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1 Samuel 26:18 And he continued, "Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?

<!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 26:18 And he continued, "Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/26-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/09_1Sa_26_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 26:18 - David Reproves Abner" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And he continued, Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? 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What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Why are you chasing me? What have I done? What is my crime?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, &#8220;Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he continued, &#8220;Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil <i>is</i> in mine hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he said, &#8220;Why does my lord thus pursue his servant? For what have I done, or what evil <i>is</i> in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He also said, &#8220;Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He also said, &#8220Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He also said, &#8220;Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He also said, &#8220;Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And David said, &#8220;Why is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he continued, &#8220;Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What crime have I committed?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he continued, &#8220Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Why are you hunting me down? Have I done something wrong, or have I committed a crime? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/26.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />"Why are you pursuing me?" he added. "What have I done? What crime have I committed?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And he added, "Why, sir, are you still pursuing me, your servant? What have I done? What crime have I committed? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David said, "Why is your majesty pursuing his servant? For what have I done, and what evil do I bear toward you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he continued, &#8220;Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He went on to say, "Why is my lord chasing his servant? What have I done? What wrong have I done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said, "Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Why doth my lord thus pursue his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said, &#8220;Why does my lord pursue his servant? For what have I done? What evil is in my hand? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he says, &#8220;Why [is] this&#8212;my lord is pursuing after his servant? For what have I done, and what evil [is] in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he saith, 'Why is this -- my lord is pursuing after his servant? for what have I done, and what is in my hand evil?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, Wherefore this my lord pursued after his servant? for what did I? and what evil in my hand?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said: Wherefore doth my lord persecute his servant? What have I done? or what evil is there in my hand? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said: &#8220;For what reason has my lord pursued his servant? What have I done? Or what evil is there in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He continued: &#8220;Why does my lord pursue his servant? What have I done? What evil am I planning?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And he added, &#8220;Why does my lord pursue his servant? For what have I done? What guilt is on my hands?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then David said, Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hands?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David said: &#8220;My Lord, why are you chasing after your Servant? What have I done and what is the evil that is in my hands?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he said: 'Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Why does my lord thus pursue after his servant? for in what have I sinned? and what unrighteousness has been found in me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/26-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7993" 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/26.htm">David Reproves Abner</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">17</span>Then Saul recognized David&#8217;s voice and asked, &#8220;Is that your voice, David my son?&#8221; &#8220;It is my voice, my lord and king,&#8221; David said. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way&#183;y&#333;&#183;mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">And he continued,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: l&#257;m&#183;m&#257;h (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">&#8220;Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: &#8217;a&#774;&#183;&#7695;&#333;&#183;n&#238; (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">is my lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: r&#333;&#183;&#7695;&#234;p&#772; (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">pursuing</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: &#8217;a&#183;&#7717;a&#774;&#183;r&#234; (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: &#8216;a&#7687;&#183;d&#333;w (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">his servant?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: k&#238; (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: &#8216;&#257;&#183;&#347;&#238;&#183;&#7791;&#238; (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have I done?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: &#363;&#183;mah- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: r&#257;&#183;&#8216;&#257;h (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: b&#601;&#183;y&#257;&#183;&#7695;&#238; (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">is in my hand?</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, &#8216;Go, serve other gods.&#8217;&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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="/psalms/7-3.htm">Psalm 7:3-5</a></span><br />O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, / if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, / then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-7.htm">Psalm 35:7</a></span><br />For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-3.htm">Psalm 109:3-5</a></span><br />They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. / In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. / They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/59-3.htm">Psalm 59:3-4</a></span><br />See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. / For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me&#8212;my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-161.htm">Psalm 119:161</a></span><br />Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart fears only Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Psalm 56:5-6</a></span><br />All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. / They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-1.htm">Psalm 140:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, / who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long. / They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</a></span><br />For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19-20</a></span><br />Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason. / Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a></span><br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-21</a></span><br />If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: &#8216;No servant is greater than his master.&#8217; If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18-21</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God&#8217;s wrath. For it is written: &#8220;Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.&#8221; / On the contrary, &#8220;If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.&#8221; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-14.htm">1 Peter 4:14-16</a></span><br />If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. / Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. / But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, Why does my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?</p><p class="hdg">Wherefore</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">1 Samuel 24:9,11-14</a></b></br> And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-3.htm">Psalm 7:3-5</a></b></br> O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-7.htm">Psalm 35:7</a></b></br> For without cause have they hid for me their net <i>in</i> a pit, <i>which</i> without cause they have digged for my soul.</p><p class="hdg">what have I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-29.htm">1 Samuel 17:29</a></b></br> And David said, What have I now done? <i>Is there</i> not a cause?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-46.htm">John 8:46</a></b></br> Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/10-32.htm">John 10:32</a></b></br> Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-35.htm">Added</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-39.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-35.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-15.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/27-4.htm">Added</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-6.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-30.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-6.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">but takes his spear and jug</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">David reproves Abner</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm">and exhorts Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Saul acknowledges his sin</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_samuel/26.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>And he said</b><br />This phrase introduces the speaker, David, who is addressing King Saul. The Hebrew root for "said" is &#1488;&#1464;&#1502;&#1463;&#1512; (amar), which is often used to denote not just speaking, but a declaration or proclamation. In this context, David is making a heartfelt appeal, emphasizing the sincerity and gravity of his words. Historically, this moment is significant as it reflects David's consistent respect for Saul's anointed position, despite Saul's pursuit of him.<p><b>Why is my lord</b><br />The term "my lord" is a respectful address to King Saul, highlighting David's continued reverence for Saul's authority as the anointed king of Israel. The Hebrew word for "lord" is &#1488;&#1458;&#1491;&#1465;&#1504;&#1460;&#1497; (adoni), which signifies a master or superior. This reflects David's humility and recognition of God's established order, even when faced with unjust persecution.<p><b>pursuing his servant?</b><br />The word "pursuing" comes from the Hebrew &#1512;&#1464;&#1491;&#1463;&#1507; (radaf), meaning to chase or hunt. This term conveys the intensity and relentlessness of Saul's actions against David. By referring to himself as "his servant," David underscores his loyalty and innocence, reminding Saul of his previous service and dedication. This phrase also evokes the broader biblical theme of the righteous being pursued by the wicked, a motif seen throughout the Psalms.<p><b>What have I done?</b><br />This rhetorical question is a plea for justice and self-examination. The Hebrew word &#1506;&#1464;&#1513;&#1464;&#1474;&#1492; (asah) for "done" implies action or deed. David is challenging Saul to consider any wrongdoing on his part, which he knows does not exist. This reflects the biblical principle of examining one's actions and the importance of justice and righteousness in leadership.<p><b>What evil is in my hand?</b><br />The term "evil" is translated from the Hebrew &#1512;&#1464;&#1506;&#1464;&#1492; (ra'ah), which denotes wickedness or harm. By asking if there is any evil "in my hand," David is using a metaphor for actions or intentions. The "hand" often symbolizes power or capability in biblical literature. David is asserting his innocence and the absence of any harmful intent towards Saul. This question is a powerful reminder of the biblical call to purity of heart and action, and it challenges the listener to consider the integrity of their own motives.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">What have I done?</span>--The whole address of David to Saul is intensely reverent, even loving. The conspicuous trophy of his late "night raid" was in his hand; we can imagine the first rays of the morning sun lighting up the glittering royal spear grasped by David. Saul could not help recognising that at least the son of Jesse sought not his life.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/26-18.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">And he continued,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1463;&#1497;&#1468;&#1465;&#1429;&#1488;&#1502;&#1462;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(way&#183;y&#333;&#183;mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; 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">&#8220;Why</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1464;&#1445;&#1502;&#1468;&#1464;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#257;m&#183;m&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is my lord</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1458;&#1491;&#1465;&#1504;&#1460;&#1445;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;a&#774;&#183;&#7695;&#333;&#183;n&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sovereign, controller</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pursuing</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1512;&#1465;&#1491;&#1461;&#1430;&#1507;</span> <span class="translit">(r&#333;&#183;&#7695;&#234;p&#772;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his servant?</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1506;&#1463;&#1489;&#1456;&#1491;&#1468;&#1425;&#1493;&#1465;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8216;a&#7687;&#183;d&#333;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">What</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1462;&#1443;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(meh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have I done?</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1506;&#1464;&#1513;&#1474;&#1460;&#1428;&#1497;&#1514;&#1460;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8216;&#257;&#183;&#347;&#238;&#183;&#7791;&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">What</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1468;&#1502;&#1463;&#1492;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#363;&#183;mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1512;&#1464;&#1506;&#1464;&#1469;&#1492;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(r&#257;&#183;&#8216;&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is in my hand?</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1456;&#1497;&#1464;&#1491;&#1460;&#1430;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#601;&#183;y&#257;&#183;&#7695;&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Noun - feminine singular construct &#124; first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/26-18.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 26:18 He said Why does my lord pursue (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:19" /></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>

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