֥יק
אַתָּ֖ה
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
כִּ֤י
אַתָּה֙
גְּמַלְתַּ֣/נִי
הַ/טּוֹבָ֔ה
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
גְּמַלְתִּ֥י/ךָ
הָ/רָעָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
צַדִּ֥יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
גְּמַלְתַּ֣/נִי
gâmal
H1580
to wean
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
הַ/טּוֹבָ֔ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
גְּמַלְתִּ֥י/ךָ
gâmal
H1580
to wean
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
הָ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 24:18
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּוִ֔ד
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.
צַדִּ֥יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
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.
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.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
גְּמַלְתַּ֣/נִי
gâmal
H1580
"to wean"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
This verb means to wean a child or to treat someone well or poorly. It can also mean to ripen or bear fruit, and is translated as bestow, recompense, or requite in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to deal fully with, recompense 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to deal out to, do to 1a2) to deal bountifully with 1a3) to recompense, repay, requite 2) (Qal) to wean a child (Niphal) to be weaned 3) (Qal) to ripen, bear ripe (almonds)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, [phrase] serve, mean, yield. See also: Genesis 21:8; Psalms 103:10; Psalms 7:5.
הַ/טּוֹבָ֔ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
גְּמַלְתִּ֥י/ךָ
gâmal
H1580
"to wean"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This verb means to wean a child or to treat someone well or poorly. It can also mean to ripen or bear fruit, and is translated as bestow, recompense, or requite in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to deal fully with, recompense 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to deal out to, do to 1a2) to deal bountifully with 1a3) to recompense, repay, requite 2) (Qal) to wean a child (Niphal) to be weaned 3) (Qal) to ripen, bear ripe (almonds)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, [phrase] serve, mean, yield. See also: Genesis 21:8; Psalms 103:10; Psalms 7:5.
הָ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 24:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David’s Oath to Saul
16When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud
17and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.
18And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.
19When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. 20Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 26:23 | May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. |
| 2 | Psalms 31:8 | You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 23:12 | So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 23:7 | When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 24:10 | Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 26:8 | Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” |
1 Samuel 24:18 Summary
This verse shows how David treated Saul with kindness and mercy, even when he had the chance to hurt him. David's actions demonstrate his trust in God's plan and his desire to do what is right, as seen in other Bible stories like when Joseph forgave his brothers in Genesis 45:5. By sparing Saul's life, David is showing that he values God's will above his own desires, which is a great example for us to follow in our own lives, just like it says in Romans 12:14, 'Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.' This teaches us to always try to do what is right and trust in God's goodness, even when things seem difficult or unfair, and to remember that God is in control of all things, as stated in Psalm 103:19, 'The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Saul acknowledging David's righteousness in 1 Samuel 24:18?
Saul's acknowledgment of David's righteousness highlights David's merciful character, as seen in this verse, and demonstrates that even those who oppose us can recognize our integrity, as noted in 1 Samuel 24:17, where Saul says, 'You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.'
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty and providence?
The phrase 'when the LORD delivered me into your hand' emphasizes God's control over all circumstances, as stated in Psalm 37:23, 'The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way.' This reminds us that our actions, whether good or bad, are under God's watchful eye and subject to His sovereign will, as seen in Romans 11:36, which says, 'For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.'
What does this verse teach us about forgiveness and mercy?
David's decision not to kill Saul, despite having the opportunity, demonstrates the importance of showing mercy and forgiveness to those who have wronged us, as taught in Matthew 6:14-15, where Jesus says, 'For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.'
How does David's actions in this verse reflect his trust in God's plans?
By sparing Saul's life, David shows that he trusts in God's plan for his life, as stated in 1 Samuel 24:12, where David says, 'May the LORD avenge me, but my hand will not be against you.' This trust is further emphasized in Psalm 27:14, which says, 'Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart, and wait for the LORD,' demonstrating David's confidence in God's timing and will, as seen in 1 Samuel 24:20, where Saul says, 'Now I know for sure that you will be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to show mercy and forgiveness to others, just as David showed mercy to Saul?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when faced with difficult circumstances?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, even if they have wronged me?
- In what ways can I reflect David's merciful character in my own relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:18
And thou hast showed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me,.... The cutting off of the skirt of his robe only, when his life was in his hand, was a clear proof and full demonstration of his
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:18
1 Samuel 24:18 And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.Ver. 18. And thou hast showed this day.] Saul being melted by those coals of kindness which David had heaped on his head, poureth out himself in a flood of passionate expressions, and for present spake as he thought. But good thoughts make but a thoroughfare of wicked hearts: they stay not there, as those that like not their lodging: their purposes, for want of performance, are but as clouds without rain, or as Hercules’ club in the tragedy, of a great bulk, but stuffed with moss and rubbish.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Lord Render to Every Man by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in the Christian walk, using examples from the Bible to illustrate the need for trust in God's plans and the avoidance of jeal |
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Eternal Inheritance by Joshua Daniel | Joshua Daniel preaches on the eternal inheritance promised to believers in 2 Corinthians 5:1, emphasizing the confidence and assurance we have in God's heavenly dwelling. He challe |
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The Name 'Christian'. by Elijah Goodwin | Elijah Goodwin preaches about the significance of the name 'Christian' as the family name of the religious association, derived from 'Christ' meaning 'anointed.' He emphasizes that |