1 Samuel 24:8
New International Version
Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.

New Living Translation
David came out and shouted after him, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked around, David bowed low before him.

English Standard Version
Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage.

Berean Standard Bible
After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence

King James Bible
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

New King James Version
David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down.

New American Standard Bible
Afterward, however, David got up and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.

NASB 1995
Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.

NASB 1977
Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.

Amplified Bible
Then David also got up afterward and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and lay himself face down.

Christian Standard Bible
After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called to Saul, “My lord the king! ” When Saul looked behind him, David knelt low with his face to the ground and paid homage.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed to the ground in homage.

American Standard Version
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance.

Contemporary English Version
Soon, David also got up and left the cave. "Your Majesty!" he shouted from a distance. Saul turned around to look. David bowed down very low

English Revised Version
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Later, David got up, left the cave, and called to Saul, "Your Majesty!" When Saul looked back, David knelt down with his face touching the ground.

Good News Translation
Then David went out after him and called to him, "Your Majesty!" Saul turned around, and David bowed down to the ground in respect

International Standard Version
Then David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul: "Your majesty!" Saul looked behind him, and David bowed down with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.

Majority Standard Bible
After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, ?My lord the king!? When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence

NET Bible
Afterward David got up and went out of the cave. He called out after Saul, "My lord, O king!" When Saul looked behind him, David kneeled down and bowed with his face to the ground.

New Heart English Bible
Afterward David also got up and left the cave, and called out after Saul, saying, "My lord the king." When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and did homage.

Webster's Bible Translation
David also rose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

World English Bible
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave and cried after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and showed respect.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David rises afterward, and goes out from the cave, and calls after Saul, saying, “My lord, O king!” And Saul looks attentively behind him, and David bows—face to the earth—and pays respect.

Young's Literal Translation
and David riseth afterwards, and goeth out from the cave, and calleth after Saul, saying, 'My lord, O king!' And Saul looketh attentively behind him, and David boweth -- face to the earth -- and doth obeisance.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will rise up after him and will come forth from the cave, and he will call after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And Saul will look behind him, and David will bow down his face to the earth, and worship him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David also rose up after him: and going out of the cave cried after Saul, saying: My lord the king. And Saul looked behind him: and David bowing himself down to the ground, worshipped,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then David also rose up after him. And departing from the cave, he cried out behind the back of Saul, saying: “My lord, the king!” And Saul looked behind him. And David, bowing himself face down to the ground, reverenced.

New American Bible
David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked back, David bowed, his face to the ground in homage,

New Revised Standard Version
Afterwards David also rose up and went out of the cave and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
David also arose afterward and went out of the cave and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and did him obeisance.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David arose after this and went out from the cave, and he called after Shaul, and said: “My Lord, the King!” And Shaul turned back around, and David fell on his face on the ground, and he bowed
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying: 'My lord the king.' And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and prostrated himself.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David rose up and went after him out of the cave: and David cried after Saul, saying, My lord, O king! and Saul looked behind him, and David bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance to him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Spares Saul
7With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way. 8After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence 9and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?…

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

Romans 12:19-21
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.” / 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.

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.

Genesis 50:19-21
But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? / As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. / Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.

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.

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!

Romans 12:17
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.

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.

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.

Matthew 5:39
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;

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.

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.

James 5:6
You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you.


Treasury of Scripture

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

My lord

1 Samuel 26:17
And Saul knew David's voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.

David stooped

1 Samuel 20:41
And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

1 Samuel 25:23,24
And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, …

Genesis 17:3
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

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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.














After that
This phrase indicates a sequence of events, following David's decision not to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity. The Hebrew root here suggests a continuation or consequence, emphasizing David's restraint and moral integrity. It highlights the importance of patience and trust in God's timing, a recurring theme in David's life.

David got up
David's action of rising signifies a transition from contemplation to action. The Hebrew verb used here can imply readiness and determination. David's decision to confront Saul directly, rather than through violence, underscores his commitment to righteousness and his respect for God's anointed king.

went out of the cave
The cave represents a place of refuge and concealment. David's emergence symbolizes stepping into the light, both literally and metaphorically. It reflects his courage and willingness to face potential danger, trusting in God's protection and justice.

called out to Saul
David's calling out is an act of communication and reconciliation. The Hebrew term for "called out" can also mean to proclaim or announce, indicating David's intention to make his presence and intentions known. This act demonstrates his desire for peace and resolution, rather than conflict.

My lord the king!
This respectful address acknowledges Saul's authority and position, despite Saul's pursuit of David. The Hebrew words convey honor and submission, reflecting David's recognition of God's established order. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting authority, even when it is unjust.

When Saul looked behind him
Saul's action of looking back signifies a moment of realization and vulnerability. The Hebrew context suggests a turning or change in perspective. This moment is pivotal, as it opens the door for Saul to see David's loyalty and integrity firsthand.

David bowed facedown in reverence
David's physical act of bowing is a profound gesture of humility and respect. The Hebrew root for "bowed" indicates submission and honor. This act not only shows David's respect for Saul as king but also his reverence for God's sovereignty. It exemplifies the Christian virtue of humility, even in the face of adversity.

(8) And cried after Saul.--The outlaw suffered the king and his companion to proceed some little way--possibly down the deep ascent which led up to the cave's mouth--and then called after Saul, but with an address of the deepest reverence, accompanied too (see next clause) with an act of the profoundest homage which an inferior could pay to a superior. He would show Saul at least he was no rival king.

Verse 8. - Saul apparently had withdrawn from his men, and David seizes the opportunity of proving to him his innocence, and quieting the king's fears. He goes out, therefore, and calls after him, saying, My lord the king, addressing him thus as his master, to whom his obedience was due. He also pays him the utmost reverence, bowing his face to the earth and making obeisance. By this lowly bearing David showed that, so far from being a rebel, he still acknowledged Saul's lawful authority, and was true to his allegiance.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
After
אַחֲרֵי־ (’a·ḥă·rê-)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

that,
כֵ֗ן (ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

David
דָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

got up,
וַיָּ֨קָם (way·yā·qām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

went out
וַיֵּצֵא֙ (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of
מן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the cave,
מֵֽהַמְּעָרָ֔ה (mê·ham·mə·‘ā·rāh)
Preposition-m, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4631: A cavern

and called out
וַיִּקְרָ֧א (way·yiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to
אַֽחֲרֵי־ (’a·ḥă·rê-)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

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

“My lord
אֲדֹנִ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

the king!”
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

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

looked
וַיַּבֵּ֤ט (way·yab·bêṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5027: To scan, look intently at, to regard

behind him,
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו (’a·ḥă·rāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

David
דָּוִ֥ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

bowed
וַיִּקֹּ֨ד (way·yiq·qōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6915: To shrivel up, contract, bend the body, in deference

facedown
אַפַּ֛יִם (’ap·pa·yim)
Noun - md
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

in reverence
וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃ (way·yiš·tā·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate


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OT History: 1 Samuel 24:8 David also arose afterward and went out (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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