2 Samuel 1:9
New International Version
“Then he said to me, ‘Stand here by me and kill me! I’m in the throes of death, but I’m still alive.’

New Living Translation
“Then he begged me, ‘Come over here and put me out of my misery, for I am in terrible pain and want to die.’

English Standard Version
And he said to me, ‘Stand beside me and kill me, for anguish has seized me, and yet my life still lingers.’

Berean Standard Bible
Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’

Berean Literal Bible
And he said to me, ‘Stand, please, over me and kill me, for the anguish has seized me, but all my life is in me still.’

King James Bible
He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.

New King James Version
He said to me again, ‘Please stand over me and kill me, for anguish has come upon me, but my life still remains in me.’

New American Standard Bible
And he said to me, ‘Please stand next to me and finish me off, for agony has seized me because my life still lingers in me.’

NASB 1995
“Then he said to me, ‘Please stand beside me and kill me, for agony has seized me because my life still lingers in me.’

NASB 1977
“Then he said to me, ‘Please stand beside me and kill me; for agony has seized me because my life still lingers in me.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he said to me, ‘Please stand beside me and put me to death, for agony has seized me because my life still lingers in me.’

Amplified Bible
He said to me, ‘Stand up facing me and kill me, for [terrible] agony has come over me, yet I still live [and I will be taken alive].’

Berean Annotated Bible
Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’

Christian Standard Bible
Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for I’m mortally wounded, but my life still lingers.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for I’m mortally wounded, but my life still lingers.’

American Standard Version
And he said unto me, Stand, I pray thee, beside me, and slay me; for anguish hath taken hold of me, because my life is yet whole in me.

Contemporary English Version
Then he said, "Kill me! I'm dying, and I'm in terrible pain."

English Revised Version
And he said unto me, Stand, I pray thee, beside me, and slay me, for anguish hath taken hold of me; because my life is yet whole in me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"He said to me, 'Please stand over me and kill me. I'm alive, but I'm suffering.'

Good News Translation
Then he said, 'Come here and kill me! I have been badly wounded, and I'm about to die.'

International Standard Version
He begged me, 'Please—come stand here next to me and kill me, because I'm still alive.'

NET Bible
He said to me, 'Stand over me and finish me off! I'm very dizzy, even though I'm still alive.'

New Heart English Bible
He said to me, 'Please stand beside me, and kill me; for anguish has taken hold of me, yet there is life in me still.'

Webster's Bible Translation
He said to me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’

World English Bible
He said to me, ‘Please stand beside me, and kill me, for anguish has taken hold of me because my life lingers in me.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he says to me, Please stand over me and put me to death, for the arrow has seized me, for all my soul [is] still in me.

Berean Literal Bible
And he said to me, ‘Stand, please, over me and kill me, for the anguish has seized me, but all my life is in me still.’

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith unto me, Stand, I pray thee, over me, and put me to death, for seized me hath the arrow, for all my soul is still in me.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say to me, Stand now, upon me, and kill me, for perplexity seized me because my soul is yet all in me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to me: Stand over me, and kill me: for anguish is come upon me, and as yet my whole life is in me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to me: “Stand over me, and kill me. For anguish has taken hold of me, and still my whole life is in me.”

New American Bible
Then he said to me, ‘Stand over me, please, and put me to death, for I am in great suffering, but still alive.’

New Revised Standard Version
He said to me, ‘Come, stand over me and kill me; for convulsions have seized me, and yet my life still lingers.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then he said to me, Stand over me and slay me; for anguish has seized me because my life is still whole in me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said to me: “Arise against me and kill me, because terror has seized me and all my soul within me!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said unto me: Stand, I pray thee, beside me, and slay me, for the agony hath taken hold of me; because my life is just yet in me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said to me, Stand, I pray thee, over me, and slay me, for a dreadful darkness has come upon me, for all my life is in me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Learns of Saul's Death
8‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 9Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’ 10So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”…

Cross References
Then he begged me,

Numbers 11:15
If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.”

1 Kings 19:4
while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

Jonah 4:3
And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
‘Stand over me and kill me,

1 Samuel 31:4
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.

Judges 9:54
He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So Abimelech’s armor-bearer ran his sword through him, and he died.

1 Chronicles 10:4
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
for agony has seized me,

1 Chronicles 10:3
When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him.

Psalm 116:3
The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow.

Psalm 38:8
I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.
but my life still lingers.’

Job 33:22
He draws near to the Pit, and his life to the messengers of death.

Psalm 107:18
They loathed all food and drew near to the gates of death.

Deuteronomy 28:66
So your life will hang in doubt before you, and you will be afraid night and day, never certain of survival.
1 Samuel 14:13
So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. And the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off.

1 Samuel 28:19
Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”

1 Kings 22:34-35
However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!” / The battle raged throughout that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. And the blood from his wound ran out onto the floor of the chariot, and that evening he died.

2 Kings 9:24
Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.


Treasury of Scripture

He said to me again, Stand, I pray you, on me, and slay me: for anguish is come on me, because my life is yet whole in me.

anguish, etc.

Jump to Previous
Agony Anguish Arrow Death Grip Hold Kill Life Pain Please Seized Side Slay Soul Stand Strong Throes Whole
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Agony Anguish Arrow Death Grip Hold Kill Life Pain Please Seized Side Slay Soul Stand Strong Throes Whole
2 Samuel 1
1. The Amalekite who accused himself of Saul's death is slain
17. David laments Saul and Jonathan with a song












Then he begged me
This phrase indicates a plea for mercy or relief. In the context of ancient warfare, it was not uncommon for a wounded soldier to request a swift death to avoid prolonged suffering or capture. This reflects the desperation and vulnerability of Saul, Israel's first king, who finds himself in a dire situation on the battlefield.

‘Stand over me and kill me
The request to "stand over" suggests a position of dominance or authority, highlighting the power dynamics even in moments of vulnerability. Saul's request for death can be seen as an act of desperation, seeking to avoid the shame of being captured by the Philistines. This moment is significant as it marks the end of Saul's reign and the beginning of David's rise to power, fulfilling God's earlier anointing of David as king.

for agony has seized me
The term "agony" here refers to both physical pain and the emotional torment of defeat. Saul's suffering is a consequence of his disobedience to God, as seen in earlier chapters where he fails to fully carry out God's commands. This moment serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's will.

but my life still lingers
Despite his severe injuries, Saul is still alive, indicating a prolonged suffering. This lingering life can be seen as a metaphor for Saul's prolonged struggle against God's plan for David to become king. It also reflects the tension between life and death, a common theme in biblical narratives, where God's sovereignty over life is emphasized.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by initial success but later marred by disobedience to God, leading to his downfall.

2. Amalekite
A young man who claimed to have killed Saul at Saul's own request. His account is part of the account of Saul's death, though it conflicts with the account in 1 Samuel 31.

3. Mount Gilboa
The location where Saul and his sons died in battle against the Philistines. It is a significant site of defeat for Israel.

4. David
Anointed by God to be the next king of Israel. He mourns Saul's death despite Saul's pursuit to kill him, showing David's respect for God's anointed.

5. Philistines
The enemies of Israel who fought against Saul and his army, leading to the tragic events on Mount Gilboa.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's tragic end serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of disobeying God's commands. His life illustrates the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God.

Respect for God's Anointed
David's response to Saul's death, despite Saul's pursuit of him, teaches us about respecting those whom God has placed in authority, even when they fail.

The Reality of Desperation
Saul's request to the Amalekite highlights the desperation and hopelessness that can result from a life lived apart from God's guidance.

Integrity in Leadership
David's lament for Saul and Jonathan shows his integrity and respect for God's anointed, setting an example for how we should respond to leadership failures.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transitions
The transition from Saul to David underscores God's sovereignty in appointing leaders and His ultimate plan for His people.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 1:9?

2. How does 2 Samuel 1:9 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God?

3. What does Saul's plea in 2 Samuel 1:9 reveal about his state of mind?

4. How can we apply the lessons from Saul's end to our spiritual walk?

5. What scriptural connections exist between 2 Samuel 1:9 and God's sovereignty over life?

6. How does 2 Samuel 1:9 challenge us to trust God's timing and plan?

7. Why did Saul ask to be killed in 2 Samuel 1:9?

8. How does 2 Samuel 1:9 align with the commandment "You shall not murder"?

9. What does 2 Samuel 1:9 reveal about Saul's character and leadership?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 1?

11. How did King Saul die? (1 Samuel 31:4-6 vs. 2 Samuel 1:8-10)

12. What is the Bible's stance on mercy killing?

13. In 2 Samuel 9:1, how is it historical or archaeologically verifiable that no one else knew of Saul's surviving heir except David's court?

14. How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5)
What Does 2 Samuel 1:9 Mean
Then he begged me

• The speaker is the Amalekite messenger describing Saul’s final request (2 Samuel 1:6–10).

• Saul had already pleaded with his own armor-bearer in the heat of battle (1 Samuel 31:4), echoing earlier scenes such as Abimelech’s cry to his armor-bearer in Judges 9:54.

• The plea highlights Saul’s desperation and isolation; all who should have stood by him had fled (1 Samuel 31:1).

• David will later confront the Amalekite about this request, underscoring personal responsibility even when someone “begs” for a wrongful act (2 Samuel 1:14-16).


Stand over me and kill me

• Saul asks for an act that violates God’s clear command, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).

• Scripture consistently condemns taking life to avoid disgrace or pain—see the fate of Zimri when he set fire to the palace and died in his sin (1 Kings 16:18-19).

• David, who once spared Saul’s life out of reverence for “the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6), will remain consistent: even a dying king’s wish cannot override divine law (2 Samuel 1:16).


for agony has seized me

• Saul is mortally wounded, “wounded by the archers” (1 Samuel 31:3).

• The Hebrew word picture is of pain grabbing hold, as in Job’s lament: “Why is light given to the one whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?” (Job 3:20-23).

• His physical torment mirrors his spiritual anguish since the Spirit of the LORD had departed from him long before (1 Samuel 16:14).

• Like the psalmist engulfed by “cords of death” (Psalm 18:4-5), Saul feels trapped with no escape except death.


but my life still lingers

• Though mortally wounded, Saul remains alive—an interval that tests the obedience of those around him.

• Scripture often records such lingering moments: King Ahaziah lay injured for days before dying (2 Kings 8:28-29).

• This pause underscores divine sovereignty over the exact moment of death (Deuteronomy 32:39).

• The lingering life should have been a final opportunity for repentance, yet Saul seeks only a quicker end.


summary

2 Samuel 1:9 captures Saul’s last earthly request—an appeal born of pain, fear, and despair. Each phrase exposes his tragic descent: abandoned on the battlefield, he pleads for an unlawful mercy killing, overwhelmed by suffering, yet still under God’s sovereign timing. The verse challenges us to honor God’s commandments even when pressured by desperate voices, to recognize that suffering does not justify sin, and to trust the Lord who alone appoints our first and last breath.

(9) Anguish is come upon me.--The word for "anguish" occurs only here, and probably does not have either of the meanings given to it in the text and margin of our version. The Rabbis explain it of cramp, others of giddiness, and the ancient versions differ as to its sense. It indicates probably some effect of his wound which incapacitated him for further combat.

Verse 9. - Anguish. This word, which occurs only in this place, comes from a root signifying to entwine or knot together. On this account Jewish commentators explain it of cramp, which often follows upon loss of blood; but it is equally possible that it means vertigo, or giddiness, when things seem to dance or interweave themselves together before the eyes. The next words signify, For yet is my life whole within me, and give the reason why Saul asked the Amalekite to slay him. The story is at least plausible. It represents the king as deserted by his army, even to the last man, and with the Philistine cavalry and chariots in close pursuit. He is not mortally wounded, but, as giddiness prevents his escape, there is danger of his falling alive into the enemy's hand; and as they would probably not have killed him, but carried him in triumph through their cities, the way would still have been blocked against David's succession. The fear of this indignity would account for Saul's earnest appeal to the Amalekite to slay him, and, so requested, it seemed right to put him to death, instead of trying to carry him off to a place of safety. But all this was merely to keep up appearances, and in his heart he doubted not that David would regard it as a signal service that his enemy was put out of the way.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

‘Stand
עֲמָד־ (‘ă·māḏ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

over
עָלַי֙ (‘ā·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

me and kill me,
וּמֹ֣תְתֵ֔נִי (ū·mō·ṯə·ṯê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

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

agony
הַשָּׁבָ֑ץ (haš·šā·ḇāṣ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7661: Entanglement, perplexity

has seized me
אֲחָזַ֖נִי (’ă·ḥā·za·nî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession

but
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

my life
נַפְשִׁ֖י (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

still
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

lingers.’
ע֥וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more


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OT History: 2 Samuel 1:9 He said to me Stand I pray (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 1:8
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