And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

1 SAMUEL 24:6KJV
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1 Samuel 24:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 24:6 mean?

1 Samuel 24:6 shows David telling his men that he refuses to harm King Saul, calling Saul "the LORD's anointed" and saying it would be wrong to attack him. David believes that, because Saul was chosen by God, it would be a serious offense to take action against him, even though Saul is pursuing David.

In this scene, David is hiding in a cave with his men while Saul, who is hunting David, enters the same cave. David's men see an opportunity to kill Saul, but David stops them. He insists that he cannot harm Saul because Saul has been set apart by God for his role as king. This verse highlights David's respect for God's choice and his restraint, even when he is in danger.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 24:6

  • יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated "Yahweh" or "the LORD"): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that David's respect for Saul is rooted in his reverence for God Himself.
  • מָשִׁיחַ (māšîaḥ, transliterated "anointed"): This word means "anointed one" and refers to someone chosen and set apart by God, usually by the ritual of anointing with oil. Here, it underscores that Saul holds his position because of God's direct appointment.
  • אֲדֹנִי (’adonî, transliterated "my master"): David calls Saul "my master," showing continued respect for Saul's authority, even as Saul seeks David's life.
  • יָד (yad, transliterated "hand"): The phrase "to stretch forth mine hand" uses this word for "hand," which often symbolizes taking action, especially violent or decisive action. David refuses to take matters into his own hands against Saul.

Why 1 Samuel 24:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David's refusal to harm Saul is not just personal mercy but is based on a deep respect for God's authority and choices.
  • The emphasis on Saul as "the LORD's anointed" helps explain why David does not seize the throne by force, even when he has the chance.
  • This moment connects to the broader theme in 1 Samuel of God's sovereignty in raising up and removing leaders, showing that David is willing to wait for God's timing rather than act on his own.

Where else these words appear

“forbid” Hebrew H2486 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
  • 1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
  • 2 Samuel 20:20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

“anointed” Hebrew H4899 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 1 Samuel 26:16 This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.
  • Psalms 20:6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.