Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the LORD’s anointed.’ New Living Translation This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true. For the LORD placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king—he is the LORD’s anointed one.’ English Standard Version Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ Berean Standard Bible 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.’ Berean Literal Bible behold, this day your eyes have seen that YHWH had delivered you today into my hand in the cave. And one said to kill you, and I had pity on you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord; for he is the anointed of YHWH.’ King James Bible Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. New King James Version Look, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ New American Standard Bible Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD had handed you over to me today in the cave, and someone said to kill you, but I spared you; and I said, ‘I will not reach out with my hand against my lord, because he is the LORD’S anointed.’ NASB 1995 “Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’S anointed.’ NASB 1977 “Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ Legacy Standard Bible Behold, this day your eyes have seen that Yahweh had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, ‘I will not send forth my hand against my lord, for he is the anointed of Yahweh.’ Amplified Bible Behold, your eyes have seen today how the LORD had given you into my hand in the cave. Some told me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not reach out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’S anointed.’ Berean Annotated Bible Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD {YHWH} 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. Christian Standard Bible You can see with your own eyes that the LORD handed you over to me today in the cave. Someone advised me to kill you, but I took pity on you and said: I won’t lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed. Holman Christian Standard Bible You can see with your own eyes that the LORD handed you over to me today in the cave. Someone advised me to kill you, but I took pity on you and said: I won’t lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed. American Standard Version Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that Jehovah had delivered thee to-day into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee; but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is Jehovah's anointed. Contemporary English Version You can see for yourself that the LORD gave me the chance to catch you in the cave today. Some of my men wanted to kill you, but I wouldn't let them do it. I told them, "I will not harm the LORD's chosen king!" English Revised Version Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee today into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. GOD'S WORD® Translation Today you saw how the LORD handed you over to me in the cave. Although I was told to kill you, I spared you, saying, 'I will not raise my hand against Your Majesty because you are the LORD's anointed.' Good News Translation You can see for yourself that just now in the cave the LORD put you in my power. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I felt sorry for you and said that I would not harm you in the least, because you are the one whom the LORD chose to be king. International Standard Version Look, this very day you saw with your own eyes that the LORD gave you into my control in the cave, and one of my men told me to kill you, but I had pity on you and responded, 'I won't lift my hand against his majesty because he's the LORD's anointed.' NET Bible Today your own eyes see how the LORD delivered you--this very day--into my hands in the cave. Some told me to kill you, but I had pity on you and said, 'I will not extend my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD's chosen one.' New Heart English Bible Look, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered you today into my hand in the cave, but I refused to kill you, and my eye spared you; and I said, 'I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD's anointed.' Webster's Bible Translation Behold, this day thy eyes have seen how the LORD hath delivered thee to-day into my hand in the cave; and some bade me kill thee: but my eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBehold, 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.’ World English Bible Behold, today your eyes have seen how Yahweh had delivered you today into my hand in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is Yahweh’s anointed.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBehold, this day your eyes have seen how that YHWH has given you into my hand today in the cave; and [one] said to slay you, and [my eye] has pity on you, and I say, I do not put forth my hand against my lord, for he [is] the anointed of YHWH. Berean Literal Bible behold, this day your eyes have seen that YHWH had delivered you today into my hand in the cave. And one said to kill you, and I had pity on you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord; for he is the anointed of YHWH.’ Young's Literal Translation Lo, this day have thine eyes seen how that Jehovah hath given thee to-day into my hand in the cave; and one said to slay thee, and mine eye hath pity on thee, and I say, I do not put forth my hand against my lord, for the anointed of Jehovah he is. Smith's Literal Translation Behold, this day thine eyes saw that Jehovah gave thee this day into my hand in the cave: and it was said to kill thee; and it had pity upon thee, and saying, I will not stretch forth my hand against my lord, for he is Jehovah's Messiah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBehold this day thy eyes have seen, that the Lord hath delivered thee into my hand, in the cave, and I had a thought to kill thee, but my eye hath spared thee. For I said: I will not put out my hand against my lord, because he is the Lord's anointed. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible You see for yourself today that the LORD just now delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I took pity on you instead. I decided, ‘I will not raise a hand against my master, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ New Revised Standard Version This very day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you into my hand in the cave; and some urged me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not raise my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBehold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD had delivered you today into my hand in the cave; and the men who were with me bade me kill you, but I had pity on you, and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Behold, see today with your eyes that LORD JEHOVAH delivered you into my hands today in the cave, and the men who are with me said to kill you, and I had pity upon you, and I said: “‘I will not reach my hands against my Lord, because he is the Anointed One of LORD JEHOVAH!’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to-day into my hand in the cave; and some bade me kill thee; but mine eye spared thee; and I said: I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. Brenton Septuagint Translation Behold, thine eyes have seen this day how that the Lord has delivered thee this day into my hands in the cave; and I would not slay thee, but spared thee, and said, I will not lift up my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Spares Saul…9and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? 10Behold, 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.’ 11See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know 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.… Cross References Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes Deuteronomy 29:2 Moses summoned all Israel and proclaimed to them, “You have seen with your own eyes everything the LORD did in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials, and to all his land. Deuteronomy 11:7 For it is your own eyes that have seen every great work that the LORD has done. Deuteronomy 4:3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor, for the LORD your God destroyed from among you all who followed Baal of Peor. that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. 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!” Exodus 21:13 If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. Judges 3:10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him. I was told to kill you, 1 Samuel 19:1 Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, 1 Samuel 19:11 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” 1 Samuel 22:17 Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. but I spared you 1 Samuel 25:33 Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. Genesis 20:6 Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her. 2 Kings 6:22 “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.” and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, 1 Samuel 26:11 But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” 1 Samuel 25:31 then my lord will have no remorse or guilt of conscience over needless bloodshed and revenge. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, may you remember your servant.” 2 Samuel 1:14 So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ 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 extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Treasury of Scripture Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered you to day into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill you: but my eye spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD's anointed. bade me 1 Samuel 24:4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. 1 Samuel 26:8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. the Lord's 1 Samuel 26:9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? Psalm 105:15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Jump to Previous Anointed Bade Cave Delivered Eye Eyes Hand Kill LORD's Pity Spared Stretch Today To-DayJump to Next Anointed Bade Cave Delivered Eye Eyes Hand Kill LORD's Pity Spared Stretch Today To-Day1 Samuel 24 1. David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life8. He shows thereby his innocence, 16. Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs. Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and personal witness of the event. David is speaking directly to Saul, highlighting that Saul himself has witnessed the situation. This personal testimony is crucial in biblical narratives, as it underscores the authenticity and truth of the events. In the broader biblical context, seeing with one's own eyes is often associated with understanding and acknowledging God's work (e.g., Job 42:5). 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.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is currently fleeing from King Saul. David demonstrates restraint and respect for God's anointed. 2. Saul The current king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. Saul is unaware of David's presence in the cave. 3. The Cave A location in the wilderness of En Gedi where David and his men are hiding. It becomes the setting for a significant moral and spiritual test for David. 4. David's Men Loyal followers of David who encourage him to take advantage of the opportunity to kill Saul, viewing it as divine providence. 5. The LORD’s Anointed A term referring to Saul, emphasizing the sacredness of his position as king, chosen by God, despite his current disobedience. Teaching Points Respect for God’s AnointedDavid’s refusal to harm Saul highlights the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are flawed. Trust in God’s Timing David’s decision to spare Saul demonstrates his trust in God’s timing and justice, rather than taking matters into his own hands. Moral Integrity David’s actions show the importance of maintaining integrity and righteousness, even when pressured by others to act otherwise. Forgiveness and Mercy By sparing Saul, David exemplifies forgiveness and mercy, qualities that are central to Christian living. Divine Providence Recognizing God’s hand in our circumstances can guide us to make decisions that align with His will, as David did. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 24:10?2. How does 1 Samuel 24:10 demonstrate David's respect for God's anointed leader? 3. What can we learn about forgiveness from David's actions in this passage? 4. How does David's restraint in 1 Samuel 24:10 connect to Matthew 5:44? 5. In what ways can we show mercy to those who wrong us today? 6. How does David's decision reflect trust in God's timing and justice? 7. Why did David spare Saul's life in 1 Samuel 24:10 despite Saul's intent to kill him? 8. How does 1 Samuel 24:10 illustrate the concept of divine providence and protection? 9. What does 1 Samuel 24:10 teach about mercy and forgiveness towards one's enemies? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 24? 11. Why did David remain loyal to Saul? 12. How does the Bible teach patience? 13. If Saul previously admitted David’s righteousness in 1 Samuel 24, why is he chasing David again in 1 Samuel 26? 14. 2 Samuel 4:5–7 – If God intended David to become king, why would these assassins be condemned for eliminating Ishbosheth, who was hindering David’s rule? What Does 1 Samuel 24:10 Mean Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes– David addresses Saul directly (1 Samuel 24:11), reminding him that what just happened was not rumor or hearsay. – Eyewitness confirmation removes any doubt; it fulfills the principle that “every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; cf. Matthew 18:16). – By making Saul a witness, David places the burden of response on Saul’s conscience (1 Samuel 24:17–19). the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave – David affirms God’s sovereignty; the situation was not luck but divine orchestration (1 Samuel 26:23; Psalm 31:15). – Acknowledging God’s hand guards David from pride and keeps him from acting independently of God, echoing his earlier confidence in the Lord’s deliverance (1 Samuel 17:46). – It also underscores that even Saul’s life is subject to God’s purposes (Proverbs 21:1). I was told to kill you – David’s men saw the opportunity as a providential green light: “This is the day the LORD said to you…” (1 Samuel 24:4). – Peer pressure and apparent justification did not override God’s moral standard, illustrating “do not follow the crowd in wrongdoing” (Exodus 23:2). – The moment reveals the tension between worldly counsel and godly conviction (Psalm 1:1). but I spared you – Mercy triumphs over vengeance; David embodies Proverbs 20:22, “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’.” – His restraint foreshadows the New Testament ethic of leaving room for God’s wrath (Romans 12:19) and loving enemies (Matthew 5:44). – By sparing Saul, David also preserves national stability and avoids civil war, showing wisdom as well as compassion (Proverbs 14:29). and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed’ – “LORD’s anointed” refers to Saul’s divine appointment as king (1 Samuel 10:1). Until God removes him, David respects that office (1 Samuel 26:9, 11). – The principle extends to all God-ordained authority (Romans 13:1–2). – David’s submission models true leadership: he waits for God’s timing rather than seizing power by force (Psalm 75:6-7). – It also demonstrates fear of the LORD, understanding that attacking God’s anointed is ultimately an affront to God Himself (2 Samuel 1:14). summary 1 Samuel 24:10 reveals David’s heart: he recognizes God’s sovereignty, resists ungodly counsel, chooses mercy over revenge, and honors God-appointed authority. By sparing Saul, David shows that trusting God’s timing and methods is the path of faith, even when circumstances seem to offer an easier, self-serving option. (10) Thine eyes have seen.--David and a crowd of armed men around him were standing at the entrance of the cave which King Saul had just left; thus the king's eye had seen--nay, was seeing that very moment--that his life had been in his enemy David's hand.And some bade me kill thee.--The literal translation here would be Jehovah delivered thee to-day into mine hand in the cave, and bade [me] kill thee. And this rendering has been explained by assuming that God's allowing Saul to choose the very cavern for his midday slumber where David and his company were lodging was tantamount to directing David to slay his bitter foe, thus given over helpless into his hands; but this is contrary to the spirit of the whole narrative. The English Version has followed the Syriac and Chaldee Versions here, and by supplying "some"--better, perhaps, one--before "bade me kill thee," has given us the sense in which the Hebrews have always understood the passage. The Vulg. here, with a very slight change in the vowel points, renders "I thought to kill thee." But mine eye spared thee.--The English Version supplies an obvious subject in "mine eye." Clericus suggests more happily, "my soul," or "my hand," before "spared thee." Hebrew Behold,הִנֵּה֩ (hin·nêh) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! this הַזֶּ֜ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that day הַיּ֨וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day you have seen רָא֣וּ (rā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7200: To see with your own eyes עֵינֶ֗יךָ (‘ê·ne·ḵā) Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the LORD יְהוָ֨ה ׀ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel delivered you נְתָנְךָ֩ (nə·ṯā·nə·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set into my hand בְּיָדִי֙ (bə·yā·ḏî) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3027: A hand in the cave. בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה (bam·mə·‘ā·rāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4631: A cavern I was told וְאָמַ֥ר (wə·’ā·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to kill you, לַהֲרָגֲךָ֖ (la·hă·rā·ḡă·ḵā) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent but I spared וַתָּ֣חָס (wat·tā·ḥās) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 2347: To pity, look upon with compassion you עָלֶ֑יךָ (‘ā·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against and said, וָאֹמַ֗ר (wā·’ō·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘I will not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no lift אֶשְׁלַ֤ח (’eš·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out my hand יָדִי֙ (yā·ḏî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3027: A hand against my lord, בַּֽאדֹנִ֔י (ba·ḏō·nî) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller since כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he הֽוּא׃ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is the LORD’s יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel anointed.’ מְשִׁ֥יחַ (mə·šî·aḥ) Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 4899: Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah Links 1 Samuel 24:10 NIV1 Samuel 24:10 NLT 1 Samuel 24:10 ESV 1 Samuel 24:10 NASB 1 Samuel 24:10 KJV 1 Samuel 24:10 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 24:10 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 24:10 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 24:10 French Bible 1 Samuel 24:10 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 24:10 Behold this day your eyes have seen (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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