Bible Strands
1 Samuel 24:12
May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David speaks to Saul in the cave after cutting a corner of the king’s robe, declaring he has committed no evil or rebellion against him despite Saul’s pursuit.
The words — The text hinges on יִשְׁפֹּט (yishpot), meaning “may he judge,” and וּנְקָמַנִי (uneqamani), meaning “and he will avenge me,” both directing Yahweh’s action toward the dispute.
The thread — This appeal to divine arbitration and vindication runs through Judges 11:27, Psalm 43:1, and Psalm 35:1, where petitioners similarly ask God to plead their case against unjust opponents.
Why it lands — The verse demands that a reader cease personal retaliation, submit the conflict to God’s judgment, and maintain a firm commitment to non-aggression.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
Cross-references
- Judges 11:27 I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”
- Psalms 43:1 Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.
- Psalms 35:1 Of David. Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.
- Genesis 16:5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be upon you! I delivered my servant into your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me.”
- Job 5:8 However, if I were you, I would appeal to God and lay my cause before Him—
- Psalms 94:1 O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth.
- Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
- 1 Peter 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
- Psalms 7:8 The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity.
- Genesis 31:53 May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.