Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
1 SAMUEL 26:21KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 26:21 mean?
1 Samuel 26:21 shows Saul admitting his wrongdoing to David, calling David his son and promising not to harm him anymore because David spared Saul’s life. Saul confesses that he has acted foolishly and made serious mistakes.
In this verse, Saul is speaking directly to David after David had the chance to kill Saul but chose not to. Saul recognizes that David valued his (Saul’s) life, and this act of mercy moves Saul to admit his guilt and poor judgment. The verse highlights a moment of honesty and regret from Saul in a tense, dangerous situation.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 26:21
- The word "sinned" (חָטָא, ḥāṭāʾ) means to miss the mark or do wrong, showing Saul’s clear admission of guilt.
- "Played the fool" (סָכַלְתִּי, sāḵalti) means to act foolishly or without wisdom, emphasizing Saul’s recognition of his own poor choices.
- "Erred exceedingly" (הִשְׁתַּגַּלְתִּי מְאֹד, hishtaggalti me’od) combines a word for going astray or making a serious mistake with a word meaning "very much" or "exceedingly," stressing just how badly Saul feels he has gone wrong.
Why 1 Samuel 26:21 matters
- This verse clears up that Saul is not just making a casual apology—he uses strong language to admit deep fault and foolishness, which is rare for him in the story.
- The verse connects to the larger story by showing a turning point where Saul openly recognizes David’s mercy and his own failure, even if this change does not last.
- It helps readers see the tension between Saul’s words and his later actions, highlighting the tragic pattern of regret and relapse in Saul’s relationship with David.