For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

1 SAMUEL 15:23KJV
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1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 15:23 mean?

1 Samuel 15:23 says that rejecting God's instructions is as serious as practicing witchcraft or worshiping idols, and that stubbornness is just as wrong as these sins. Because Saul rejected what God told him, God rejected Saul from being king.

The prophet Samuel is speaking to King Saul after Saul disobeyed God's command regarding the Amalekites. Samuel explains that Saul's refusal to fully obey is not a small mistake but a deep rebellion, comparing it to some of the most serious offenses in Israel's law. This verse highlights the seriousness of disobedience and the consequences Saul faces for not listening to God's word.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 15:23

  • "rebellion" (מֶרִי, meri): This word means open resistance or defiance against authority. Samuel uses it to show that Saul's actions are not just mistakes but a willful turning away from God's command.
  • "witchcraft" (קֶסֶם, qesem): This refers to divination or seeking supernatural guidance apart from God. Comparing rebellion to witchcraft emphasizes how seriously God views disobedience.
  • "stubbornness" (פָּצַר, patsar): This word means insistence or arrogance, a refusal to yield. Samuel says stubbornness is like "iniquity" and "idolatry," showing that a hard heart is as offensive to God as idol worship.
  • "rejected" (מָאַס, ma'as): Used twice, this word means to despise or refuse. Samuel tells Saul that because he despised God's word, God has now despised Saul's kingship.

Why 1 Samuel 15:23 matters

  • 1 Samuel 15:23 clears up the idea that partial obedience or stubbornness is less serious than more obvious sins; Samuel puts them on the same level as witchcraft and idolatry.
  • The verse emphasizes that God values obedience over ritual or sacrifice, a theme that runs through the whole chapter and shapes how Israel understands its relationship with God.
  • This verse marks a turning point in Saul's story, showing that leadership in Israel depends on listening to God, not just holding a title or position.

Where else these words appear

“stubbornness” Hebrew H6484 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
  • Genesis 33:11 Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.
  • 2 Kings 2:17 And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

“witchcraft” Hebrew H7081 · used in 11 verses

  • Numbers 22:7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.
  • 2 Kings 17:17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
  • Ezekiel 13:6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.

“idolatry” Hebrew H8655 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 31:19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.
  • Judges 18:14 Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.
  • 1 Samuel 19:16 And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.

“rebellion” Hebrew H4805 · used in 21 verses

  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Ezekiel 2:5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear,(for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
  • Ezekiel 12:2 Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.