And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

1 SAMUEL 14:38KJV
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1 Samuel 14:38 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 14:38 mean?

1 Samuel 14:38 describes King Saul calling together the leaders of the people to investigate a sin that has occurred that day. Saul wants to find out exactly what happened and who is responsible for the wrongdoing.

In this scene, Saul is speaking to the chief men of Israel after realizing that something has gone wrong during the day’s events, likely related to a broken oath or disobedience. He commands the leaders to come near so they can discuss and discover the source of the sin. The verse shows Saul’s concern for uncovering the truth and dealing with the problem among his people.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:38

  • "Chief" (פִּנָּה, pinnah): This word often means "corner" or "chief," referring here to the leading men or heads of the people. It highlights that Saul is gathering the most important and responsible figures, not the entire assembly.
  • "Sin" (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah): This word means a moral failure or offense against God’s command. Saul is not just looking for a mistake but for a serious breach that has spiritual consequences.

Why 1 Samuel 14:38 matters

  • This verse shows Saul’s leadership style, where he seeks the input and presence of the leaders before making a judgment, rather than acting alone.
  • It sets the stage for the investigation that follows, helping the reader understand the seriousness with which Saul treats the situation.
  • The verse connects to the broader story of Saul’s reign and the challenges he faces in maintaining obedience and unity among the people.

Where else these words appear

“hither” Hebrew H1988 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
  • Judges 20:7 Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.
  • 1 Samuel 14:36 And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

“wherein” Hebrew H4100 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
  • Numbers 23:8 How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?
  • Psalms 78:40 How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!

“chief” Hebrew H6438 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 27:2 And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.
  • Nehemiah 3:31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.
  • Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

“near” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Deuteronomy 25:9 Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.