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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 15:30 "I have sinned," Saul replied. "Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/15-30.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/09_1Sa_15_30.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 15:30 - Saul's Confession" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have sinned, Saul replied. Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. 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But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Saul pleaded again, “I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel by coming back with me so that I may worship the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I have sinned,” Saul replied. “Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, I have sinned: <i>yet</i> honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he said, “I have sinned; <i>yet</i> honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then <i>Saul</i> said, “I have sinned; <i>but</i> please honor me now before the elders of my people and before <i>all</i> Israel, and go back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he said, &#8220I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he said, “I have sinned; <i>but</i> please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he said, “I have sinned; <i>but</i> please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship Yahweh your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Saul said, “I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Saul said, “I have sinned. Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me so I can bow in worship to the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Saul said, &#8220I have sinned. Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me so I can bow in worship to the LORD your God.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he said, I have sinned: yet honor me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship Jehovah thy God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Saul said, "I did sin, but please honor me in front of the leaders of the army and the people of Israel. Come back with me, so I can worship the LORD your God." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Saul replied, "I have sinned! Now please honor me in front of the leaders of my people and in front of Israel. Come back with me, and let me worship the LORD your God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"I have sinned," Saul replied. "But at least show me respect in front of the leaders of my people and all of Israel. Go back with me so that I can worship the LORD your God." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I've sinned," Saul said. "But please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me so I may worship the LORD your God." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Saul again replied, "I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel. Go back with me so I may worship the LORD your God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, "I have sinned: yet please honor me now before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and come back with me, that I may worship the LORD your God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then he said, I have sinned: yet honor me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I have sinned,” Saul replied. “Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, “I have sinned; yet please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and come back with me, that I may worship Yahweh your God.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he says, “I have sinned; now please honor me before [the] elderly of my people and before Israel, and return with me; and I have bowed myself to your God YHWH.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he saith, 'I have sinned; now, honour me, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn back with me; and I have bowed myself to Jehovah thy God.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, I sinned this time; honor me now before the old men of my people, and before Israel, and turn back with me, and I worshipped to Jehovah thy God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then he said: I have sinned: yet honour me now before the ancients of my people, and before Israel, and return with me, that I may adore the Lord thy God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then he said: “I have sinned. But now, honor me before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and return with me, so that I may adore the Lord your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Saul answered: “I have sinned, yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Return with me that I may worship the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Saul said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul said, I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return again with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul said: “I have sinned! Now honor me before the Elders of my people and before Israel and return with me. I shall worship LORD JEHOVAH your God!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then he said: 'I have sinned; yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Saul said, I have sinned; yet honour me, I pray thee, before the elders of Israel, and before my people; and turn back with me, and I will worship the Lord thy God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/15-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=4305" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/15.htm">Saul's Confession</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">29</span>Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.” <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ḥā·ṭā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">“I have sinned,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Saul replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">“Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: kab·bə·ḏê·nî (V-Piel-Imp-ms:: 1cs) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">honor me</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">now</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: ne·ḡeḏ (Prep) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê- (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of my people</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: wə·ne·ḡeḏ (Conj-w:: Prep) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">and before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·šūḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">Come back</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mî (Prep:: 1cs) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: wə·hiš·ta·ḥă·wê·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">so that I may worship</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">31</span>So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-13.htm">1 Samuel 13:13-14</a></span><br />“You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. / But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-17.htm">1 Samuel 28:17-18</a></span><br />He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David. / Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-13.htm">2 Samuel 12:13</a></span><br />Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">1 Kings 18:18</a></span><br />“I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-13.htm">1 Chronicles 10:13-14</a></span><br />So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-11.htm">Psalm 51:11</a></span><br />Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-2.htm">Isaiah 66:2</a></span><br />Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-4.htm">Jeremiah 7:4-7</a></span><br />Do not trust in deceptive words, saying: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’ / For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another, / if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a></span><br />For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1-2</a></span><br />“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. / So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8-9</a></span><br />‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5-7</a></span><br />All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. / They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-6.htm">Mark 7:6-7</a></span><br />Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15</a></span><br />So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then he said, I have sinned: yet honor me now, I pray you, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.</p><p class="hdg">honour me now</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/2-4.htm">Habakkuk 2:4</a></b></br> Behold, his soul <i>which</i> is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/5-44.htm">John 5:44</a></b></br> How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that <i>cometh</i> from God only?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/12-43.htm">John 12:43</a></b></br> For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.</p><p class="hdg">that I may worship</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></b></br> Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near <i>me</i> with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a></b></br> And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/3-5.htm">2 Timothy 3:5</a></b></br> Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-3.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-22.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-25.htm">Please</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-27.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-25.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-25.htm">Worship</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-4.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-22.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-35.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm">Please</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-31.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-53.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-31.htm">Worship</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/15-1.htm">Samuel sends Saul to destroy Amalek</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/15-6.htm">Saul favors the Kenites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/15-7.htm">He spares Agag and the best of the spoil</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/15-10.htm">Samuel denounces unto Saul God's rejection of him for his disobedience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">Saul's humiliation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/15-32.htm">Samuel kills Agag</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/15-34.htm">Samuel and Saul part</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“I have sinned,” Saul replied.</b><br>Saul's admission of sin comes after his disobedience to God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. This acknowledgment is significant as it reflects a moment of self-awareness, yet it lacks genuine repentance. Saul's confession is more about the consequences of his actions rather than a heartfelt turning back to God. This contrasts with David's later genuine repentance in <a href="/psalms/51.htm">Psalm 51</a>. Saul's admission is similar to Pharaoh's in <a href="/exodus/9-27.htm">Exodus 9:27</a>, where the acknowledgment of sin is more about alleviating immediate consequences than true repentance.<p><b>“Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel.”</b><br>Saul's request for honor reveals his concern with public perception and status. In ancient Israelite culture, honor and shame were pivotal social values. Saul's focus on maintaining his honor before the elders and the people indicates a prioritization of human approval over divine approval. This reflects a broader biblical theme where leaders are often tempted to seek the favor of men rather than God, as seen in <a href="/john/12-43.htm">John 12:43</a>, where the Pharisees loved human praise more than praise from God.<p><b>“Come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.”</b><br>Saul's invitation to Samuel to return with him is an attempt to restore his standing and legitimacy as king. The phrase "the LORD your God" suggests a distancing from a personal relationship with God, contrasting with David's intimate relationship with God, as seen in the Psalms. Saul's focus on external worship rather than internal transformation highlights a recurring biblical theme where God desires obedience and a contrite heart over ritualistic worship, as emphasized in <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a>. Saul's request for Samuel's presence underscores the prophet's role as a mediator between God and the king, a role that foreshadows Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. In this chapter, Saul disobeys God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>A prophet and judge of Israel who anointed Saul as king. He delivers God's message of judgment to Saul for his disobedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_elders_of_israel.htm">The Elders of Israel</a></b><br>Leaders and representatives of the tribes of Israel, whose respect and honor Saul seeks to maintain despite his disobedience.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_amalekites.htm">The Amalekites</a></b><br>A people whom God commanded Saul to utterly destroy as a judgment for their past actions against Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/worship_of_the_lord.htm">Worship of the LORD</a></b><br>Saul's request to worship indicates a desire to maintain religious appearances despite his disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_superficial_repentance.htm">The Danger of Superficial Repentance</a></b><br>Saul's plea for honor reveals a focus on outward appearances rather than true repentance. True repentance involves a change of heart and turning back to God, not just maintaining one's image.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's disobedience leads to his rejection as king. This teaches us that partial obedience is still disobedience in God's eyes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a></b><br>Saul's concern for his reputation over obedience to God highlights the need for leaders to prioritize God's commands over human approval.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/worship_with_integrity.htm">Worship with Integrity</a></b><br>Saul's desire to worship while being disobedient serves as a warning that worship must be genuine and from the heart, not just a ritualistic act.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_approval_over_man's.htm">Seeking God's Approval Over Man's</a></b><br>Saul's request for honor from the elders shows a misplaced priority. Believers are called to seek God's approval above all else.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_amalekites_reappear_in_1_sam_30.htm">If Saul reportedly destroyed the Amalekites earlier (1 Samuel 15), why do they reappear here in 1 Samuel 30?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_change_his_mind_or_not.htm">Does God change his mind? I Samuel 15:10-11, 15:35, and Genesis 6:6-7 suggest yes, while I Samuel 15:29 suggests no. How do these contradictions reconcile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_isn't_david_condemned_for_his_raids.htm">If David's raids led to widespread destruction (1 Samuel 27:8-9), why is there no explicit condemnation of his actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_samuel_8_an_edited_text.htm">Could 1 Samuel 8 reflect later editorial influences rather than an authentic historical event?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(30) <span class= "bld">Yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders.</span>--It was a strange penitence, after all, this sorrow of Saul for his great sin. He was, no doubt, terribly in earnest and in great fear; but his earnestness was based upon a desire to maintain his power and royal state, and his fear sprang from a well-grounded apprehension that if he lost the countenance of Samuel the seer, the revered and honoured servant of the Lord, he would probably forfeit his crown. "If Saul had been really penitent, he would pray to have been humble rather than to be honoured" (<span class= "ital">St. Gregory, </span>quoted by Wordsworth).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 30, 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then he said, I have sinned.</span> We have here no real confession of guilt. Even in ver. 24 the words were rather an expression of vexation at the strictness with which he was held to the letter of the command, than an acknowledgment that he really had done wrong. Here Saul's meaning seems to be, Well, granting that I have sinned, and that this sentence of exclusion kern the kingdom is passed upon me, yet at least pay me the honor due to the rank which I still continue to hold. And to this request Samuel accedes. Saul was <span class="accented">de facto</span> king, and would continue to be so during his lifetime. The anointing, once bestowed, was a consecration for life, and so generally it was in the days of the son that the consequences of the father's sin came fully to pass (<a href="/1_kings/11-34.htm">1 Kings 11:34, 35</a>; <a href="/1_kings/14-13.htm">1 Kings 14:13</a>, etc.). Had Samuel refused the public honour due to Saul's rank, it would have given an occasion for intrigue and resistance to all who were disaffected with Saul's government, and been a step towards bringing back the old anarchy. <span class="cmt_word">Jehovah thy God.</span> See on ver. 13. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/15-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“I have sinned,”</span><br /><span class="heb">חָטָ֔אתִי</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ṭā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Please</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֛א</span> <span class="translit">(nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> </span><span class="str2">I pray', 'now', 'then'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">honor</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּבְּדֵ֥נִי</span> <span class="translit">(kab·bə·ḏê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me now</span><br /><span class="heb">עַתָּ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> </span><span class="str2">At this time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶ֥גֶד</span> <span class="translit">(ne·ḡeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> </span><span class="str2">A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of my people</span><br /><span class="heb">עַמִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(‘am·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and before</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנֶ֣גֶד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ne·ḡeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> </span><span class="str2">A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Come back</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשׁ֣וּב</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with me,</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמִּ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that I may worship</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֵ֖יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hiš·ta·ḥă·wê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽיהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/15-30.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 15:30 Then he said I have sinned: yet (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 15:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 15:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/15-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 15:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 15:31" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>