Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his men joined the woman in urging him, and he listened to them. He got up from the ground and sat on the couch. New Living Translation But Saul refused to eat anything. Then his advisers joined the woman in urging him to eat, so he finally yielded and got up from the ground and sat on the couch. English Standard Version He refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, urged him, and he listened to their words. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed. Berean Standard Bible Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. Berean Literal Bible And he refused and said, “I will not eat.” And his servants urged him, and also the woman, and he listened to their voice. And he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. King James Bible But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. New King James Version But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” So his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he heeded their voice. Then he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. New American Standard Bible But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” However, his servants together with the woman urged him, and he listened to them. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed. NASB 1995 But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” However, his servants together with the woman urged him, and he listened to them. So he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. NASB 1977 But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” However, his servants together with the woman urged him, and he listened to them. So he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. Legacy Standard Bible But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” However, his servants together with the woman urged him, and he listened to them. So he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. Amplified Bible But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants together with the woman urged him, and he [finally] listened to them. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed. Berean Annotated Bible Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat. But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. Christian Standard Bible He refused, saying, “I won’t eat,” but when his servants and the woman urged him, he listened to them. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed. Holman Christian Standard Bible He refused, saying, “I won’t eat,” but when his servants and the woman urged him, he listened to them. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed. American Standard Version But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. Contemporary English Version "No, I won't eat!" But his officers and the woman kept on urging Saul, until he finally agreed. He got up off the floor and sat on the bed. English Revised Version But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. GOD'S WORD® Translation But he refused. "I don't want to eat," he said. Nevertheless, his officers and the woman kept urging him until he listened to them. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed. Good News Translation Saul refused and said he would not eat anything. But his officers also urged him to eat. He finally gave in, got up from the ground, and sat on the bed. International Standard Version Saul refused, saying, "I won't eat!" Both his servants and the woman urged him, and so he listened to them. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed. NET Bible But he refused, saying, "I won't eat!" Both his servants and the woman urged him to eat, so he gave in. He got up from the ground and sat down on the bed. New Heart English Bible But he refused, and said, "I will not eat." But his servants, together with the woman, pressed him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the ground, and sat on the bed. Webster's Bible Translation But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened to their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSaul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. World English Bible But he refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he refuses and says, “I do not eat”; and his servants urge him on, and also the woman, and he listens to their voice, and rises from the earth, and sits on the bed. Berean Literal Bible And he refused and said, “I will not eat.” And his servants urged him, and also the woman, and he listened to their voice. And he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. Young's Literal Translation And he refuseth, and saith, 'I do not eat;' and his servants urge on him, and also the woman, and he hearkeneth to their voice, and riseth from the earth, and sitteth on the bed. Smith's Literal Translation And he will refuse, and say, I will not eat And his servants will press upon him, and also the woman, and he will hear to their voice. And he will rise up from the earth and sit upon the bed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he refused, and said: I will not eat. But his servants and the woman forced him, and at length hearkening to their voice, he arose from the ground and sat upon the bed. Catholic Public Domain Version But he refused, and he said, “I will not eat.” But his servants and the woman urged him, and after some time, heeding their voice, he rose up from the ground, and he sat upon the bed. New American Bible But he refused, saying, “I will not eat.” However, when his servants joined the woman in urging him, he listened to their entreaties, got up from the ground, and sat on a couch. New Revised Standard Version He refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he listened to their words. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, begged him; and he hearkened to their voice. So he arose from the ground and sat upon the bed. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he did not want it, and he said: “I will not eat.” And his Servants begged of him, also the woman, and he listened to their voice, and he got up from the ground and sat down on the bed OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But he refused, and said: 'I will not eat.' But his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. Brenton Septuagint Translation But he would not eat; so his servants and the woman constrained him, and he hearkened to their voice, and rose up from the earth, and sat upon a bench. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul and the Medium of Endor…22Now please listen to your servant and let me set a morsel of bread before you so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.” 23Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. 24The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.… Cross References Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” 2 Samuel 12:17 The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. Genesis 24:33 Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.” Daniel 1:8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself. But his servants joined the woman in urging him, 2 Kings 4:8 One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. 2 Kings 2:17 But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah. Luke 24:29 But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them. and he heeded their voice. 1 Samuel 15:24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Genesis 3:17 And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Genesis 16:2 So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. Genesis 48:2 When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed. 2 Samuel 12:20 Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate. 1 Kings 21:4 So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him. Mark 1:31 So He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. Luke 4:39 and He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and began to serve them. John 4:31-34 Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” / But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” / So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?” … Treasury of Scripture But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat on the bed. I will 1 Kings 21:4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. Proverbs 25:20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. compelled him 2 Kings 4:8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. Jump to Previous Bed Compelled Constrained Desire Earth Eat Hearkened Hearkeneth However Joined Refused Refuseth Riseth Sat Seat Servants Sitteth Together Urge Urged Urging Voice Way WordsJump to Next Bed Compelled Constrained Desire Earth Eat Hearkened Hearkeneth However Joined Refused Refuseth Riseth Sat Seat Servants Sitteth Together Urge Urged Urging Voice Way Words1 Samuel 28 1. Achish puts confidence in David3. Saul having destroyed the witches 4. and now in his fear forsaken of God 7. has recourse to a witch 8. who, encouraged by Saul, raises up Samuel 15. Saul hearing his ruin, faints 21. The woman and his servants refresh him with meat Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” Saul's refusal to eat reflects his deep distress and fear after his encounter with the spirit of Samuel. This moment occurs during a time of great personal and national crisis for Saul, as the Philistine army threatens Israel. Saul's refusal can be seen as a sign of his despair and loss of hope, as he faces the consequences of his disobedience to God. In biblical culture, fasting was often associated with mourning or seeking divine intervention, but here it seems to be more about his emotional state. But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who is in a state of desperation and fear as he faces the Philistine army. His refusal to eat signifies his deep distress and hopelessness. 2. The Woman (Medium of Endor) A medium whom Saul consults to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel, despite having previously banned such practices in Israel. Her role is pivotal in this account as she provides Saul with the message from Samuel. 3. Servants of Saul They accompany Saul to Endor and play a role in persuading him to eat, showing their concern for his well-being. 4. Endor A location in ancient Israel where the medium resides. It becomes the setting for this significant and controversial event in Saul's life. 5. Philistines The enemy force that Saul is preparing to face, contributing to his fear and desperation. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's actions demonstrate the spiritual decline that results from persistent disobedience to God. His desperation leads him to seek guidance from forbidden sources, illustrating the dangers of straying from God's commands. The Importance of Godly Counsel Saul's reliance on a medium rather than seeking Godly counsel highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with advisors who encourage obedience to God. Desperation and Fear Fear can drive individuals to make poor decisions. Saul's fear of the Philistines leads him to act against God's law. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty rather than succumbing to fear. The Role of Community The servants' concern for Saul's physical well-being shows the importance of community in times of distress. Believers should support one another, encouraging faithfulness to God. Repentance and Restoration Saul's account serves as a cautionary tale about the need for repentance. Believers are reminded of the opportunity for restoration through genuine repentance and turning back to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 28:23?2. How does 1 Samuel 28:23 illustrate the importance of hospitality in Christian life? 3. What can we learn from Saul's actions about seeking guidance outside God's will? 4. How does this verse connect with Jesus' teachings on serving others? 5. In what ways can we show kindness to those in distress today? 6. How does this passage challenge us to trust God's provision in difficult times? 7. Why did Saul seek guidance from a medium in 1 Samuel 28:23? 8. Does 1 Samuel 28:23 suggest God condones consulting mediums? 9. How does 1 Samuel 28:23 align with biblical teachings against necromancy? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 28? 11. What is the Witch of Endor Bible story about? 12. Is there any archaeological or historical evidence confirming the existence of mediums in ancient Israel to support the story of 1 Samuel 28:7-9? 13. If necromancy is condemned (Deut. 18:9-12), how can 1 Samuel 28:7-25 portray Saul successfully consulting a medium? 14. What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy? What Does 1 Samuel 28:23 Mean Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.”• The verse opens with Saul’s flat refusal. Moments earlier he had “fallen full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel’s words; his strength was gone, for he had eaten nothing all that day and all that night” (1 Samuel 28:20). • His words echo other biblical scenes where grief, guilt, or dread led to a self-imposed fast—see 2 Samuel 12:17; 1 Kings 21:4; Psalm 102:4. • Literally, Saul’s body is exhausted, but the statement also reveals a heart paralyzed by divine judgment (1 Samuel 15:24-26; 28:15-19). He cannot bring himself to accept help, because his deepest need—restoration to God—remains unmet. But his servants joined the woman in urging him • Though Saul had earlier expelled mediums (28:3), this very woman now shows him practical compassion. Like Abigail who interceded for Nabal (25:32-33), she steps into danger to preserve life. • The servants know their king’s physical collapse threatens the entire army on the eve of battle (31:1). Their joint pleading mirrors the concern of David’s servants when he fasted for his sick child (2 Samuel 12:17). • God often uses unexpected voices to press His mercies upon stubborn hearts. And he heeded their voice • The king who once refused to heed the voice of the Lord through Samuel (15:19-22) now listens to human persuasion. The reversal is tragic: he is quick to obey people, slow to obey God. • Yet even this small obedience shows God’s common grace at work, keeping Saul alive long enough for the final events to unfold (29:1; 31:1-6). • The phrase recalls repeated biblical counsel: “Listen to wise advice” (Proverbs 12:15; 19:20). Sadly, Saul receives only physical relief, not spiritual renewal. He got up from the ground • Rising from the ground marks a change in posture. Where lying prostrate symbolized despair (Joshua 7:10; Ezra 9:5), standing or sitting signifies regained composure. • The movement anticipates his last campaign; strength returns, but destiny is fixed. Saul is living proof that outward recovery can mask inward ruin (Matthew 23:27). And sat on the bed • The bed (or couch) in ancient homes served as a place for eating and resting (Judges 19:6-7; Luke 7:37-38). By taking this position, Saul accepts the hospitality extended to him. • Ironically, the man who once shared covenant meals with Samuel (9:22-24) now dines in a forbidden house, sealing the contrast between past favor and present alienation. • The setting underscores the mercy of God: food is provided even to an unrepentant king, paralleling Jesus’ teaching that the Father “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). summary 1 Samuel 28:23 captures a moment of physical care against the backdrop of spiritual catastrophe. Saul’s initial refusal shows the depth of his fear; the united plea of servants and medium reflects God’s sustaining providence; his eventual compliance brings temporary strength but no heart change. The verse reminds us that even when divine judgment is certain, the Lord still offers tangible mercies—and that listening to human counsel can never substitute for obeying the voice of God. (23) And sat upon the bed--That is, upon the divan, or cushioned seat, which usually runs round the walls of rooms in Eastern dwellings. There is nothing in the narration to support the common idea, represented so often in painting, that the scene above related took place in a cave. The witch probably lived in a dwelling of her own at En-dor. There is nothing either in the narrative to indicate that she was living in a place of concealment.Hebrew Saul refused,וַיְמָאֵ֗ן (way·mā·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3985: To refuse saying, וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “I will not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no eat.” אֹכַ֔ל (’ō·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 398: To eat But his servants עֲבָדָיו֙ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant joined וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and the woman הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female in urging וַיִּפְרְצוּ־ (way·yip̄·rə·ṣū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6555: To break through him, ב֤וֹ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew and he heeded וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently their voice. לְקֹלָ֑ם (lə·qō·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6963: A voice, sound He got up וַיָּ֙קָם֙ (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand from the ground מֵֽהָאָ֔רֶץ (mê·hā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-m, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land and sat וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry on אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the bed. הַמִּטָּֽה׃ (ham·miṭ·ṭāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4296: A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier Links 1 Samuel 28:23 NIV1 Samuel 28:23 NLT 1 Samuel 28:23 ESV 1 Samuel 28:23 NASB 1 Samuel 28:23 KJV 1 Samuel 28:23 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 28:23 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 28:23 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 28:23 French Bible 1 Samuel 28:23 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 28:23 But he refused and said I will (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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