And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

1 SAMUEL 15:28KJV
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1 Samuel 15:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 15:28 mean?

1 Samuel 15:28 means that Samuel tells Saul that the LORD has taken away the kingdom of Israel from him on that very day and will give it to someone else who is better than Saul. This is a declaration that Saul has lost his right to rule because of his disobedience, and God has chosen a new leader.

Samuel, the prophet, is speaking directly to King Saul after Saul failed to fully obey God's command regarding the Amalekites. The verse marks a turning point where Samuel announces that Saul's kingship is being "torn" away and given to a "neighbor"—someone close by, likely referring to David, who will later become king. The statement is final and emphasizes that God's decision is based on Saul's actions and character.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 15:28

  • "rent" (קָרַע, qāraʿ): This word means "to tear" or "to rip apart." Samuel uses it to show that the kingdom is being forcefully removed from Saul, not gently taken away.
  • "neighbour" (רֵעֶה, rēaʿ): This term often means someone nearby or a fellow countryman. Here, it hints at someone within Israel, not a foreigner, who will receive the kingdom.
  • "better" (טוֹב, ṭov): This word means "good" or "better." Samuel says the new king will have qualities that Saul lacks, highlighting that God's choice is about character, not just position.

Why 1 Samuel 15:28 matters

  • This verse clears up that Saul's loss of the kingdom is not accidental or political, but a direct act of God in response to Saul's choices.
  • The emphasis on a "neighbor" who is "better" than Saul points forward to David, showing that God values the heart and character of a leader.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by marking the moment when Saul's rejection as king becomes official, setting the stage for the rise of David and a new chapter in Israel's history.

Where else these words appear

“kingdom” Hebrew H4468 · used in 9 verses

  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
  • Joshua 13:27 And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
  • 2 Samuel 16:3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

“rent” Hebrew H7167 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 37:29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
  • 1 Kings 11:12 Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
  • 1 Samuel 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.