1 Samuel 26:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 26:23 mean?

1 Samuel 26:23 says that the LORD will repay each person according to their righteousness and faithfulness. David explains that even though God allowed Saul to fall into his power that day, David refused to harm Saul because Saul was chosen by God.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to King Saul after sparing his life for a second time. David emphasizes that he acted with integrity and loyalty, trusting that God (the LORD) sees and rewards such behavior. The verse highlights David’s respect for Saul’s position as the LORD’s anointed king, even while Saul was seeking to kill him.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 26:23

• "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, used here to stress God's authority as the ultimate judge and deliverer.
• "Render" (יָשׁוּב, yashuv): This word means "to return" or "to repay," showing that David believes God will give back to each person according to their actions.
• "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): This word often refers to doing what is right or just in God’s eyes, not just following rules but living with integrity.
• "Faithfulness" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah): This word means steadfastness or reliability, pointing to David’s loyalty both to God and to Saul as king.
• "Anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This means "chosen one" or "anointed one," referring specifically to Saul as the king set apart by God.

Why 1 Samuel 26:23 matters

• This verse clarifies that David’s refusal to harm Saul was not weakness or fear, but a deliberate choice to honor God’s will and timing.
• The verse connects to the larger story by showing David’s consistent respect for Saul’s role as God’s anointed, even when Saul was hostile.
• It highlights a key biblical principle: God is the one who judges and rewards people’s actions, not just other humans or circumstances.