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1 Samuel 28:16

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1 Samuel 28:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel, “since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy?

King James Version KJV

Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?

American Standard Version ASV

And Samuel said, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing Jehovah is departed from thee, and is become thine adversary?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Samuel said, Why do you put your questions to me, seeing that God has gone away from you and is on the side of him who is against you?

Free Bible Version FBV

“Why come and ask me when the Lord has abandoned you and has become your enemy?” Samuel asked.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then said Samuel, Wherefore then doest thou aske of me, seeing the Lord is gone from thee, and is thine enemie?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Samuel saith, 'And why dost thou ask me, and Jehovah hath turned aside from thee, and is thine enemy?

World English Bible WEB

Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said Samuel, Why then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD hath departed from thee, and hath become thy enemy?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Samuel said: Why askest thou me, seeing the Lord has departed from thee, and is gone over to thy rival:

Translation for Translators T4T

Samuel said, “Yahweh has abandoned you and has become your enemy. So why do you ask me what you should do? [RHQ]

Plain English Version PEV

Samuel said, “Yes, God turned away from you. He is your enemy now. Why do you ask me to help you?

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 28:16

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 28:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל וְ/לָ֖/מָּה תִּשְׁאָלֵ֑/נִי וַ/יהוָ֛ה סָ֥ר מֵ/עָלֶ֖י/ךָ וַ/יְהִ֥י עָרֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 Shemuel N-proper
וְ/לָ֖/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Conj | Prep | Part
תִּשְׁאָלֵ֑/נִי shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
וַ/יהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Conj | N-proper
סָ֥ר çûwr H5493 to turn aside V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֵ/עָלֶ֖י/ךָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff
וַ/יְהִ֥י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עָרֶֽ/ךָ ʻâr H6145 enemy N-ms | 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 28:16

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר 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.
שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 "Shemuel" N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
וְ/לָ֖/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Conj | Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תִּשְׁאָלֵ֑/נִי shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
וַ/יהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Conj | 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.
סָ֥ר 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.
מֵ/עָלֶ֖י/ךָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ/יְהִ֥י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
עָרֶֽ/ךָ ʻâr H6145 "enemy" N-ms | Suff
This word means enemy or foe, describing someone who is watchful for mischief. It is used to describe adversaries in the Bible, such as enemies of the Israelites. The term is often used in a negative context.
Definition: enemy, adversary, foe Aramaic equivalent: ar (עָר "foe" H6146)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: enemy. See also: 1 Samuel 28:16; Psalms 139:20.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 28:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 6:27 He answered, “If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or the winepress?”
2 Lamentations 2:5 The Lord is like an enemy; He has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation for the Daughter of Judah.
3 Psalms 68:1–3 God arises. His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee His presence. As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God. But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy.
4 Revelation 18:20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.
5 Revelation 18:24–6 —
6 Judges 5:31 So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” And the land had rest for forty years.

1 Samuel 28:16 Summary

This verse, 1 Samuel 28:16, shows that God had turned away from Saul because of his disobedience, and Samuel is asking Saul why he is coming to him for help when God is no longer on his side. This means that when we disobey God, He may not always be there to help us or answer our prayers, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:17. However, we can always come back to God and ask for forgiveness, like in 1 John 1:9, and He will restore our relationship with Him. We should strive to obey God and stay in a right relationship with Him, so that He can bless and help us, as mentioned in Psalm 119:2-3 and Jeremiah 7:23.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Samuel ask Saul why he was consulting him, since God had already turned away from Saul?

Samuel asked this question because he knew that Saul had been disobedient to God, and as a result, God had become Saul's enemy, as stated in 1 Samuel 28:16, and this is also seen in other instances where God's people were disobedient, such as in Isaiah 63:10 and Numbers 25:3.

What does it mean for God to 'turn away' from someone?

When God turns away from someone, it means He is no longer actively involved in their life or listening to their prayers, as seen in 1 Samuel 28:16, and this can be a result of disobedience or sin, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:17 and Psalm 138:8.

Can people still come to God even if He has turned away from them?

Yes, people can still come to God for forgiveness and restoration, even if He has turned away from them, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Luke 15:11-24, but it requires a genuine repentance and turning away from sin, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Acts 3:19.

Is it possible for God to become someone's enemy?

Yes, according to 1 Samuel 28:16 and other verses like Isaiah 63:10, it is possible for God to become someone's enemy if they are disobedient and rebellious against Him, but this is not His desire, as stated in Ezekiel 18:23 and 2 Peter 3:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be disobeying God, causing Him to turn away from me?
  2. How can I ensure that I am staying in a right relationship with God, so that He does not become my enemy?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to repent and turn back to God, just like Saul needed to do in this verse?
  4. How can I trust in God's mercy and forgiveness, even when I have sinned or disobeyed Him, as seen in Psalm 51:1-17 and 1 John 1:9?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:16

Then said Samuel, wherefore then dost thou, ask of me,.... Whom thou knowest to have been a prophet of the Lord, and therefore can say nothing more or less than what comes from him, and is according

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:16

And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up?

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:16

1 Samuel 28:16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?Ver. 16. Wherefore then dost thou ask of me?] Samuel himself could not have spoken more gravely, severely, divinely, than this fiend doth. Well may lewd men be good preachers; well may hypocrites make a great flaunt; well, it may be, that in charms and spells there is nothing to be found but good words and good prayers; of which, nevertheless, one well saith, Si Magicae, Deus non vult tales: si piae, non per tales. Dr Hall.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:16

(16) Seeing the Lord is departed from thee.—In other words, If Jehovah have left thee, why comest thou to consult me, His servant and prophet? The Hebrew word here translated “enemy” is only found in Psalms 139:20 and has been assumed to be an Aramaic form—ain for tsadde. There are, however, no other Aramaic forms in this book, which is written in pure “classical” Hebrew. The letter ain, or the first letter in the text here, through a very slight error of the copyist, could easily have been altered from tsadde, the first letter of the usual word for “enemy.” The LXX. and Vulg. Versions apparently had another reading before them, for they translate the last clause of the verse, “and is with thy neighbours.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:16

Verse 16. Wherefore then dost thou ask of me] Was ever I wont to give answers that were not dictated by the Lord? It is his counsel alone that I communicate.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:16

16. Wherefore then, &c.] As if in such extremity I who am only God’s servant could do aught for thee. is become thine enemy] The expression is startling, and it is almost certain that there is some corruption in the text. (a) The word for “enemy” is an Aramaic form, found elsewhere in Hebrew only in one or two doubtful instances. (b) The ancient versions point to some different reading. The Sept. gives “has turned to be with thy neighbour;” the Vulg. “has passed over to thy rival;” the Targ. “has become the help of a man who is thine enemy.” It seems best to follow the Sept. Comp. 1 Samuel 15:28; 1 Samuel 16:13-14.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:16

16. Wherefore then dost thou ask of me — It required no prophet from heaven to suggest this question to the God-forsaken king, and if we regard it as any thing more than another device of the woman

Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:16

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l
David Wilkerson God Shall Arise and Scatter Our Enemies by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to arise and scatter the enemies of His people. He references the story of Moses and the Israelites, who called upon God to
David Wilkerson The Glory of the Last Days by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses a biblical story where the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea with the enemy army behind them. He compares this situation to the challeng
C.H. Spurgeon The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing the victory of Zion over its oppressors, emphasizing the power of God in saving and freeing the people. The sermon then shifts to
Carter Conlon Let No Enemy Find Safety by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the importance of not allowing any enemy, whether internal struggles or external forces, to find safety in our lives. It encourages believers to be separated
Michael L. Brown We Must Be a People Marked by the Presence of God by Michael L. Brown In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing the power of God rather than relying on human wisdom. He encourages the congregation to hunger for the power o
Chip Brogden The Messianic Psalms - Psalm 68 by Chip Brogden In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the preaching of the word of God. He believes that it should be a fundamental principle in our lives, n
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