And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

1 SAMUEL 24:16KJV
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1 Samuel 24:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 24:16 mean?

1 Samuel 24:16 describes how, after David finished speaking to Saul, Saul recognized David’s voice and was so moved that he began to weep. Saul called David “my son,” showing a moment of deep emotion and personal connection between the two.

In this scene, David has just spared Saul’s life in a cave, even though Saul was hunting him. David speaks to Saul, explaining his actions and innocence. Saul’s response in this verse shows that he is emotionally affected by David’s mercy, leading him to tears and a rare moment of vulnerability.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 24:16

  • “Voice” (קוֹל, qôl): Saul’s question, “Is this thy voice, my son David?” uses the word for “voice” that often means more than just sound—it can suggest recognition, relationship, or authority. Here, it highlights Saul’s personal recognition and emotional response.
  • “Wept” (בָּכָה, bākhāh): The word for “wept” is not just a quiet tear but often refers to open, audible weeping. Saul’s reaction is public and intense, underlining the depth of his feelings in this moment.

Why 1 Samuel 24:16 matters

  • This verse shows a rare moment of vulnerability and emotion from Saul, who is usually portrayed as hostile toward David. It reveals that Saul is not simply a one-dimensional enemy.
  • The use of “my son David” highlights the complicated relationship between Saul and David, mixing family language with the tension of their conflict.
  • This moment sets the stage for the temporary reconciliation that follows, showing the impact of David’s mercy and restraint on Saul’s heart.

Where else these words appear

“wept” Hebrew H1058 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 21:16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
  • Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
  • Esther 8:3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.