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1 Samuel 26:12
New International Version
So David took the spear and water jug near Saul’s head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the LORD had put them into a deep sleep.

New Living Translation
So David took the spear and jug of water that were near Saul’s head. Then he and Abishai got away without anyone seeing them or even waking up, because the LORD had put Saul’s men into a deep sleep.

English Standard Version
So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away. No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.

Berean Standard Bible
So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

King James Bible
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

New King James Version
So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul’s head, and they got away; and no man saw or knew it or awoke. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

New American Standard Bible
So David took the spear and the jug of water that were at Saul’s head, and they left; and no one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone awaken, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

NASB 1995
So David took the spear and the jug of water from beside Saul’s head, and they went away, but no one saw or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a sound sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

NASB 1977
So David took the spear and the jug of water from beside Saul’s head, and they went away, but no one saw or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a sound sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

Legacy Standard Bible
So David took the spear and the jug of water from beside Saul’s head, and they went away, but no one saw or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a sound sleep from Yahweh had fallen on them.

Amplified Bible
So David took the spear and the jug of water from beside Saul’s head, and they left, and no one saw or knew nor did anyone awaken, because they were all sound asleep, for a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

Christian Standard Bible
So David took the spear and the water jug by Saul’s head, and they went their way. No one saw them, no one knew, and no one woke up; they all remained asleep because a deep sleep from the LORD came over them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So David took the spear and the water jug by Saul’s head, and they went their way. No one saw them, no one knew, and no one woke up; they all remained asleep because a deep sleep from the LORD came over them.

American Standard Version
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's head; and they gat them away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Jehovah was fallen upon them.

Contemporary English Version
David took the spear and the water jar, then left the camp. None of Saul's soldiers knew what had happened or even woke up--the LORD had made all of them fall sound asleep.

English Revised Version
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's head; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David took the spear and the jar of water near Saul's head, and they left. All of them were asleep. No one saw them, knew about it, or woke up. The LORD had made them fall into a deep sleep.

Good News Translation
So David took the spear and the water jar from right beside Saul's head, and he and Abishai left. No one saw it or knew what had happened or even woke up--they were all sound asleep, because the LORD had sent a heavy sleep on them all.

International Standard Version
So David took the spear and the jug of water at Saul's head, and they left. No one saw, and no one knew, because no one was awake. They were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen over them.

Majority Standard Bible
So David took the spear and water jug by Saul?s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

NET Bible
So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul's head, and they got out of there. No one saw them or was aware of their presence or woke up. All of them were asleep, for the LORD had caused a deep sleep to fall on them.

New Heart English Bible
So David took the spear and the jar of water at his head, and they went away. And no one saw it or knew about it, nor did any awake. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

Webster's Bible Translation
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they departed, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep: because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.

World English Bible
So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away. No man saw it, or knew it, nor did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Yahweh had fallen on them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David takes the spear, and the jug of water by the pillow of Saul, and they go away, and there is none seeing, and there is none knowing, and there is none awaking, for all of them are sleeping, for a deep sleep [from] YHWH has fallen on them.

Young's Literal Translation
And David taketh the spear, and the cruse of water at the pillow of Saul, and they go away, and there is none seeing, and there is none knowing, and there is none awaking, for all of them are sleeping, for a deep sleep from Jehovah hath fallen upon them.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will take the spear, and the cruse of water at Saul's head, and they will go for themselves, and none saw and none will know, and none waking: for all of them were sleeping; for a deep sleep of Jehovah fell upon them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So David took the spear, and the cup of water which was at Saul's head, and they went away: and no man saw it, or knew it, or awaked, but they were all asleep, for a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, David took the spear, and the cup of water that was at Saul’s head, and they went away. And there was no one who saw it, or realized it, or awakened, but they were all sleeping. For a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen over them.

New American Bible
So David took the spear and the water jug from their place at Saul’s head, and they withdrew without anyone seeing or knowing or awakening. All remained asleep, because a deep slumber from the LORD had fallen upon them.

New Revised Standard Version
So David took the spear that was at Saul’s head and the water jar, and they went away. No one saw it, or knew it, nor did anyone awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So David took the spear and the jug of water from Saul's bedside; and they went away, and no man saw it nor knew it, neither awaked, for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David took the spear and the jug from the side of Shaul and they went, and no man saw neither knew, neither awoke, because all of them had been sleeping, and a stupor from LORD JEHOVAH had fallen upon them
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's head; and they got them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So David took the spear, and the pitcher of water from his bolster, and they went home: and there was no one that saw, and no one that knew, and there was no one that awoke, all being asleep, for a stupor from the Lord had fallen upon them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Again Spares Saul
11But the LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” 12So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

Cross References
Genesis 2:21
So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh.

Judges 7:13-15
And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.” / His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.” / When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”

1 Samuel 24:4-7
So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” ...

1 Samuel 23:14
And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.

2 Kings 6:18-20
As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. / And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. / When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria.

Psalm 3:5
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.

Psalm 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 127:2
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

Isaiah 29:10
For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.

Matthew 26:40-43
Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. / “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” / A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” ...

Mark 14:37-41
Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour? / Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” / Again He went away and prayed, saying the same thing. ...

Luke 22:45-46
When Jesus rose from prayer and returned to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. / “Why are you sleeping?” He asked. “Get up and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.”

John 18:6
When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

Acts 12:6-11
On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. / Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. / “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they got them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen on them.

So David

1 Samuel 26:7
So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.

1 Samuel 24:4
And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.

a deep sleep

Genesis 2:21
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

Genesis 15:12
And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

Esther 6:1
On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

Jump to Previous
Asleep Awake Awaked Bolster Cruse David Deep Departed Head Jar Saul's Sleep Spear Water
Jump to Next
Asleep Awake Awaked Bolster Cruse David Deep Departed Head Jar Saul's Sleep Spear Water
1 Samuel 26
1. Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David
4. David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul,
11. but takes his spear and jug
13. David reproves Abner
17. and exhorts Saul
21. Saul acknowledges his sin














So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head
This phrase highlights David's strategic and bold action. The spear, a symbol of Saul's military power and authority, and the water jug, a symbol of life and sustenance, were taken by David. In the Hebrew context, the spear (חנית, "ḥănîṯ") represents not just a weapon but a king's power. The act of taking these items signifies David's ability to claim authority and life, yet he chooses not to harm Saul, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed. This reflects David's integrity and faithfulness to God's will, emphasizing the biblical principle of respecting God's chosen leaders.

and they departed
The departure of David and his men signifies a peaceful resolution to a potentially violent encounter. The Hebrew verb for "departed" (ילך, "yālaḵ") often implies a purposeful journey or mission. David's departure without harming Saul underscores his reliance on God's timing and justice rather than taking matters into his own hands. This act of leaving peacefully is a testament to David's trust in God's sovereignty and his commitment to righteousness.

No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up
This phrase emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event. The fact that no one saw or knew about David's actions, nor did anyone wake up, suggests divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "saw" (ראה, "rā’āh") and "knew" (ידע, "yāḏaʿ") indicate a complete lack of awareness among Saul's men. This lack of awareness is not due to human cunning but to God's providence, highlighting the theme of divine protection and guidance in David's life.

They all remained asleep
The sleep of Saul's men is described with the Hebrew word (ישן, "yāšēn"), which implies a deep, undisturbed rest. This sleep is not ordinary but is orchestrated by God, as indicated in the following phrase. The deep sleep serves as a protective measure for David, allowing him to demonstrate his loyalty to Saul without interference. It also symbolizes the spiritual blindness of Saul's camp, unable to perceive God's hand at work.

because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them
The phrase "deep sleep from the LORD" (תרדמה, "tarḏēmāh") is significant in biblical literature, often associated with divine intervention (as seen in Genesis 2:21 with Adam). This sleep is a supernatural occurrence, orchestrated by God to fulfill His purposes. It underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and control over human affairs. The fact that this sleep "had fallen" (נפל, "nāphal") on them indicates a sudden and overwhelming divine action, ensuring David's safety and the continuation of God's plan for Israel. This highlights the belief in God's active role in guiding and protecting His chosen ones, reinforcing the message of trust and obedience to God's will.

(12) No man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked.--The Hebrew is more graphic: "And none saw, and none knew, and none awaked."

A deep sleep from the Lord.--The inference here, at first sight, certainly is that an unnatural, or rather, a supernatural drowsiness had fallen on the camp of Saul. Still, it is not absolutely necessary to suppose that a special miracle was wrought on this occasion. The memory of great carelessness and want of vigilance in the royal army was evidently in David's mind when he sarcastically reproves the royal general Abner, in 1Samuel 26:14-16. They were in a friendly district, and never dreamed of a surprise, and possibly the rough soldiers on duty had been carousing. David too and Abishai, owing to their long experience in camp life, often flying before their enemies, were practised scouts, and in the dark night did their perilous work speedily and noiselessly.

Verse 12. - And no man saw it, etc. The Hebrew text describes the occurrence in a much more lively manner: "And none saw, and none knew, and none awaked." A deep sleep from Jehovah, etc. So surprising a fact as that two men could penetrate into the very centre of a considerable army, and remove the king's sceptre and water bottle from his side, could only be accounted for by the interference of Providence in their behalf.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So David
דָּוִ֨ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

took
וַיִּקַּח֩ (way·yiq·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

the spear
הַחֲנִ֜ית (ha·ḥă·nîṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

and water
הַמַּ֙יִם֙ (ham·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

jug
צַפַּ֤חַת (ṣap·pa·ḥaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6835: A jar, jug

by Saul’s head,
שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

and they departed.
וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

No
וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

one saw them
רֹאֶה֩ (rō·’eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

[or]
וְאֵ֨ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

knew about it,
יוֹדֵ֜עַ (yō·w·ḏê·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

nor did anyone
וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

wake up;
מֵקִ֗יץ (mê·qîṣ)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6974: Arise, be awake, watch

they all
כֻלָּם֙ (ḵul·lām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

remained asleep,
יְשֵׁנִ֔ים (yə·šê·nîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3462: To be slack, languid, sleep, to grow old, stale, inveterate

because
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a deep sleep
תַּרְדֵּמַ֣ת (tar·dê·maṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8639: A lethargy, trance

from the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

had fallen
נָפְלָ֖ה (nā·p̄ə·lāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

on them.
עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT History: 1 Samuel 26:12 So David took the spear and (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 26:11
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