Old Testament
1 Samuel 28:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Samuel replied, "Why are you asking me, when the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy?"
Compare translations
Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
What 1 Samuel 28:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the prophet Samuel confronts King Saul, who is desperate for guidance. Saul has turned away from God, and now he seeks answers from Samuel, who has died. Samuel's response highlights a crucial truth: when we ignore God, we risk losing His support. Saul's actions have led him to a point of despair, where he feels abandoned. Samuel's words serve as a reminder that turning away from God can lead to dire consequences. Instead of seeking God, Saul seeks help from the dead, which shows his desperation and lack of faith. This encounter emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with God and the dangers of straying from His path. Ultimately, it illustrates that when we choose to go our own way, we may find ourselves facing challenges alone, without divine guidance or support. Samuel's message is clear: God is not just a backup plan; He is essential for our lives and decisions. Ignoring Him can lead to feeling lost and alone, just as Saul experienced.
How to apply 1 Samuel 28:16 to your life
Reflect on your relationship with God. Are there areas in your life where you have turned away from Him? Seek to reconnect and ask for His guidance in your decisions. Remember, God is always ready to help if you turn back to Him with sincerity and faith. Trust in His support and wisdom as you navigate life's challenges.
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 Samuel's story: Saul and the Medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28:3–25)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Samuel
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 28:16
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 28:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 28:16 mean?
1 Samuel 28:16 shows Samuel confronting Saul about his desperate search for guidance after turning away from God. Samuel's response indicates that Saul's actions have led to a loss of divine support, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a relationship with God.
What is the significance of Samuel's words in 1 Samuel 28:16?
Samuel's words highlight the consequences of Saul's disobedience and abandonment of God. They serve as a reminder that seeking help outside of God, especially in desperation, can lead to feelings of isolation and despair.
Why did Saul seek Samuel after his death in 1 Samuel 28:16?
Saul sought Samuel after his death because he was desperate for guidance and felt abandoned by God. This act shows his lack of faith and understanding that true guidance comes from a relationship with God, not from the dead.
What lesson can we learn from 1 Samuel 28:16?
1 Samuel 28:16 teaches the importance of staying connected to God and the dangers of turning away from Him. It reminds us that ignoring God can lead to feelings of despair and a lack of direction in our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.