1 Samuel 24:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Saul admits David is more righteous, repaying his evil with good.
What Does 1 Samuel 24:17 Mean?
Saul speaks a confession few in power ever make: 'Thou art more righteous than I.' He names the bare truth — David returned good for the evil Saul had dealt him. The king who hunted an innocent man now acknowledges, out loud, that the fugitive is the better man.
This is the verdict David asked God to render, and it comes from Saul's own mouth. Goodness repaid for evil exposes the difference between the two hearts more plainly than any defense. To overcome evil with good is to win a victory that conscience itself must confess. David's mercy has not only spared a life; it has wrung the truth from his accuser, showing that the highest answer to wrong is not retaliation but unexpected kindness.
1 Samuel 24:17 in the Original Language
tsaddiq (צַדִּיק), 'righteous' -- one who is in the right, just and upright in conduct before God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 24:17
What does 1 Samuel 24:17 mean?
Saul admits David is more righteous, repaying his evil with good.