Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version What you have done is not good. As surely as the LORD lives, you and your men must die, because you did not guard your master, the LORD’s anointed. Look around you. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head?” New Living Translation This isn’t good at all! I swear by the LORD that you and your men deserve to die, because you failed to protect your master, the LORD’s anointed! Look around! Where are the king’s spear and the jug of water that were beside his head?” English Standard Version This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, the LORD’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is and the jar of water that was at his head.” Berean Standard Bible This thing you have done is not good. As surely as the LORD lives, all of you deserve to die, since you did not protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now look around. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?” Berean Literal Bible This thing that you have done is not good. As YHWH lives, surely you⁺ deserve to die, because you⁺ have not watched over your⁺ master, over the anointed of YHWH. And now see, where is the spear of the king and the jug of water that was by his head?” King James Bible This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster. New King James Version This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, because you have not guarded your master, the LORD’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the jug of water that was by his head.” New American Standard Bible This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, all of you undoubtedly must die, because you did not guard your lord, the LORD’S anointed. And now, see where the king’s spear is and the jug of water that was at his head!” NASB 1995 “This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, all of you must surely die, because you did not guard your lord, the LORD’S anointed. And now, see where the king’s spear is and the jug of water that was at his head.” NASB 1977 “This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, all of you must surely die, because you did not guard your lord, the LORD’s anointed. And now, see where the king’s spear is, and the jug of water that was at his head.” Legacy Standard Bible This thing that you have done is not good. As Yahweh lives, all of you must surely die because you did not keep watch over your lord, the anointed of Yahweh. So now, see where the king’s spear is and the jug of water that was at his head.” Amplified Bible This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you surely deserve to die, because you have not guarded your lord, the LORD’S anointed. And now, see where the king’s spear is, and the jug of water that was by his head.” Berean Annotated Bible This thing you have done is not good. As surely as the LORD {YHWH} lives, all of you⁺ deserve to die, since you⁺ did not protect your⁺ lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now look around. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?” Christian Standard Bible What you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, all of you deserve to die since you didn’t protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now look around; where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible What you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, all of you deserve to die since you didn’t protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now look around; where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?” American Standard Version This thing is not good that thou hast done. As Jehovah liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept watch over your lord, Jehovah's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his head. Contemporary English Version You're a complete failure! I swear by the living LORD that you and your men deserve to die for not protecting the LORD's chosen king. Look and see if you can find the king's spear and the water jar that were near his head." English Revised Version This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept watch over your lord, the LORD'S anointed. And now, see, where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his head. GOD'S WORD® Translation What you've done isn't good. I solemnly swear, as the LORD lives, you are dead men. You didn't guard your master, the LORD's anointed king. Look at the king's spear and the jar of water that were near his head." Good News Translation You failed in your duty, Abner! I swear by the living LORD that all of you deserve to die, because you have not protected your master, whom the LORD made king. Look! Where is the king's spear? Where is the water jar that was right by his head?" International Standard Version This thing that you did is not good. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, you who didn't guard your lord, the LORD's anointed. Where is the king's spear and where is the jug of water that was at his head?" NET Bible This failure on your part isn't good! As surely as the LORD lives, you people who have not protected your lord, the LORD's chosen one, are as good as dead! Now look where the king's spear and the jug of water that was by his head are!" New Heart English Bible This thing isn't good that you have done. As the LORD lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, the LORD's anointed. Now look, where is the king’s spear, and where is the jar of water that was by his head?" Webster's Bible Translation This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis thing you have done is not good. As surely as the LORD lives, all of you deserve to die, since you did not protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now look around. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?” World English Bible This thing isn’t good that you have done. As Yahweh lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, Yahweh’s anointed. Now see where the king’s spear is, and the jar of water that was at his head.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThis thing which you have done is not good; YHWH lives, but you [are] sons of death, in that you have not watched over your lord, over the anointed of YHWH; and now, see where the king’s spear [is], and the jug of water which [is] by his pillow.” Berean Literal Bible This thing that you have done is not good. As YHWH lives, surely you⁺ deserve to die, because you⁺ have not watched over your⁺ master, over the anointed of YHWH. And now see, where is the spear of the king and the jug of water that was by his head?” Young's Literal Translation Not good is this thing which thou hast done; Jehovah liveth, but ye are sons of death, in that ye have not watched over your lord, over the anointed of Jehovah; and now, see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water which is at his bolster.' Smith's Literal Translation This word was not good which thou didst Jehovah lives for ye the sons of death, for ye watched not over your lord, over Jehovah's Messiah And now see where is the king's spear and the cruse of water which was at his head. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThis thing is not good, that thou hast done: as the Lord liveth, you are the sons of death, who have not kept your master, the Lord's anointed. And now where is the king's spear, and the cup of water, which was at his head? Catholic Public Domain Version This is not good, what you have done. As the Lord lives, you are sons of death, because you have not guarded your lord, the Christ of the Lord. Now therefore, where is the king’s spear, and where is the cup of water that was at his head?” New American Bible What you have done is not right. As the LORD lives, you people deserve death because you have not guarded your lord, the anointed of the LORD. Go, look: where are the king’s spear and the water jug that was at his head?” New Revised Standard Version This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, the LORD’s anointed. See now, where is the king’s spear, or the water jar that was at his head?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not guarded your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the jug of water that was at his bedside. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated What you have done is not good! LORD JEHOVAH is living so that you are the sons of death, because you have not guarded your Lord the Anointed of LORD JEHOVAH! Now see where the scepterspear of the King is, and the jug of water that was beside him! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye deserve to die, because ye have not kept watch over your lord, the LORD'S anointed. And now, see, where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his head.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And this thing is not good which thou hast done. As the Lord lives, ye are worthy of death, ye who guard your lord the king, the anointed of the Lord: and now behold, I pray you, the spear of the king, and the cruse of water: where are the articles that should be at his head? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Reproves Abner…15So David said to Abner, “You are a man, aren’t you? And who in Israel is your equal? Why then did you not protect your lord the king when one of the people came to destroy him? 16This thing you have done is not good. As surely as the LORD lives, all of you deserve to die, since you did not protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now look around. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?” 17Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said.… Cross References This thing you have done is not good. 1 Samuel 13:13 “You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 2 Samuel 11:27 And when the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD. 2 Samuel 12:7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. As surely as the LORD lives, 1 Samuel 20:3 But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” 1 Samuel 14:39 As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. 2 Kings 2:2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. all of you deserve to die, Exodus 21:29 But if the ox has a habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death. Numbers 35:31-33 You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. / Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. / Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Ezekiel 33:8 If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. since you did not protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed. 2 Samuel 1:14-16 So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” 1 Samuel 24:6 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.” 1 Samuel 24:10 Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ Now look around. 1 Samuel 14:38 Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. Deuteronomy 13:14 then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, Genesis 31:32 If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?” 1 Kings 19:5-7 Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” / And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. / A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” Treasury of Scripture This thing is not good that you have done. As the LORD lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not kept your master, the LORD's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster. worthy to die [heb] the sons of death 1 Samuel 20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. 2 Samuel 12:5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: 2 Samuel 19:28 For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? Lord's 1 Samuel 26:9,11 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? … 1 Samuel 24:6 And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. Jump to Previous Anointed Bolster Cruse Deserve Die Head Jar Kept King's LORD's Master Spear Surely Watch Water WorthyJump to Next Anointed Bolster Cruse Deserve Die Head Jar Kept King's LORD's Master Spear Surely Watch Water Worthy1 Samuel 26 1. Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David4. 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 This thing you have done is not good. David rebukes Abner, Saul's military commander, for failing to protect King Saul. This highlights the importance of vigilance and responsibility, especially for those in positions of authority. The phrase underscores the moral and ethical standards expected of leaders, reflecting the biblical principle that negligence in duty is a serious offense. As surely as the LORD lives, all of you deserve to die, since you did not protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now look around. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is currently fleeing from King Saul. In this chapter, David demonstrates his respect for God's anointed by sparing Saul's life. 2. Saul The current king of Israel, who is pursuing David to kill him. Saul is the "LORD’s anointed" mentioned in the verse. 3. Abner The commander of Saul's army, who is responsible for protecting Saul. David rebukes him for failing in his duty. 4. The Wilderness of Ziph The location where this event takes place. It is a desert area where David and his men are hiding. 5. The LORD’s Anointed A term referring to Saul, indicating that he was chosen by God to be king, despite his current disobedience. Teaching Points Respect for AuthorityDavid's actions remind us of the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are flawed. Trust in God's Timing David's refusal to harm Saul shows his trust in God's timing for his own rise to kingship. Accountability in Leadership Abner's failure highlights the need for vigilance and responsibility in leadership roles. Moral Integrity David's decision to spare Saul demonstrates a commitment to moral integrity and righteousness. God's Sovereignty The passage underscores the belief that God is in control, and His plans will prevail despite human actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 26:16?2. How does 1 Samuel 26:16 demonstrate the importance of accountability in leadership? 3. What can we learn about God's protection from 1 Samuel 26:16? 4. How does David's restraint in 1 Samuel 26:16 connect to Matthew 5:44? 5. How can we apply David's respect for authority in our daily lives? 6. What does 1 Samuel 26:16 teach about respecting God's anointed leaders? 7. Why did David spare Saul's life in 1 Samuel 26:16 despite having the opportunity to kill him? 8. How does 1 Samuel 26:16 demonstrate the concept of divine protection and providence? 9. What does 1 Samuel 26:16 reveal about David's character and leadership qualities? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 26? 11. How does 1 Samuel 19 reconcile with accounts in other sections of the Bible where David is portrayed as protected by divine power rather than subterfuge? 12. Why did Abner, responsible for guarding Saul, face no immediate consequences for failing to protect the king? (1 Samuel 26:15–16) 13. How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12) 14. Does the claim that God caused Saul's camp to fall into a deep sleep have any natural explanation, or is it purely supernatural? (1 Samuel 26:12) What Does 1 Samuel 26:16 Mean This thing you have done is not goodDavid calls out Abner’s negligence in an unmistakably moral tone. • Scripture is plain: failure in duty is never neutral (James 4:17). • Similar wording appears when Jethro rebukes Moses, “What you are doing is not good” (Exodus 18:17), underscoring that leaders and servants alike must heed correction. • The rebuke reminds us that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23); ignoring responsibility always has spiritual weight. As surely as the LORD lives An oath anchored in the unchanging life of Yahweh gives David’s charge solemn authority. • Such expressions punctuate Israel’s history (1 Samuel 20:3; 2 Kings 2:2) and testify to the certainty of coming judgment. • Because the LORD lives, His standards do not shift (Malachi 3:6); what David says carries eternal significance, not mere personal opinion. All of you deserve to die Guard duty around a monarch was a life-and-death trust. • Old Testament law treated dereliction in sacred service with capital seriousness (Numbers 3:10). • Saul himself had once decreed death on any who failed his orders (1 Samuel 14:39); David simply applies Saul’s own standard. • Romans 13:4 affirms the sword’s purpose in punishing wrongdoing—authority must be protected for society’s good. Since you did not protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed David distinguishes between Saul’s personal flaws and his God-given office. • Earlier David refused to harm Saul, saying, “I will not stretch out my hand against him, for he is the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6). • Touching God’s anointed invites judgment (Psalm 105:15); neglecting to guard him is a form of the same offense. • The principle echoes into the New Testament: we honor governing authorities because God appointed them (Romans 13:1). Now look around. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head? David offers physical evidence to prove both his innocence and their failure. • Earlier that night, Abishai urged David to kill Saul with the very spear now missing (1 Samuel 26:8–11). • By sparing Saul yet seizing the spear and jug, David demonstrates righteousness without revenge (Proverbs 20:22). • The scene foreshadows Christ’s call to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), showing mercy while exposing wrongdoing. summary 1 Samuel 26:16 showcases David’s reverence for God’s authority, his commitment to righteousness, and the gravity of failing one’s duty. Abner’s lapse endangered the LORD’s anointed, meriting death under covenant standards. David’s oath, rebuke, and tangible proof combine to affirm that God’s standards are unchanging, that protecting ordained authority matters deeply, and that mercy can coexist with firm accountability. Hebrew Thisהַזֶּה֮ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that thing הַדָּבָ֣ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause you have done עָשִׂיתָ֒ (‘ā·śî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make is not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no good. ט֞וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good As surely as the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel lives, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life all of you בְנֵי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son deserve to die, מָ֙וֶת֙ (mā·weṯ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin since you אַתֶּ֔ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you did not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no protect שְׁמַרְתֶּ֛ם (šə·mar·tem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to your lord, אֲדֹנֵיכֶ֖ם (’ă·ḏō·nê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller the LORD’s יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel anointed. מְשִׁ֣יחַ (mə·šî·aḥ) Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 4899: Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah Now וְעַתָּ֣ה ׀ (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time look around. רְאֵ֗ה (rə·’êh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see Where אֵֽי־ (’ê-) Interrogative Strong's 335: Where?, how? are the king’s הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king spear חֲנִ֥ית (ḥă·nîṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 2595: A lance and water הַמַּ֖יִם (ham·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen jug צַפַּ֥חַת (ṣap·pa·ḥaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6835: A jar, jug that אֲשֶׁ֧ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that were by his head?” מְרַאֲשֹׁתָֽיו׃ (mə·ra·’ă·šō·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4763: A place at the head, head place Links 1 Samuel 26:16 NIV1 Samuel 26:16 NLT 1 Samuel 26:16 ESV 1 Samuel 26:16 NASB 1 Samuel 26:16 KJV 1 Samuel 26:16 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 26:16 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 26:16 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 26:16 French Bible 1 Samuel 26:16 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 26:16 This thing isn't good that you have (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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