1 Samuel 24 13

1 Samuel 24:13 kjv

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

1 Samuel 24:13 nkjv

As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.' But my hand shall not be against you.

1 Samuel 24:13 niv

As the old saying goes, 'From evildoers come evil deeds,' so my hand will not touch you.

1 Samuel 24:13 esv

As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes wickedness.' But my hand shall not be against you.

1 Samuel 24:13 nlt

As that old proverb says, 'From evil people come evil deeds.' So you can be sure I will never harm you.

1 Samuel 24 verses

1 Samuel 24 13 Meaning

1 Samuel 24:13 conveys an ancient proverb that attributes evil actions solely to evildoers, implying that virtuous individuals do not commit such deeds. David recites this proverb to King Saul, emphasizing that because his actions toward Saul (not harming him despite opportunity) were not evil, he is not an evildoer. This serves as David's declaration of innocence and his refusal to retaliate, thereby contrasting his righteous conduct with Saul's relentless pursuit. It underscores David's reliance on God for justice rather than taking matters into his own hands.

1 Samuel 24 13 Context

This verse is spoken by David to King Saul after David has demonstrated his refusal to harm Saul. The immediate context is set within a cave near En Gedi, where Saul, unknowingly, enters to relieve himself while David and his men are hidden within. David, having the perfect opportunity to kill his relentless persecutor, chooses instead to only cut off a corner of Saul's robe as proof that he could have taken Saul's life but refrained. His heart struck with regret even for this small act, David then uses this proverb to explain his actions (or rather, his inaction) to Saul. The historical backdrop involves Saul's obsessive and unjust pursuit of David, fueled by jealousy and paranoia, contrasting sharply with David's anointing by God as the future king and his commitment to honoring God's anointed, despite Saul's severe sin. David’s speech is an appeal to Saul's conscience and a public declaration of his blamelessness and trust in divine justice.

1 Samuel 24 13 Word analysis

• "As the proverb" (כמשל - kameshal):
  • Mashal (מָשָׁל) in Hebrew refers to a proverb, a parable, an adage, or even a taunt. It denotes a widely recognized saying or principle that encapsulates wisdom.
  • Significance: By invoking a proverb, David appeals to a common understanding and ancient wisdom shared by his audience (Saul). It lends authority and universality to his statement, implying the truth he presents is not new or personal, but an established reality.
• "of the ancients says" (קדמני - kadmoni):
  • Kadmoni (קַדְמֹנִי) means "ancient," "former," or "old." It refers to things from a bygone era, deeply rooted in tradition.
  • Significance: This phrase highlights the proverb's age and established nature, affirming its time-tested truth. It suggests that such wisdom has been passed down through generations, indicating its universal validity across time and culture.
• "From evildoers" (מרשעים - mirshaiim):
  • Rasha (רָשָׁע) means "wicked," "guilty," or "evil person." It describes someone whose nature and actions are morally wrong and opposed to God's will.
  • Significance: The source of wickedness is not external circumstance but the inherent character of evildoers. This implies an internal moral corruption that manifests in harmful actions. David is separating himself from this category of people.
• "proceeds wickedness" (יצא רשע - yetzei rasha):
  • Yetzei (יֵצֵא) means "goes out," "comes forth," "proceeds."
  • Resha (רֶשַׁע) means "wickedness," "evil," "guilt," "malice." It denotes evil actions or conditions resulting from a wicked nature.
  • Significance: This phrase establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship: wicked deeds spring directly from wicked people. It’s an inherent outflow. Evil is not external to them; it is generated by them, defining their very being. David implies that Saul's malicious pursuit could only come from someone who embodies wickedness.
• "But my hand" (ידי - yadi):
  • Yadi (יָדִי) means "my hand." The hand often symbolizes action, power, or authority.
  • Significance: David contrasts his hand with the wickedness of others. His hands, though capable of power and action, were deliberately kept from harming Saul. This emphasizes David's conscious choice and restraint.
• "shall not be against you" (תהיה בך - tihyeh bekha):
  • Tihyeh (תִּהְיֶה) means "it shall be," "it will be."
  • Bekha (בְּךָ) means "in you" or "against you" in this context of aggression.
  • Significance: This is David’s powerful declaration of non-retaliation. Despite ample opportunity and strong provocation, David chooses not to become like his oppressor. It reveals his trust in God's sovereignty and judgment, distinguishing him sharply from those who engage in personal vendetta.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "As the proverb of the ancients says: From evildoers proceeds wickedness": This phrase functions as the core proverb. It is an axiomatic statement rooted in traditional wisdom. It posits a clear source-to-outcome relationship: evil deeds originate from individuals characterized by evil. This is a statement about character producing corresponding action. It reflects the truth that the outward expressions of a person flow from their inward nature.
• "But my hand shall not be against you": This phrase is David's direct application of the proverb to himself. By stating that his hand (his action) was not against Saul (an evil act in that context), he is subtly arguing that he is not an "evildoer." It is a rhetorical device designed to highlight his blamelessness and demonstrate his adherence to a higher moral standard, contrasting sharply with Saul's behavior. This act of non-retaliation proves his righteousness and trust in God's justice rather than self-justice.

1 Samuel 24 13 Bonus section

The proverb in 1 Samuel 24:13 is not found explicitly elsewhere in the Bible, but its underlying truth is a common biblical theme. The principle that actions reveal character and that evil originates from a corrupted heart is deeply embedded in both Old Testament wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs, Psalms) and New Testament teachings (e.g., Jesus' parables about fruits of the tree, or Paul's discussions on the flesh). David's use of this "proverb of the ancients" implies a foundational, almost intuitive, understanding of moral causality. It also served as a veiled yet potent challenge to Saul, forcing the king to consider the source of his own actions. Saul, the one pursuing David with evil intent, was inadvertently proving himself to be the "evildoer" by his own actions, according to the very proverb David quoted. David, by restraining his hand, validated his claim of righteousness and, by extension, God's anointing upon him as opposed to Saul. This highlights the concept that God's chosen leader would reflect God's own character, marked by righteousness and trust, rather than human ambition and malice.

1 Samuel 24 13 Commentary

1 Samuel 24:13 serves as a pivotal verse demonstrating David’s moral character, wisdom, and profound trust in God amidst severe provocation. By quoting an ancient proverb, David essentially declares that righteous people do not commit wicked deeds, and since he has not acted wickedly towards Saul, he is not an evildoer. This direct yet humble assertion reveals David's belief that his actions flow from his inner state, distinguishing him from those whose hearts are given over to wickedness. It’s a profound statement that contrasts human propensity for immediate revenge with divine patience and justice. David's choice not to touch God's anointed, even when given an opportune moment, signifies his reliance on the Lord to execute justice and establish His will. This commitment to non-retaliation and deference to God's timing became a hallmark of David's walk with God, setting him apart as a man after God's own heart, not one driven by personal vendetta. This principle calls believers to recognize that our actions are outward manifestations of our inner being, and that true righteousness seeks God's justice rather than its own.

• Example: If a friend gossips about you, applying this principle would mean not gossiping back. You would not let your heart lead you to a 'wicked' action because it stems from their evil, not your good.
• Example: When wronged in business, instead of cutting corners to get even, relying on legal and just processes demonstrates one's refusal to let 'wickedness proceed from oneself.'