Question 1

What does 1 Samuel 15:35 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Samuel 15:35 describes how Samuel, the prophet, never visited Saul again after God rejected Saul as king, though Samuel continued to grieve over Saul. The verse also says that the LORD regretted making Saul king over Israel. Samuel is the prophet who had anointed Saul as Israel’s first king, and Saul is the king who disobeyed God’s command. After Saul’s rejection, Samuel and Saul’s relationship was permanently changed—Samuel did not see Saul again, but he still mourned for him. The verse ends by emphasizing that God’s decision to make Saul king brought sorrow, showing the seriousness of Saul’s failure.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 15:35

Accepted Answer

The word for “mourned” is אָבַל (’aval), which means to grieve or lament deeply. This highlights Samuel’s personal sorrow and ongoing care for Saul, even after their separation. The word for “repented” is נָחַם (nacham), often understood as “was grieved” or “regretted.” This does not mean God made a mistake, but that God was deeply saddened by the outcome of Saul’s kingship. The word for “king” is מָלַךְ (malakh), which refers to Saul’s official role as ruler. The verse stresses that God’s regret was specifically about Saul’s position as king over Israel.

Question 3

Why 1 Samuel 15:35 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that the break between Samuel and Saul was final, marking a turning point in Israel’s leadership and in Samuel’s prophetic ministry. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of Saul’s disobedience—not just as a personal failure, but as something that brought grief to both Samuel and God. By stating that the LORD “repented” or “regretted” making Saul king, the verse invites readers to reflect on the real consequences of choices and leadership, and how even God’s plans can involve sorrow when people turn away from His ways.

1 Samuel 15:35 (KJV)