1 Samuel 24:21
New International Version
Now swear to me by the LORD that you will not kill off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.”

New Living Translation
Now swear to me by the LORD that when that happens you will not kill my family and destroy my line of descendants!”

English Standard Version
Swear to me therefore by the LORD that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.”

Berean Standard Bible
So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.”

King James Bible
Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

New King James Version
Therefore swear now to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s house.”

New American Standard Bible
So now swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not eliminate my name from my father’s household.”

NASB 1995
“So now swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s household.”

NASB 1977
“So now swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s household.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So now swear to me by Yahweh that you will not cut off my seed after me and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s household.”

Amplified Bible
So now swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s household (extended family).”

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.”

American Standard Version
Swear now therefore unto me by Jehovah, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

Contemporary English Version
Promise me with the LORD as your witness, that you won't wipe out my descendants. Let them live to keep my family name alive.

English Revised Version
Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Swear an oath to the LORD for me that you will not wipe out my descendants or destroy my name in my father's family."

Good News Translation
But promise me in the LORD's name that you will spare my descendants, so that my name and my family's name will not be completely forgotten."

International Standard Version
Now swear to me by the LORD that you will never eliminate my descendants after me, and that you won't erase my name from my father's family."

Majority Standard Bible
So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father?s house.?

NET Bible
So now swear to me in the LORD's name that you will not kill my descendants after me or destroy my name from the house of my father."

New Heart English Bible
Swear now therefore to me by the LORD, that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house."

Webster's Bible Translation
Swear now therefore to me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

World English Bible
Swear now therefore to me by Yahweh that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and now, swear to me by YHWH [that] you do not cut off my seed after me, nor do you destroy my name from the house of my father.”

Young's Literal Translation
and, now, swear to me by Jehovah -- thou dost not cut off my seed after me, nor dost thou destroy my name from the house of my father.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And now swear to me by Jehovah if thou wilt cut off my seed after me, and if thou wilt destroy my name from my father's house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Swear to me by the Lord, that thou wilt not destroy my seed after me, nor take away my name from the house of my father.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Swear to me in the Lord that you will not take away my offspring after me, nor take away my name from the house of my father.”

New American Bible
swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants and that you will not blot out my name from my father’s house.”

New Revised Standard Version
Swear to me therefore by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not wipe out my name from my father’s house.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Swear now therefore to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Swear to me by LORD JEHOVAH that you will not destroy my seed after me, and you will not destroy my name from the house of my father!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now then swear to me by the Lord, that thou wilt not destroy my seed after me, that thou wilt not blot out my name from the house of my father.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Oath to Saul
20Now I know for sure that you will be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. 21So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.” 22So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Romans 12:20-21
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Genesis 50:17-21
‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. / His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ...

Luke 6:27-28
But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Matthew 6:14-15
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 yours.

Romans 12:17-19
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Exodus 23:4-5
If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.

Proverbs 24:17-18
Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, / or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.

Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.


Treasury of Scripture

Swear now therefore to me by the LORD, that you will not cut off my seed after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house.

Swear

1 Samuel 20:14-17
And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: …

Genesis 21:23
Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

Genesis 31:48,53
And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; …

that thou

2 Samuel 21:6-8
Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them

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Cut Descendants Destroy End House Household Oath Seed Swear Wilt Wipe
1 Samuel 24
1. David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life
8. He shows thereby his innocence,
16. Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs.














So now, swear to me by the LORD
In this phrase, Saul is asking David to make a solemn oath before God, which was a common practice in ancient Israel to ensure the seriousness and binding nature of a promise. Swearing by the LORD indicates the invocation of God's authority and presence as a witness to the oath. This reflects the cultural and religious significance of oaths in biblical times, where breaking an oath was seen as a serious offense against God (Numbers 30:2). The use of God's name in the oath underscores the gravity of the request and the trust Saul places in David's integrity.

that you will not cut off my descendants
Saul's request for the protection of his descendants is rooted in the historical context of royal succession in the ancient Near East, where new kings often eliminated the family of their predecessors to secure their own throne. Saul's plea reflects his awareness of the potential threat to his lineage due to David's rising prominence. This request also highlights the theme of covenant loyalty, as David had previously shown kindness to Jonathan, Saul's son, and had made a covenant with him (1 Samuel 18:3). This foreshadows David's later actions in 2 Samuel 9, where he honors his promise by showing kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son.

or wipe out my name from my father’s house.
The concern for preserving one's name and legacy was significant in the ancient world, as it was tied to one's honor and memory. Saul's request reflects a desire for his family line to continue and be remembered, which was a common concern in biblical times (Proverbs 10:7). The phrase "wipe out my name" suggests the complete eradication of Saul's lineage and legacy, which would be a source of shame and dishonor. This request also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness in preserving the line of David, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1). Saul's plea, therefore, indirectly points to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through David's lineage.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Anointed future king of Israel, known for his faithfulness to God and his complex relationship with King Saul.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, fearing the loss of his throne.

3. The Wilderness of En Gedi
A rugged, desert area near the Dead Sea where David and his men hide from Saul.

4. The Cave Encounter
A significant event where David spares Saul's life, demonstrating mercy and respect for God's anointed king.

5. The Oath
Saul requests David to swear an oath to preserve his family line, acknowledging David's future as king.
Teaching Points
Respect for God's Anointed
David's respect for Saul, despite Saul's hostility, teaches us to honor those in authority, trusting God's timing and justice.

The Power of Mercy
David's decision to spare Saul's life exemplifies the power of mercy and forgiveness, encouraging us to extend grace even to our adversaries.

The Importance of Integrity
The oath David makes to Saul underscores the importance of keeping our promises and maintaining integrity in our relationships.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
David's restraint and trust in God's plan remind us to rely on God's sovereignty rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Legacy and Future Generations
Saul's concern for his descendants highlights the importance of considering the impact of our actions on future generations.(21) Swear now therefore unto me.--So strongly was Saul convinced at this moment that David would at no distant period of time occupy the throne of Israel that he entreated him, when that day should come, not to destroy all his (Saul's) children. This barbarous custom has been always too common a practice in the jealous East. It seems to have been equally dreaded by Jonathan, who made--it will be remembered--this condition of mercy to be shown by David in his day of power to his (Jonathan's) children a part of the solemn covenant concluded between them. (See 1Samuel 20:15.) In the frequent dynastic changes which took place in the kingdom of Israel, we have instances of such wholesale massacres of the royal family of the fallen house. (See 1Kings 15:29, where Baasha slew King Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, and took his throne. Then Baasha, we read, "smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed; "and in 1Kings 16:11, where Zimri murdered his master, King Baasha. Zimri, "as soon as he sat on his throne, slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends.") A similar massacre is described, only with more ghastly details, in 2 Kings 10, where "Jehu slew all that remained to Ahab in Samaria." There the story is peculiarly an Oriental scene of history, with the seventy baskets containing the seventy heads of princes presented as an acceptable offering to the new stern king of Israel--Jehu. It was, therefore, no vain dread of what might happen in the future which made King Saul ask this of David. Doubtless the fear of some such awful catastrophe happening to his own loved children and friends was no small part of the punishment of Saul.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So now,
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

swear
הִשָּׁ֤בְעָה (hiš·šā·ḇə·‘āh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

to me
לִּי֙ (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

by the LORD
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

that you will not
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

cut off
תַּכְרִ֥ית (taḵ·rîṯ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

my descendants
זַרְעִ֖י (zar·‘î)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

or wipe out
תַּשְׁמִ֥יד (taš·mîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8045: To be exterminated or destroyed

my name
שְׁמִ֖י (šə·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8034: A name

from my father's
אָבִֽי׃ (’ā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

house.”
מִבֵּ֥ית (mib·bêṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT History: 1 Samuel 24:21 Swear now therefore to me by Yahweh (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 24:20
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