Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of? New Living Translation Why are you chasing me? What have I done? What is my crime? English Standard Version And he said, “Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands? Berean Standard Bible And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? Berean Literal Bible And he said, “Why is this that my lord pursues after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand? King James Bible And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? New King James Version And he said, “Why does my lord thus pursue his servant? For what have I done, or what evil is in my hand? New American Standard Bible He also said, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand? NASB 1995 He also said, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand? NASB 1977 He also said, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand? Legacy Standard Bible He also said, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand? Amplified Bible And David said, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand? Berean Annotated Bible And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? Christian Standard Bible Then he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What crime have I committed? Holman Christian Standard Bible Then he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? American Standard Version And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand? Contemporary English Version Why are you hunting me down? Have I done something wrong, or have I committed a crime? English Revised Version And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? GOD'S WORD® Translation "Why are you pursuing me?" he added. "What have I done? What crime have I committed? Good News Translation And he added, "Why, sir, are you still pursuing me, your servant? What have I done? What crime have I committed? International Standard Version David said, "Why is your majesty pursuing his servant? For what have I done, and what evil do I bear toward you? NET Bible He went on to say, "Why is my lord chasing his servant? What have I done? What wrong have I done? New Heart English Bible He said, "Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand? Webster's Bible Translation And he said, Why doth my lord thus pursue his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? World English Bible He said, “Why does my lord pursue his servant? For what have I done? What evil is in my hand? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says, “Why [is] this—my lord is pursuing after his servant? For what have I done, and what evil [is] in my hand? Berean Literal Bible And he said, “Why is this that my lord pursues after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand? Young's Literal Translation and he saith, 'Why is this -- my lord is pursuing after his servant? for what have I done, and what is in my hand evil? Smith's Literal Translation And he will say, Wherefore this my lord pursued after his servant? for what did I? and what evil in my hand? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said: Wherefore doth my lord persecute his servant? What have I done? or what evil is there in my hand? Catholic Public Domain Version And he said: “For what reason has my lord pursued his servant? What have I done? Or what evil is there in my hand? New American Bible He continued: “Why does my lord pursue his servant? What have I done? What evil am I planning? New Revised Standard Version And he added, “Why does my lord pursue his servant? For what have I done? What guilt is on my hands? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen David said, Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hands? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David said: “My Lord, why are you chasing after your Servant? What have I done and what is the evil that is in my hands? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said: 'Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand? Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said, Why does my lord thus pursue after his servant? for in what have I sinned? and what unrighteousness has been found in me? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Reproves Abner…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. 18And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? 19Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’… Cross References And he continued, 1 Samuel 19:4-5 Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. / He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” 1 Samuel 24:15 May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.” 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.’ “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? Psalm 7:1-2 A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers, / or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me. Psalm 35:7 For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul. Psalm 38:20 Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. What have I done? 1 Samuel 20:1 Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” John 18:23 Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?” Psalm 109:4 In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. What evil is in my hand? 1 Samuel 24:11 See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. Job 31:7 If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has followed my eyes, or if impurity has stuck to my hands, Psalm 18:20-24 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. / For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God. / For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes. … Psalm 7:3-5 O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, / if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, / then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah Psalm 109:3-5 They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. / In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. / They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love. Psalm 59:3-4 See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. / For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice. Psalm 69:4 Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay. Treasury of Scripture And he said, Why does my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand? Wherefore 1 Samuel 24:9,11-14 And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? … Psalm 7:3-5 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; … Psalm 35:7 For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul. what have I 1 Samuel 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? John 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? Jump to Previous Added Armed Evil Hand Hands Pursue Pursuing Servant Wherefore WrongJump to Next Added Armed Evil Hand Hands Pursue Pursuing Servant Wherefore Wrong1 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 And he continued, This phrase indicates that David is in the midst of a dialogue, continuing a conversation. The context is a confrontation between David and King Saul. David has just spared Saul's life for the second time, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed king despite Saul's pursuit of him. This ongoing dialogue reflects David's patience and persistence in seeking reconciliation and understanding. “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is currently being pursued by King Saul. David is known for his faithfulness to God and his refusal to harm Saul, despite being unjustly hunted. 2. Saul The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and jealous of David, fearing the loss of his throne. Saul's pursuit of David is driven by insecurity and disobedience to God. 3. The Wilderness of Ziph A desert area where David and his men are hiding. It is a place of refuge for David but also a place of testing and reliance on God. 4. Abishai David's nephew and one of his loyal warriors, who accompanies David into Saul's camp and offers to kill Saul, but David restrains him. 5. The Camp of Saul The location where Saul and his men are encamped, and where David demonstrates his integrity by sparing Saul's life. Teaching Points Integrity in AdversityDavid's question to Saul highlights his innocence and integrity. Believers are called to maintain their integrity even when falsely accused or pursued by adversaries. Trust in God's Justice David's restraint in not harming Saul demonstrates his trust in God's justice. Christians are encouraged to rely on God to vindicate them rather than taking matters into their own hands. Responding to Persecution David's respectful address to Saul, despite Saul's hostility, teaches believers to respond to persecution with grace and respect. The Power of a Clear Conscience David's ability to confront Saul with confidence stems from his clear conscience. Maintaining a clear conscience before God and others empowers believers to stand firm in truth. The Role of Godly Counsel David's interaction with Abishai shows the importance of surrounding oneself with godly counsel that encourages righteousness and restraint. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 26:18?2. How does David demonstrate respect for God's anointed in 1 Samuel 26:18? 3. What can we learn about forgiveness from David's actions in this chapter? 4. How does 1 Samuel 26:18 connect with Romans 12:19 on vengeance? 5. How can we apply David's patience with Saul to our own conflicts? 6. What does David's inquiry in 1 Samuel 26:18 teach about seeking God's justice? 7. Why does David question Saul's pursuit in 1 Samuel 26:18? 8. How does 1 Samuel 26:18 reflect on the nature of forgiveness? 9. What historical context influences David's plea in 1 Samuel 26:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 26? 11. What was the purpose of Jesus being anointed? 12. Why does David's mercy toward Saul in 1 Samuel 24 contradict other violent actions David takes elsewhere in Scripture? 13. How could an 'evil spirit from the Lord' (1 Samuel 19:9) align with a belief in a benevolent God? 14. How could the people's immediate repentance in 1 Samuel 12:19 be verified historically or culturally? What Does 1 Samuel 26:18 Mean And he continued,David is still calling out to Saul from the opposite hillside (1 Samuel 26:13–17). • His words “continued” because this is the climax of a long night’s restraint in which David refused to harm the king (1 Samuel 26:8–11). • The phrase underscores David’s persistence in appealing to Saul’s conscience, much like his earlier plea in the cave (1 Samuel 24:8–12). • By speaking openly, David once again entrusts his life to the LORD, showing confidence in divine protection (Psalm 27:1–3). Why is my lord pursuing his servant? • “My lord” shows David’s respectful submission to Saul’s God-given office (Romans 13:1). • “Pursuing” exposes the irrational hunt: Saul is using an army to chase one loyal subject (1 Samuel 26:20). • David’s wording echoes prior occasions when he asked the same thing (1 Samuel 24:14, Psalm 7:1–2). • The question highlights the moral absurdity of Saul’s campaign; no divine mandate exists for killing David (1 Samuel 24:9). What have I done? • David invites fair scrutiny, confident no legitimate charge can be produced (1 Samuel 20:1; 24:11). • His clear conscience springs from obeying God’s commands not to touch the LORD’s anointed (1 Samuel 26:9, 11; Acts 24:16). • This innocence matches the pattern of the righteous suffering without cause (Psalm 35:19; 59:3–4). What evil is in my hand? • “In my hand” points to actions; David’s hand held Saul’s spear, proof he would not use it against him (1 Samuel 26:12, 16). • Scripture often equates the hand with personal responsibility (Job 17:9; Isaiah 33:15). David’s hands are clean. • His restraint underlines the principle of overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:17–21; 1 Peter 3:16). • By showing the very weapon that could have killed Saul, David removes any doubt about his motives (1 Samuel 24:11–12). summary 1 Samuel 26:18 records David’s respectful yet firm appeal to Saul. He exposes the king’s baseless hostility, affirms his own innocence, and presents tangible evidence that no evil lies in his hand. The verse teaches that the righteous can confront injustice with humility, clear conscience, and trust that the LORD will vindicate truth. (18) What have I done?--The whole address of David to Saul is intensely reverent, even loving. The conspicuous trophy of his late "night raid" was in his hand; we can imagine the first rays of the morning sun lighting up the glittering royal spear grasped by David. Saul could not help recognising that at least the son of Jesse sought not his life.Hebrew And he continued,וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Why לָ֥מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what is my lord אֲדֹנִ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller pursuing רֹדֵ֖ף (rō·ḏêp̄) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute his servant? עַבְדּ֑וֹ (‘aḇ·dōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant What מֶ֣ה (meh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have I done? עָשִׂ֔יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 6213: To do, make What וּמַה־ (ū·mah-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what evil רָעָֽה׃ (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil is in my hand? בְּיָדִ֖י (bə·yā·ḏî) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3027: A hand Links 1 Samuel 26:18 NIV1 Samuel 26:18 NLT 1 Samuel 26:18 ESV 1 Samuel 26:18 NASB 1 Samuel 26:18 KJV 1 Samuel 26:18 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 26:18 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 26:18 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 26:18 French Bible 1 Samuel 26:18 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 26:18 He said Why does my lord pursue (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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