And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.

1 SAMUEL 12:4KJV
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1 Samuel 12:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 12:4 mean?

1 Samuel 12:4 records the people of Israel responding to Samuel, affirming that he has not cheated, oppressed, or taken anything unfairly from anyone during his leadership. This verse shows the people publicly declaring Samuel’s integrity and honesty as their judge and prophet.

Samuel is speaking to all Israel during his farewell speech, asking them to testify if he has wronged anyone while serving as their leader. The people answer together, saying he has not defrauded (cheated), oppressed (treated harshly), or taken anything from anyone’s hand. This moment highlights the trust and respect Samuel earned from the nation, setting a clear example of upright leadership.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 12:4

  • "defrauded" (עָשַׁק, ʿāshaq): This word means to oppress or cheat someone out of what is rightfully theirs. The people’s denial shows Samuel never used his position for personal gain.
  • "oppressed" (רָצַץ, rātsats): This word often means to crush or mistreat. By saying Samuel did not do this, the people affirm he never abused his authority or treated them harshly.
  • "taken" (לָקַח, lāqach): This verb means to take or seize. The people state Samuel never took anything from anyone by force or without permission, underlining his fairness.
  • "ought" (כֹּפֶר, kōfer): This word can refer to a bribe or ransom. The people’s statement means Samuel never accepted bribes or took anything unjustly from them.

Why 1 Samuel 12:4 matters

  • This verse clears up any suspicion about Samuel’s leadership, showing he was blameless in his dealings with the people.
  • The public response emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency for leaders in Israel’s history.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage, where Samuel is handing over leadership and reminding the people of God’s faithfulness and the need for honest leadership.

Where else these words appear

“oppressed” Hebrew H7533 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 25:22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.
  • 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.
  • Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

“ought” Hebrew H3972 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • 1 Samuel 12:5 And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.
  • 1 Kings 10:21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

“defrauded” Hebrew H6231 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 52:4 For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.