1 Samuel 26:8
New International Version
Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike him twice.”

New Living Translation
“God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time!” Abishai whispered to David. “Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t need to strike twice!”

English Standard Version
Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.”

Berean Standard Bible
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!”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once with the spear, right to the earth; and I will not have to strike him a second time!”

New American Standard Bible
Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has handed your enemy over to you; now then, please let me pin him with the spear to the ground with one thrust, and I will not do it to him a second time.”

NASB 1995
Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand; now therefore, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.”

NASB 1977
Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand; now therefore, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has surrendered your enemy into your hand; so now, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.”

Amplified Bible
Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day; now then, please let me strike him with the spear driving it to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy to you. Let me thrust the spear through him into the ground just once. I won’t have to strike him twice! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has handed your enemy over to you. Let me thrust the spear through him into the ground just once. I won’t have to strike him twice!”

American Standard Version
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered up thine enemy into thy hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not smite him the second time.

Contemporary English Version
Abishai whispered, "This time God has let you get your hands on your enemy! I'll pin him to the ground with one thrust of his own spear."

English Revised Version
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered up thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not smite him the second time.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Abishai said to David, "Today God has turned your enemy over to you. Please let me nail him to the ground with one stab of the spear. I won't have to do it twice!"

Good News Translation
Abishai said to David, "God has put your enemy in your power tonight. Now let me plunge his own spear through him and pin him to the ground with just one blow--I won't have to strike twice!"

International Standard Version
Abishai told David, "Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Let me run the spear through him into the ground with a single blow. I won't need to strike him twice!"

Majority Standard Bible
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!?

NET Bible
Abishai said to David, "Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me drive the spear right through him into the ground with one swift jab! A second jab won't be necessary!"

New Heart English Bible
Then Abishai said to David, "God has delivered up your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore please let me strike him with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thy enemy into thy 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.

World English Bible
Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered up your enemy into your hand today. Now therefore please let me strike him with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abishai says to David, “God has shut up your enemy into your hand today; and now, please let me strike him with [the] spear, even into the earth, at once—and not repeat [it] to him.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Abishai saith unto David, 'God hath shut up to-day thine enemy into thy hand; and, now, let me smite him, I pray thee, with a spear, even into the earth at once -- and I do repeat it to him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abishai will say to David, God shut up this day thine enemy in thy hand: and now, I will strike him now with the spear, and into the earth once, and I will not repeat to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Abisai said to David: God hath shut up thy enemy this day into thy hands: now then I will run him through with my spear even to the earth at once, and there shall be no need of a second time.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Abishai said to David: “God has enclosed your enemy this day in your hands. Now therefore, I will pierce him with my lance, through to the ground, once, and there will not need to be a second.”

New American Bible
Abishai whispered to David: “God has delivered your enemy into your hand today. Let me nail him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I will not need to strike him twice!”

New Revised Standard Version
Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand today; now therefore let me pin him to the ground with one stroke of the spear; I will not strike him twice.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then said Abishai to David, Your God has delivered your enemy into your hands this day; now therefore let me smite him just once with this spear which is on the ground, and I will not smite him the second time.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abishi said to David: “Your God has delivered your enemy today into your hands! Now I will strike him with this spear that is in the ground, one time, and I will not do it again!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said Abishai to David: 'God hath delivered up thine enemy into thy hand this day; now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not smite him the second time.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abessa said to David, The Lord has this day shut up thine enemy into thine hands, and now I will smite him to the earth with the spear to the ground once for all, and I will not smite him again.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Again Spares Saul
7That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. 8Abishai 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!” 9But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 24:4-6
So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

2 Samuel 16:9-10
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” / But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’”

2 Samuel 18:14-15
But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree. / And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him.

1 Kings 2:29-34
It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” / And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. ...

1 Kings 19:1-3
Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. / So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!” / And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,

Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.

Numbers 35:19-21
The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. / Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him, / or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him.

Deuteronomy 32:35
Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”

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.

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Matthew 26:52-54
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. / Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? / But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

Luke 9:54-56
When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” / But Jesus turned and rebuked them. / And He and His disciples went on to another village.

Luke 22:49-51
Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” / And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. / But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.

John 18:10-11
Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. / “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”


Treasury of Scripture

Then said Abishai to David, God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray you, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.

God

1 Samuel 26:23
The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

1 Samuel 23:14
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

1 Samuel 24:4,18,19
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…

delivered [heb] shut up

1 Samuel 24:18
And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.

Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Psalm 31:8
And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

the second time

Nahum 1:9
What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

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1 Samuel 26
1. Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David
4. David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul,
11. but takes his spear and jug
13. David reproves Abner
17. and exhorts Saul
21. Saul acknowledges his sin














Abishai said to David
The name "Abishai" means "father of a gift" in Hebrew, indicating a person of significance and strength. Abishai, the son of Zeruiah and brother of Joab, is a loyal warrior to David. His presence here highlights the loyalty and fierce dedication of David's men. Historically, Abishai is known for his bravery and military prowess, which is evident in his willingness to take decisive action against Saul. This phrase sets the stage for a moment of moral testing for David, as he is surrounded by loyal followers who are eager to see him ascend to the throne.

Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand
This phrase reflects a common belief in divine providence, where events are seen as orchestrated by God. The Hebrew word for "delivered" (נָתַן, natan) implies a gift or a grant, suggesting that Saul's vulnerability is perceived as a divine opportunity. In the historical context, David's men interpret Saul's vulnerable position as a sign of God's favor towards David. This moment is a test of David's faith and integrity, as he must decide whether to act on this perceived divine intervention or adhere to his principles.

Now please let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear
Abishai's request is direct and forceful, reflecting the warrior culture of ancient Israel. The spear, a common weapon of the time, symbolizes power and finality. The phrase "pin him to the ground" suggests a swift and decisive action, eliminating Saul as a threat once and for all. This moment is charged with tension, as it presents a clear choice between violence and restraint. Abishai's confidence in his ability to kill Saul with a single blow underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential for immediate resolution of David's struggles.

I will not need to strike him twice
This statement emphasizes Abishai's confidence and skill as a warrior. It also highlights the finality of the proposed action. The assurance of a single, fatal strike reflects the brutal efficiency expected in ancient warfare. However, this phrase also serves to heighten the moral dilemma faced by David. The ease with which Saul could be killed contrasts sharply with the ethical and spiritual considerations that David must weigh. In the broader scriptural context, this moment foreshadows David's commitment to righteousness and his refusal to harm the Lord's anointed, demonstrating his deep respect for God's authority and timing.

(8) I will not smite him the second time.--The meaning of the savage words of Abishai is accurately given in Lange's paraphrase, "I will pin him to the ground so thoroughly with one blow that it will not need another to kul him;" "et secundo non opus erit" as the Vulg. well renders it.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Abishai
אֲבִישַׁי֙ (’ă·ḇî·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name

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

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

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

God
אֱלֹהִ֥ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

has delivered
סִגַּ֨ר (sig·gar)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5462: To shut up, to surrender

your enemy
אוֹיִבְךָ֖ (’ō·w·yiḇ·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

into your hand.
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ (bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

Now, therefore,
וְעַתָּה֩ (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

please
נָ֜א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let me thrust the spear
בַּחֲנִ֤ית (ba·ḥă·nîṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

through him
אַכֶּ֨נּוּ (’ak·ken·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

into the ground
וּבָאָ֙רֶץ֙ (ū·ḇā·’ā·reṣ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

with one
אַחַ֔ת (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

stroke.
פַּ֣עַם (pa·‘am)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

I will not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

need to strike him twice!”
אֶשְׁנֶ֖ה (’eš·neh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8138: To fold, duplicate, to transmute


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OT History: 1 Samuel 26:8 Then said Abishai to David God has (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 26:7
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