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 26:21KJV
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1 Samuel 26:21 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“fool” Hebrew H5528 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 31:28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.
  • 2 Samuel 15:31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

“precious” Hebrew H3365 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Samuel 18:30 Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
  • Psalms 49:8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
  • Proverbs 25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

“erred” Hebrew H7686 · used in 19 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Psalms 119:10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
  • Proverbs 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

“harm” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;