1 Samuel 24 11

1 Samuel 24:11 kjv

Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

1 Samuel 24:11 nkjv

Moreover, my father, see! Yes, see the corner of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my life to take it.

1 Samuel 24:11 niv

See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.

1 Samuel 24:11 esv

See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it.

1 Samuel 24:11 nlt

Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I didn't kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.

1 Samuel 24 verses

1 Samuel 24 11 Meaning

This verse serves as David's emphatic declaration of his innocence and loyal intentions toward King Saul. By physically presenting the edge of Saul's robe, David provides irrefutable evidence that he had the power and opportunity to take Saul's life but chose not to. This act was not driven by weakness but by respect for God's anointed. David clarifies that his actions stemmed from "no evil or rebellion" against Saul, countering any accusations of treason, and starkly contrasts his blameless conduct with Saul's persistent, unjust pursuit of his life.

1 Samuel 24 11 Context

1 Samuel chapter 24 details an intense moment of confrontation and revelation. David, persecuted by King Saul, finds refuge in a cave at En Gedi. Unbeknownst to Saul, he enters the very same cave alone to relieve himself. David's men urge him to seize this divinely-given opportunity to kill his enemy. However, David's deep reverence for the Lord's anointed prohibits him from directly harming Saul. Instead, in a quiet act, he cuts off a piece of Saul's robe. After Saul exits, David dramatically calls out to him, presenting the tangible evidence of the robe piece. This act, followed by his verbal appeal in verse 11, serves as undeniable proof of David's restraint, respect for Saul's office, and a demonstration that he harbors no evil intent or rebellious designs against the king, despite Saul's relentless pursuit of him. This pivotal encounter showcases David's character, setting him apart as "a man after God's own heart."

1 Samuel 24 11 Word analysis

• Moreover: (גַּם֙ - gam) Functions as a connective, reinforcing what David has already implied about his innocence and contrasting his actions with Saul's. It sets up the evidence.
• my father: (אָבִ֣י - 'avī) A deeply respectful and deferential term. While literally Saul's son-in-law, its use here emphasizes David's submission, his desire for familial recognition, and appeals to Saul's paternal feelings, highlighting the tragic breakdown of their relationship.
• see! Yes, see: (רְאֵ֤ה - re'eh, repeated for emphasis) An imperative, demanding Saul's focused attention. It serves as an exclamation to highlight crucial evidence. The repetition emphasizes the urgency and importance of the visual proof.
• the edge of your robe: (כְּנַף מְעִילְךָ - kenaf me'ilekha) Kenaf is "wing" or "skirt/edge," me'il is a long, often ornate outer cloak, a symbol of dignity and authority, especially for a king (e.g., Samuel's robe). Cutting it was a profound act, capable of symbolizing usurpation or denigration, yet David used it as proof of his restraint.
• in my hand: (בְּיָדִי - b'yadi) Conveys immediate physical possession and evidence. It speaks to agency—David held the capacity and the means, yet he chose not to use it for harm.
• for in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you: This phrase establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship. David uses his forbearance as concrete proof. The act of cutting the robe could have been an attack, but it led to mercy, highlighting David's integrity.
• cut off: (כָּרַ֤תִּי - karatti) Root karat means "to cut, cut off," often used for "cutting a covenant." Here, the physical cutting of the garment is a decisive action.
• did not kill you: (לֹא הֲרַגְתִּ֫יךָ - lo haragteekha) A powerful counter-point, explicitly stating the outcome that Saul most feared but David refrained from. This showcases David's moral conviction.
• know and see: (דַּ֥ע וּרְאֵ֖ה - da' v're'eh) Two imperatives, demanding both intellectual understanding (da' - know) and visual confirmation (re'eh - see). David wants Saul to grasp the full implications of what he did, both factually and emotionally.
• that there is no evil: (אֵין־רָעָה - ein ra'ah) Ra'ah refers to badness, wickedness, malice, or intent to harm. David explicitly denies any malicious design against Saul.
• or rebellion: (וּפֶ֕שַׁע - u'feshah) Pesha signifies transgression, revolt, or active rebellion. David refutes the very charge Saul consistently held against him, affirming his loyalty as a subject.
• in my hand: (בְּיָדִי - b'yadi) Again, associating David's actions (or lack thereof) with his character and integrity. What he does with his hand reveals his heart.
• and I have not sinned against you: (לֹֽא־חָטָ֙אתִי֙ לָךְ֙ - lo khatati lakh) Khatat means to "miss the mark," or "sin." This broad term encompasses any moral or covenantal transgression, denying any wrong in God's eyes regarding Saul.
• though you hunt my life to take it: (וְאַתָּה צֹדֶה אֶת־נַפְשִׁי לְקַחְתָּֽהּ - v'atah tsodeh et-nafshi l'kakhtah) A sharp contrast. Tsodeh means "to hunt" or "stalk," revealing Saul's persistent, predatory pursuit. Nafshi is "my soul" or "my life," and l'kakhtah means "to take" or "seize," implying destruction. David highlights the extreme injustice and aggression he endures, emphasizing his magnanimity in return.

1 Samuel 24 11 Bonus section

David's decision here sets a crucial precedent for his future rule, demonstrating a leader who honors God's established order and refrains from bloodshed to gain power, contrasting with the chaotic political landscape of other nations at the time. The act of cutting the robe and displaying it can also be interpreted as David unknowingly performing a symbolic "transfer of kingdom," a parallel to Samuel's tearing of Saul's robe in 1 Sam 15:27-28, which symbolized God tearing the kingdom from Saul. In this instance, David handles the symbol of the kingdom with reverence and forbearance, foreshadowing that the kingdom would be 'given' to him, not seized through violence or rebellion. This highlights God's sovereign hand in appointing His chosen ones.

1 Samuel 24 11 Commentary

This verse encapsulates David's remarkable character and moral stance in the face of grave injustice. It is a powerful legal appeal grounded in tangible proof, demonstrating his submission to God's ordained authority and his unshakeable faith. David refutes Saul's paranoid accusations of rebellion and treason not merely with words, but with a piece of cloth that spoke volumes of his self-restraint and purity of intent. He contrasts his chosen act of mercy and honor with Saul's continuous, unprovoked attempt to end his life. This moment reveals the heart of David—one committed to trusting God for vindication rather than taking personal vengeance, aligning his actions with the very will of the Lord. His deferential address ("my father") despite Saul's animosity further highlights his humble and reconciling spirit, seeking to appeal to any remaining goodness in Saul's heart. It stands as an enduring lesson in forbearance, integrity, and yielding personal retribution to divine justice, even when holding all the power to act otherwise.