Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.

1 SAMUEL 28:22KJV
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1 Samuel 28:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 28:22 mean?

1 Samuel 28:22 shows the woman at Endor urging Saul to listen to her and eat some bread so he will have strength to continue on his way. She is offering practical help to Saul, who is physically and emotionally exhausted after his encounter with her.

In this scene, the woman—often called the medium or witch of Endor—speaks to King Saul after he has been deeply shaken by the message he received through her. She refers to herself as Saul’s "handmaid" and asks him to accept her hospitality. The verse highlights her concern for Saul’s physical state, suggesting that even in a tense and unusual situation, basic human care and kindness are present.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 28:22

  • "Hearken" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means to listen or pay attention. The woman is not just making a suggestion; she is urging Saul to heed her advice for his own good.
  • "Handmaid" (שִׁפְחָה, shiphchah): By calling herself Saul’s handmaid, the woman speaks humbly, showing respect and a willingness to serve, even though Saul is in a desperate situation.
  • "Morsel" (פַּת, pat): This word refers to a small piece or portion, emphasizing the simplicity of her offer—just enough bread to help Saul regain his strength.
  • "Strength" (כֹּחַ, koach): This word means physical power or ability. The woman is concerned that Saul is too weak to continue unless he eats.

Why 1 Samuel 28:22 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the woman at Endor was only involved in supernatural matters; she also shows practical compassion and care for Saul’s wellbeing.
  • The verse highlights Saul’s vulnerability and need, contrasting his royal status with his current weakness and dependence on a stranger.
  • 1 Samuel 28:22 connects to the wider passage by showing the aftermath of Saul’s desperate search for guidance, emphasizing his isolation and the basic human kindness he receives in a moment of crisis.

Where else these words appear

“morsel” Hebrew H6595 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
  • Ruth 2:14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.
  • Psalms 147:17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

“handmaid” Hebrew H8198 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • 2 Samuel 14:15 Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.

“strength” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.