Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.

1 SAMUEL 26:8KJV
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1 Samuel 26:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 26:8 mean?

1 Samuel 26:8 shows Abishai urging David to let him kill Saul, saying that God has given Saul, David’s enemy, into David’s hands. Abishai promises to strike Saul with a spear so forcefully that a second blow will not be needed.

In this scene, Abishai is speaking to David while they are secretly inside Saul’s camp at night, with Saul asleep and vulnerable. Abishai sees this moment as a sign from God (using the word for "God" — אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) and offers to act decisively, but David must decide whether to allow it. The verse highlights the tension between taking revenge and showing restraint, as well as the seriousness of Abishai’s intent.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 26:8

  • "delivered" (סָגַר, sagar): This word means to hand over or give into someone’s control. Abishai interprets Saul’s vulnerability as God actively placing Saul into David’s power, which shapes his bold suggestion.
  • "enemy" (אֹיֵב, oyev): This word points out that Saul is not just a rival but an active threat to David’s life, justifying Abishai’s sense of urgency.
  • "smite" (נָכָה, nakah): This verb often means to strike or kill. Abishai’s use of it stresses his intent to end Saul’s life in one blow, not just to wound or threaten him.
  • "spear" (חֲנִית, chanit): The mention of the spear is significant because Saul’s spear is a symbol of his kingship and authority, and Abishai wants to use Saul’s own weapon against him.

Why 1 Samuel 26:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s men saw Saul’s vulnerability as a divinely given opportunity, but David’s later refusal shows his different perspective on God’s will and justice.
  • The verse highlights the loyalty and boldness of Abishai, who is willing to take action for David but also submits to David’s decision.
  • It sets up a key moment in David’s story, contrasting human ideas of justice and revenge with restraint and respect for God’s timing and authority.

Where else these words appear

“time” Hebrew H8138 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 41:32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
  • Esther 1:7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold,(the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
  • Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

“Abishai” Hebrew H52 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 10:14 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.
  • 2 Samuel 20:10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

“spear” Hebrew H2595 · used in 40 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

“delivered” Hebrew H5462 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • 1 Samuel 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
  • Job 12:14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.