1 Samuel 24:6 So he said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD's anointed."

◄ 1 Samuel 24:6 ►

New International Version
He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the LORD.”

New Living Translation
He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him.”

English Standard Version
He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.”

Berean Standard Bible
So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

King James Bible
And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

New King James Version
And he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.”

New American Standard Bible
So he said to his men, “Far be it from me because of the LORD that I would do this thing to my lord, the LORD’S anointed, to reach out with my hand against him, since he is the LORD’S anointed.”

NASB 1995
So he said to his men, “Far be it from me because of the LORD that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD’S anointed.”

NASB 1977
So he said to his men, “Far be it from me because of the LORD that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So he said to his men, “Far be it from me because of Yahweh that I should do this thing to my lord, the anointed of Yahweh, to send forth my hand against him, since he is the anointed of Yahweh.”

Amplified Bible
He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’S anointed, to put out my hand against him, since he is the anointed of the LORD.”

Christian Standard Bible
He said to his men, “As the LORD is my witness, I would never do such a thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed. I will never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He said to his men, “I swear before the LORD: I would never do such a thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed. I will never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

American Standard Version
And he said unto his men, Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, Jehovah's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is Jehovah's anointed.

English Revised Version
And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, the LORD'S anointed, to put forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the LORD'S anointed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He said to his men, "It would be unthinkable for me to raise my hand against His Majesty, the LORD's anointed king, since he is the LORD's anointed."

Good News Translation
and he said to his men, "May the LORD keep me from doing any harm to my master, whom the LORD chose as king! I must not harm him in the least, because he is the king chosen by the LORD!"

International Standard Version
He told his men, "God forbid that I should do this thing to your majesty, the LORD's anointed, by stretching out my hand against him, since he's the LORD's anointed."

Majority Standard Bible
So he said to his men, ?The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD?s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD?s anointed.?

NET Bible
He said to his men, "May the LORD keep me far away from doing such a thing to my lord, who is the LORD's chosen one, by extending my hand against him. After all, he is the LORD's chosen one."

New Heart English Bible
He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, since he is the LORD's anointed."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

World English Bible
He said to his men, “Yahweh forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, Yahweh’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is Yahweh’s anointed.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and he says to his men, “Far be it from me, by YHWH; I do not do this thing to my lord—to the anointed of YHWH—to put forth my hand against him, for he [is] the anointed of YHWH.”

Young's Literal Translation
and he saith to his men, 'Far be it from me, by Jehovah; I do not do this thing to my lord -- to the anointed of Jehovah -- to put forth my hand against him, for the anointed of Jehovah he is.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say to his men, Far be it to me from Jehovah if I shall do this word to my lord, to the Messiah of Jehovah, to stretch forth my hand against him, for he is the Messiah of Jehovah.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to his men: The Lord be merciful unto me, that I may do no such thing to my master the Lord's anointed, as to lay my hand upon him, because he is the Lord's anointed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to his men: “May the Lord be gracious to me, lest I do this thing to my lord, the Christ of the Lord, so that I lay my hand upon him. For he is the Christ of the Lord.”

New American Bible
He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to lay a hand on him, for he is the LORD’s anointed.”

New Revised Standard Version
He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to raise my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And David said to the men who were with him, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth my hand against him, because he is the anointed of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said to the men who were with him: “Forbid me from LORD JEHOVAH if I shall make this response to my Lord, the Anointed of LORD JEHOVAH, that I would reach my hands against him, because he is the Anointed One of LORD JEHOVAH!”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said unto his men: 'The LORD forbid it me, that I should do this thing unto my lord, the LORD'S anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD'S anointed.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said to his men, The Lord forbid it me, that I should do this ting to my lord the anointed of the Lord, to lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David Spares Saul
…5Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. 6So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” 7With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 26:9-11
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

2 Samuel 1:14-16
So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...

Exodus 22:28
You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

2 Samuel 19:21-23
But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” / And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” / So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him.

Acts 23:5
“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”

1 Chronicles 16:22
‘Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!’

Matthew 22:21
“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Ecclesiastes 8:2-5
Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. / Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. / For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” ...

Proverbs 24:21-22
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. / For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?

1 Kings 21:3
But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”

1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

1 Peter 2:18-20
Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

2 Peter 2:10-11
Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings. / Yet not even angels, though greater in strength and power, dare to bring such slanderous charges against them before the Lord.

Treasury of Scripture

And he said to his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

the Lord forbid

1 Samuel 26:9-11
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? …

2 Samuel 1:14
And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?

1 Kings 21:3
And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

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Anointed David Hand Is' Jehovah's LORD's Master Selection Stretch

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Anointed David Hand Is' Jehovah's LORD's Master Selection Stretch

1 Samuel 24

1. David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life
8. He shows thereby his innocence,
16. Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs.

Berean Study Bible

So he said to his men
This phrase sets the scene for a moment of profound leadership and moral clarity. David, though surrounded by his men who might have encouraged him to seize the opportunity to kill Saul, chooses to speak words of restraint. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies not just speaking, but declaring or commanding, indicating the authority and conviction behind David's words. This moment highlights the importance of righteous leadership and the influence of a leader's words on their followers.

The LORD forbid
Here, David invokes the name of the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh), the covenantal name of God, to express a strong moral prohibition. The phrase suggests a deep reverence for God's will and commands. In the historical context, invoking the LORD's name in such a manner underscores the seriousness of the vow and the divine authority behind it. David's use of this phrase reflects his understanding that his actions must align with God's will, not merely human opportunity or desire.

that I should do such a thing
David acknowledges the gravity of the potential action against Saul. The phrase "such a thing" (הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה, ha-davar ha-zeh) implies a deed of significant moral consequence. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, actions against a king, especially one anointed by God, were not just political but deeply spiritual and ethical issues. David's recognition of this reflects his commitment to righteousness over expediency.

to my master
By referring to Saul as "my master" (אֲדֹנִי, adoni), David acknowledges Saul's legitimate authority and position, despite Saul's pursuit of him. This term of respect highlights David's humility and recognition of the established order. In a broader scriptural context, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting God-ordained authority, even when it is flawed or unjust.

the LORD’s anointed
The term "anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach) is significant, as it denotes someone chosen and consecrated by God for a specific purpose. In the historical context, anointing was a sacred act that set individuals apart for divine service, often kings or priests. David's recognition of Saul as "the LORD’s anointed" underscores his respect for God's choice and timing, and his refusal to usurp God's plan.

May I never lift my hand against him
This phrase expresses David's commitment to non-violence against Saul, despite the provocation and opportunity. The Hebrew idiom "lift my hand" (שָׁלַח יָד, shalach yad) implies taking action, particularly aggressive or harmful action. David's restraint is a powerful testament to his faith and trust in God's justice and timing, serving as an example of patience and integrity.

since he is the LORD’s anointed
David reiterates the sacred status of Saul as "the LORD’s anointed," reinforcing the idea that Saul's position is divinely ordained. This repetition emphasizes the gravity of the situation and David's unwavering commitment to honoring God's decisions. In a broader theological context, it highlights the belief in God's sovereignty and the importance of submitting to His will, even when it challenges personal desires or logic.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 6, 7. - Seeing he is the anointed of Jehovah. David bases his allegiance to Saul on religious grounds. He was Jehovah's Messiah, and as such his person was sacred. To this principle David steadfastly adhered (see 1 Samuel 26:9; 2 Samuel 1:16). The Lord forbid. Hebrew, "Far be it from me from Jehovah," i.e. for Jehovah's sake. So David stayed his servants. The verb is a strong one, and means to crush down. It shows that David had to use all his authority to keep his men, vexed by Saul's pursuit, from killing him. TEMPORARY RECONCILIATION OF SAUL AND DAVID (vers. 8-22).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So he said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to his men,
לַאֲנָשָׁ֜יו (la·’ă·nā·šāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

“The LORD
מֵֽיהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

forbid
חָלִ֧ילָה (ḥā·lî·lāh)
Interjection | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2486: For, a profaned thing, far be it!

that
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

I
לִּ֣י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

should do
אֶעֱשֶׂה֩ (’e·‘ĕ·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

such
הַזֶּ֤ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

a thing
הַדָּבָ֨ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

to my master,
לַֽאדֹנִי֙ (la·ḏō·nî)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

the LORD’s
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

anointed.
לִמְשִׁ֣יחַ (lim·šî·aḥ)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4899: Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah

I will never lift
לִשְׁלֹ֥חַ (liš·lō·aḥ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

my hand against him,
יָדִ֖י (yā·ḏî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

since
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he
הֽוּא׃ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is the LORD’s
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

anointed.”
מְשִׁ֥יחַ (mə·šî·aḥ)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4899: Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah

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OT History: 1 Samuel 24:6 He said to his men Yahweh forbid (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)