1 Samuel 28:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 28:10 mean?

1 Samuel 28:10 describes King Saul making a solemn promise to the woman at Endor, swearing by the LORD that she will not be punished for helping him. Saul assures her that, as surely as the LORD lives, she will not face any consequences for what she is about to do.

In this scene, Saul is speaking to a medium (sometimes called the witch of Endor) because he wants her to summon the spirit of Samuel for him. Saul’s oath is striking because he invokes the name of the LORD (the God of Israel) to guarantee her safety, even though consulting a medium was forbidden by Israelite law. This highlights Saul’s desperation and the seriousness of his request.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 28:10

• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): Saul swears by the personal name of Israel’s God, showing the gravity of his oath. It is unusual because he is using God’s name to promise protection for someone breaking God’s own law.
• sware (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means to make a binding oath, often with a sense of invoking a curse if the promise is broken. Saul’s use of this word shows how seriously he wants the woman to trust him.
• punishment (עָוֹן, avon): This word often refers to guilt or iniquity, not just legal punishment. Saul is promising that she will not be held guilty or liable for what she does.
• happen (קָרָה, qarah): This verb means “to happen” or “befall.” Saul is assuring her that nothing bad will come upon her as a result of her actions.

Why 1 Samuel 28:10 matters

• This verse shows the depth of Saul’s fear and isolation, as he is willing to break God’s law and use God’s name to get what he wants.
• The verse highlights the irony of Saul, Israel’s king, protecting someone who is practicing something he himself had outlawed.
• It sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, where Saul’s actions have serious spiritual and personal consequences.