Old Testament
1 Samuel 24:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And afterward, David's heart troubled him because he had cut off the skirt of Saul's robe.
Compare translations
And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.
What 1 Samuel 24:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, David felt a deep sense of regret after he secretly cut off a piece of Saul's robe. Although he had the chance to harm Saul, he chose not to, which showed his respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed king. However, even this small act of disrespect weighed heavily on David's conscience. He realized that his actions, even if not harmful, could still be seen as wrong. This inner turmoil revealed David's character; he was sensitive to the feelings of others and understood the importance of honoring those in authority. His heart was troubled because he valued integrity and wanted to do what was right in God's eyes. This moment teaches us that our choices, even seemingly minor ones, can have significant moral implications. David's response reminds us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on our relationships and our own sense of self-worth. We should strive to act with integrity, even in challenging situations, and be aware of how our decisions affect others.
How to apply 1 Samuel 24:5 to your life
When faced with difficult decisions, consider how your actions might affect others. Reflect on your values and strive to act with integrity, even in small matters. Remember that every choice shapes your character and influences your relationships with those around you. Choose wisely and honorably in all situations, big or small.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: David Spares Saul in the Cave (1 Samuel 24:1–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 24:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 24:5
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 24:5 mean?
1 Samuel 24:5 shows David feeling regret after cutting off a piece of Saul's robe. This act troubled David's heart because it represented a lack of respect for Saul, who was God's anointed king, highlighting David's sensitivity to moral integrity.
What is the significance of David's heart troubling him in 1 Samuel 24:5?
David's heart troubling him indicates his strong conscience and moral values. Even a minor act of disrespect weighed heavily on him, demonstrating his commitment to honoring authority and maintaining integrity.
What lesson can we learn from 1 Samuel 24:5?
1 Samuel 24:5 teaches us that our actions, even small ones, can have significant moral implications. It encourages us to act with integrity and consider how our choices affect others and our own character.
Why did David cut off a piece of Saul's robe in 1 Samuel 24:5?
David cut off a piece of Saul's robe to demonstrate that he had the opportunity to harm Saul but chose not to. This act was meant to show his respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed, despite their conflict.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.