1 Samuel 11:13
New International Version
But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this day the LORD has rescued Israel.”

New Living Translation
But Saul replied, “No one will be executed today, for today the LORD has rescued Israel!”

English Standard Version
But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.”

Berean Standard Bible
But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.”

King James Bible
And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

New King James Version
But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has accomplished salvation in Israel.”

New American Standard Bible
But Saul said, “Not a single person shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has brought about victory in Israel.”

NASB 1995
But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has accomplished deliverance in Israel.”

NASB 1977
But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has accomplished deliverance in Israel.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today Yahweh has accomplished salvation in Israel.”

Amplified Bible
But Saul said, “No man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has brought victory to Israel.”

Christian Standard Bible
But Saul ordered, “No one will be executed this day, for today the LORD has provided deliverance in Israel.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Saul ordered, “No one will be executed this day, for today the LORD has provided deliverance in Israel.”

American Standard Version
And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day; for to-day Jehovah hath wrought deliverance in Israel.

Contemporary English Version
"No you won't!" Saul told them. "The LORD rescued Israel today, and no one will be put to death."

English Revised Version
And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for today the LORD hath wrought deliverance in Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Saul said, "No one will be killed today, because today the LORD saved Israel."

Good News Translation
But Saul said, "No one will be put to death today, for this is the day the LORD rescued Israel."

International Standard Version
But Saul said, "Let no one be put to death this day, because today the LORD has delivered Israel."

Majority Standard Bible
But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.”

NET Bible
But Saul said, "No one will be killed on this day. For today the LORD has given Israel a victory!"

New Heart English Bible
Saul said, "There shall not a man be put to death this day; for today the LORD has worked deliverance in Israel."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to-day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

World English Bible
Saul said, “No man shall be put to death today; for today Yahweh has rescued Israel.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul says, “There is no man put to death on this day, for today YHWH has worked salvation in Israel.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul saith, 'There is no man put to death on this day, for to-day hath Jehovah wrought salvation in Israel.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will say, A man shall not die in this day, for this day Jehovah made salvation in Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul said: No man shall be killed this day, because the Lord this day hath wrought salvation in Israel:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul said: “No one shall be killed on this day. For today the Lord has accomplished salvation in Israel.”

New American Bible
But Saul objected, “No one will be put to death this day, for today the LORD has rescued Israel.”

New Revised Standard Version
But Saul said, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has brought deliverance to Israel.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day; for today the LORD has wrought salvation in Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul said: “No man will be killed on this day, because today LORD JEHOVAH performed salvation for Israel!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul said: 'There shall not a man be put to death this day; for to-day the LORD hath wrought deliverance in Israel.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul said, No man shall die this day, for to-day the Lord has wrought deliverance in Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Confirmed as King
12Then the people said to Samuel, “Who said that Saul should not reign over us? Bring those men here so we can kill them!” 13But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.” 14Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 10:27
But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.

1 Samuel 12:3
Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”

1 Samuel 14:45
But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.

1 Samuel 19:5
He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”

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.’

1 Samuel 26:9
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”

2 Samuel 19:22
And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?”

2 Kings 5:7
When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!”

2 Kings 6:21-23
And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” / “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” / So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.

Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

Proverbs 24:11-12
Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter. / If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?

Isaiah 33:22
For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.

Jonah 4:11
So should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well?”

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.

There shall

1 Samuel 14:45
And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

2 Samuel 19:22
And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?

the Lord

1 Samuel 19:5
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

Exodus 14:13,30
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever…

Psalm 44:4-8
Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob…

Jump to Previous
Accomplished Death Deliverance Israel Rescued Safe Salvation Saul Today To-Day Worked Wrought
Jump to Next
Accomplished Death Deliverance Israel Rescued Safe Salvation Saul Today To-Day Worked Wrought
1 Samuel 11
1. Nahash offers them of Jabesh Gilead a reproachful condition
4. They send messengers, and are delivered by Saul
12. Saul thereby is confirmed, and his kingdom renewed














But Saul declared
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Saul's early reign as king. The Hebrew root for "declared" is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to say or speak. This is significant as it shows Saul taking a decisive leadership role. Historically, this was a time when Israel was transitioning from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. Saul's declaration is a public assertion of his authority and a demonstration of his ability to unify the people under his leadership.

No one shall be put to death this day
Here, Saul exercises mercy and restraint. The Hebrew word for "death" is "מוּת" (muth), which is often used in the context of capital punishment. Saul's decision to spare those who had previously doubted his kingship reflects a Christ-like forgiveness and a desire to unite the nation rather than divide it. This act of clemency is crucial in establishing his reign on a foundation of grace rather than fear.

for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel
The phrase "the LORD has worked salvation" is central to understanding the theological significance of this verse. The Hebrew word for "salvation" is "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshuah), which is closely related to the name Yeshua, or Jesus, in the New Testament. This connection underscores the belief that God is the ultimate source of deliverance. Saul acknowledges that the victory over the Ammonites is not by his own strength but by the divine intervention of the LORD. This reflects a key theme throughout the Bible: that God is the deliverer of His people. The historical context here is the recent victory over the Ammonites, which was a critical moment for Israel, solidifying Saul's position as king and demonstrating God's continued favor and protection over Israel.

(13) And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day.--A wise, as well as a generous, decision; anything like a bloody vengeance would have been the commencement of future feuds and bitter heart-burnings between the new king and the powerful families of the other tribes, who misliked and opposed his election. Saul began his reign with wise discretion, as well as with heroic valour. By this determined refusal to avenge the cruel affront showed to him, he taught "kings to be" how truly a royal virtue was forgiveness of all past wrongs.

For to day the Lord hath wrought salvation in Israel.--And as yet unspoiled, the king's heart was full of humble reverent piety. By this first public act of pardon, he "not only signified that the public rejoicing should not be interrupted, but reminded them of the clemency of God, and urged that since Jehovah had shown such clemency upon that day, that He overlooked their sins, and had given them a glorious victory. it was only right they should follow His example, and forgive their neighbours' sins without bloodshed." (Seb. Schmidt, quoted by Keil and Delitsch.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But Saul
שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

ordered,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“No
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

one
אִ֖ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

shall be put to death
יוּמַ֥ת (yū·maṯ)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

this
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

day,
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

today
הַיּ֛וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has worked
עָשָֽׂה־ (‘ā·śāh-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

salvation
תְּשׁוּעָ֖ה (tə·šū·‘āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8668: Deliverance, salvation

in Israel.”
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (bə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT History: 1 Samuel 11:13 Saul said There shall not a man (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 11:12
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