Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.

1 SAMUEL 15:32KJV
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1 Samuel 15:32 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 15:32 mean?

1 Samuel 15:32 describes the prophet Samuel ordering that Agag, king of the Amalekites, be brought before him. Agag approaches Samuel cautiously, hoping that the danger has passed, and says that surely the bitterness of death is over.

In this scene, Samuel is speaking to others present, likely Saul’s men, telling them to bring Agag to him. Agag, who has been captured after Israel’s victory over the Amalekites, comes forward “delicately”—meaning carefully or hesitantly—thinking his life might be spared. Agag’s statement shows he believes the worst is behind him, not realizing Samuel intends otherwise.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 15:32

  • "delicately" (מַעֲדַנֹּת, maadanot): This word means in a gentle, cautious, or even hopeful manner. It highlights Agag’s careful approach, possibly thinking he will be treated kindly or spared.
  • "bitterness" (מָר, mar): This word means bitterness or sorrow. Agag refers to the harshness or pain of death, suggesting he thinks the threat to his life is over.
  • "past" (סוּר, sur): This word means to turn aside, depart, or be removed. Agag is expressing his belief that the danger of death has now moved away from him.

Why 1 Samuel 15:32 matters

  • This verse shows Agag’s misunderstanding of his situation—he thinks he is safe, but Samuel has a different intention, which sets up the following events.
  • The way Agag approaches Samuel “delicately” reveals his uncertainty and hope, adding emotional tension to the scene.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of Saul’s incomplete obedience and Samuel’s role in carrying out God’s command regarding the Amalekites.

Where else these words appear

“delicately” Hebrew H4574 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 49:20 Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.
  • Proverbs 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
  • Lamentations 4:5 They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

“Agag” Hebrew H90 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 1 Samuel 15:8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
  • 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.

“Surely” Hebrew H403 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 28:16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.
  • Psalms 66:19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
  • Isaiah 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

“bitterness” Hebrew H4751 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
  • 2 Samuel 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
  • Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!