1 Samuel 12:5
New International Version
Samuel said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is witness,” they said.

New Living Translation
“The LORD and his anointed one are my witnesses today,” Samuel declared, “that my hands are clean.” “Yes, he is a witness,” they replied.

English Standard Version
And he said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”

Berean Standard Bible
Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.

King James Bible
And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.

New King James Version
Then he said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they answered, “He is witness.”

New American Standard Bible
So he said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day that you have found nothing in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”

NASB 1995
He said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day that you have found nothing in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”

NASB 1977
And he said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day that you have found nothing in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So he said to them, “Yahweh is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day that you have found nothing in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”

Amplified Bible
Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and [Saul] His anointed is a witness this day that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they answered, “He is a witness.”

Christian Standard Bible
He said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and his anointed is a witness today that you haven’t found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they said.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today that you haven’t found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they said.

American Standard Version
And he said unto them, Jehovah is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found aught in my hand. And they said, He is witness.

Contemporary English Version
Samuel said, "The LORD and his chosen king are witnesses to what you have said." "That's true," they replied.

English Revised Version
And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found aught in my hand. And they said, He is witness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Samuel told them, "The LORD is a witness to what you've said, and his anointed king is a witness today that you've found nothing in my hands." "He is a witness," they answered.

Good News Translation
Samuel replied, "The LORD and the king he has chosen are witnesses today that you have found me to be completely innocent." "Yes, the LORD is our witness," they answered.

International Standard Version
He told them, "Today the LORD is testifying, along with his anointed, that you haven't found any bribes in my possession." They said, "He's a witness."

Majority Standard Bible
Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.

NET Bible
He said to them, "The LORD is witness against you, and his chosen king is witness this day, that you have not found any reason to accuse me." They said, "He is witness!"

New Heart English Bible
He said to them, "The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand." They said, "He is witness."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found aught in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.

World English Bible
He said to them, “Yahweh is witness against you, and his anointed is witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” They said, “He is witness.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he says to them, “YHWH [is] a witness against you, and His anointed [is] a witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand”; and they say, “A witness.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith unto them, 'A witness is Jehovah against you: and a witness is His anointed this day, that ye have not found anything in my hand;' and they say, 'A witness.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say to them, Jehovah the witness against you, and his Messiah the witness this day that ye found nothing in my hand. And he will say, A witness.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to them: The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found any thing in my hand. And they said: He is witness.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to them, “The Lord is a witness against you, and his Christ is a witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they said, “He is the witness.”

New American Bible
So he said to them, “The LORD is witness against you this day, and the LORD’s anointed is witness, that you have found nothing in my possession.” “The LORD is witness,” they said.

New Revised Standard Version
He said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said to them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything wrong with me. And they said, He is witness.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He said to them: “God is a witness among you, and his Anointed is a witness among you today, that you have not found anything in my hands.” And they were saying, “He is a witness!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said unto them: 'The LORD is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found aught in my hand.' And they said: 'He is witness.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Samuel said to the people, The Lord is witness among you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found anything in my hand: and they said, He is witness.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Samuel's Farewell Address
4“You have not wronged us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” 5Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied. 6Then Samuel said to the people, “The LORD is the One who appointed Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 19:15
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

2 Corinthians 1:23
I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

Acts 20:26
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

2 Corinthians 11:31
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.

Romans 1:9
God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you

1 Thessalonians 2:5
As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!

1 Thessalonians 2:10
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.

2 Timothy 4:1
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom:

Hebrews 6:16
Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.

James 5:12
Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.

Genesis 31:50
If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”

Joshua 24:22
Then Joshua told them, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “We are witnesses!” they said.

Job 16:19
Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high.

Psalm 50:4
He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:

Isaiah 43:9
All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses to vindicate them, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”


Treasury of Scripture

And he said to them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.

The Lord

Job 31:35-40
Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book…

Job 42:7
And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

his anointed

1 Samuel 26:9
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

ye have

John 18:38
Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

Acts 23:9
And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

Acts 24:16,20
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men…

in my hand

Exodus 22:4
If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.

Psalm 17:3
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

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1 Samuel 12
1. Samuel testifies his integrity
6. He reproves the people of ingratitude
16. He terrifies them with thunder in harvest time
20. he comforts them in God's mercy














He said to them
This phrase introduces the speaker, Samuel, who is addressing the Israelites. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, holds a position of spiritual authority. His words carry weight, not just as a leader, but as a mouthpiece of God. Historically, prophets were seen as intermediaries between God and His people, and Samuel's role here is to remind the Israelites of their covenant responsibilities.

The LORD is a witness
The invocation of the LORD as a witness is significant. In Hebrew, the word for "witness" is "עֵד" (ed), which implies a legal testimony. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where God is not only a participant but also the ultimate judge and overseer of the covenant. Theologically, this underscores God's omniscience and His role as the ultimate arbiter of truth and justice.

against you
This phrase indicates a legal and moral accountability. The Israelites are being reminded that their actions are under divine scrutiny. In the context of ancient Israel, where covenants were binding agreements, this serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of breaking faith with God. It emphasizes the seriousness of their relationship with the LORD.

and His anointed
"His anointed" refers to the king, in this context, Saul. The Hebrew word for "anointed" is "מָשִׁיחַ" (mashiach), from which we get "Messiah." This term signifies someone chosen and consecrated by God for a specific purpose. Saul, as the anointed king, represents God's chosen leadership for Israel. This highlights the divine authority and responsibility bestowed upon Saul.

is a witness this day
The phrase "this day" emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the testimony. It is a call to recognize the present moment as significant in the eyes of God. In biblical terms, "this day" often marks a pivotal point of decision or revelation. It serves as a reminder that God's presence and judgment are not distant but immediate and active.

that you have not found anything in my hand
Samuel is asserting his integrity and innocence. The phrase "in my hand" is a Hebrew idiom for possession or wrongdoing. Samuel is challenging the Israelites to testify if he has wronged them or taken anything unjustly. This reflects the biblical principle of leaders being above reproach, serving as a model of righteousness and justice.

'He is a witness,' they said
The Israelites' response acknowledges the truth of Samuel's statement. By affirming "He is a witness," they are agreeing to the terms of the covenant and recognizing both God's and Samuel's integrity. This collective affirmation underscores the communal aspect of faith and accountability in Israel's relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of truth and integrity in the community of believers.

(5) The Lord is witness.--Then Samuel again, with increased solemnity, called the Eternal in the heavens above and His anointed king then standing by his side to witness what the people had just acknowledged concerning his scrupulously just rule.

And they answered, He is witness.--And the assembly of Israel, again with one voice, shouted, Yes, He is witness.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Samuel said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to them,
אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם (’ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

“The LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is a witness
עֵ֧ד (‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince

against you,
בָּכֶ֗ם (bā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

and His anointed
מְשִׁיחוֹ֙ (mə·šî·ḥōw)
Adjective - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4899: Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah

is a witness
וְעֵ֤ד (wə·‘êḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince

today,
הַיּ֣וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you have not
לֹ֧א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

found
מְצָאתֶ֛ם (mə·ṣā·ṯem)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

anything
מְא֑וּמָה (mə·’ū·māh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3972: A speck, point, nothing

in my hand.”
בְּיָדִ֖י (bə·yā·ḏî)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

“He is a witness,”
עֵֽד׃ (‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince

they said.
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT History: 1 Samuel 12:5 He said to them Yahweh is witness (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 12:4
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