1 Samuel 24:9 net — David said to Saul,“Why do you pay attention when men say,‘David is seeking to do you harm’?

NET Bible

"David said to Saul,“Why do you pay attention when men say,‘David is seeking to do you harm’?"

— 1 Samuel 24:9, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 24:9 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 24 — Context

6

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.”

7

David restrained his men with these words and did not allow them to rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and started down the road.

8

Afterward David got up and went out of the cave. He called out after Saul,“My lord, O king!” When Saul looked behind him, David kneeled down and bowed with his face to the ground.

9

David said to Saul,“Why do you pay attention when men say,‘David is seeking to do you harm’?

10

Today your own eyes see how the LORD delivered you– this very day– into my hands in the cave. Some told me to kill you, but I had pity on you and said,‘I will not extend my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s chosen one.’

11

Look, my father, and see the edge of your robe in my hand! When I cut off the edge of your robe, I didn’t kill you. So realize and understand that I am not planning evil or rebellion. Even though I have not sinned against you, you are waiting in ambush to take my life.

12

May the LORD judge between the two of us, and may the LORD vindicate me over you, but my hand will not be against you.

1 Samuel 24:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 24:9 say?
1 Samuel 24:9 in the NET Bible reads: “David said to Saul,“Why do you pay attention when men say,‘David is seeking to do you harm’?”
Where is 1 Samuel 24:9 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 24:9 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 24, verse 9.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 24:9.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 24:9 in?
1 Samuel 24:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 24:9?
1 Samuel 24:9 reads (NET): “David said to Saul,“Why do you pay attention when men say,‘David is seeking to do you harm’?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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