Bible Strands
1 Samuel 24:16
When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David concludes his spoken defense to Saul, who is concealed in the cave. Saul responds by calling out to recognize David’s voice and weeps aloud.
The words — כַלּוֹת דְּבָרִים (kha.Lot de.va.Rim) literally means "when words were finished," marking the end of David’s address. The particle וַיְהִי (va/y.Hi) operates as a narrative hinge translating to "and it was" or "then."
The thread — Saul’s auditory recognition of David recurs in 1 Samuel 26:17, while the shared weeping parallels the emotional encounter in Genesis 33:4. The blunt force of David’s speech aligns with the weight of honest confrontation noted in Job 6:25.
Why it lands — The text records Saul’s vocal recognition and tears before describing any shift in his behavior or allegiance. It requires the reader to note that confronting words can temporarily breach a leader’s defenses without automatically producing lasting change.
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
And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 26:17 Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said.
- Genesis 33:4 Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.
- Job 6:25 How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
- Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Luke 21:15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
- Acts 6:10 but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
- Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.