2 Samuel 1:10
New International Version
“So I stood beside him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band on his arm and have brought them here to my lord.”

New Living Translation
“So I killed him,” the Amalekite told David, “for I knew he couldn’t live. Then I took his crown and his armband, and I have brought them here to you, my lord.”

English Standard Version
So I stood beside him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

Berean Standard Bible
So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

King James Bible
So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.

New King James Version
So I stood over him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.”

New American Standard Bible
So I stood next to him and finished him off, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown which was on his head and the band which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

NASB 1995
“So I stood beside him and killed him, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown which was on his head and the bracelet which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

NASB 1977
“So I stood beside him and killed him, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown which was on his head and the bracelet which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So I stood beside him and put him to death, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown which was on his head and the bracelet which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

Amplified Bible
So I stood facing him and killed him, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. Then I took the crown which was on his head and the band which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

Christian Standard Bible
So I stood over him and killed him because I knew that after he had fallen he couldn’t survive. I took the crown that was on his head and the armband that was on his arm, and I’ve brought them here to my lord.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So I stood over him and killed him because I knew that after he had fallen he couldn’t survive. I took the crown that was on his head and the armband that was on his arm, and I’ve brought them here to my lord.”

American Standard Version
So I stood beside him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.

Contemporary English Version
So I killed him. I knew he was too badly wounded to live much longer. Then I took his crown and his arm-band, and I brought them to you, Your Majesty. Here they are.

English Revised Version
So I stood beside him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"So I stood over him and killed him, since I knew he couldn't survive after he had been wounded. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm and brought them here to you, sir."

Good News Translation
So I went up to him and killed him, because I knew that he would die anyway as soon as he fell. Then I took the crown from his head and the bracelet from his arm, and I have brought them to you, sir."

International Standard Version
So I stood next to him and killed him, because I knew that he wouldn't live after he had fallen. I took the crown that had been on his head, along with the bracelet that had been on his arm, and I have brought them to your majesty."

Majority Standard Bible
So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.?

NET Bible
So I stood over him and put him to death, since I knew that he couldn't live in such a condition. Then I took the crown which was on his head and the bracelet which was on his arm. I have brought them here to my lord."

New Heart English Bible
So I stood beside him, and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. Then I took the crown that was on his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord."

Webster's Bible Translation
So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he had fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither to my lord.

World English Bible
So I stood beside him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I stand over him, and put him to death, for I knew that he does not live after his falling, and I take the crown which [is] on his head, and the bracelet which [is] on his arm, and bring them to my lord here.”

Young's Literal Translation
And I stand over him, and put him to death, for I knew that he doth not live after his falling, and I take the crown which is on his head, and the bracelet which is on his arm, and bring them in unto my lord hither.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall stand upon him and kill him, for I knew that he will not live after his falling: and I shall take the diadem which upon his head, and the armband which upon his arm, and I shall bring them hither to my lord.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So standing over him, I killed him: for I knew that he could not live after the fall: and I took the diadem that was on his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm and have brought them hither to thee, my lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And standing over him, I killed him. For I knew that he was not able to live after the fall. And I took the diadem that was on his head, and the bracelet from his arm, and I have brought them here to you, my lord.”

New American Bible
So I stood over him and put him to death, for I knew that he could not survive his wound. I removed the crown from his head and the armlet from his arm and brought them here to my lord.”

New Revised Standard Version
So I stood over him, and killed him, for I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So I stood over him and slew him, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen; and I took the crown that was upon his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I arose against him and I killed him, because I knew that he would not live after his fall, and I took the crown was that on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and I have brought them to my Lord here”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So I stood beside him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen; and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So I stood over him and slew him, because I knew he would not live after he was fallen; and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was upon his arm, and I have brought them hither to my lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Learns of Saul's Death
9Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’ 10So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” 11Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 31:4-5
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him.

1 Chronicles 10:4-5
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died.

2 Samuel 1:14-16
So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

2 Samuel 4:10
when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news!

1 Samuel 24:6
So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

1 Samuel 26:9-11
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

1 Kings 2:25
So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.

1 Kings 2:32-34
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” / So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness.

1 Kings 2:46
Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.

Matthew 27:5
So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Acts 1:18
(Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out.

Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.

Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

Revelation 13:10
“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.


Treasury of Scripture

So I stood on him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was on his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.

slew

Judges 1:7
And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

Judges 9:54
Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

1 Samuel 22:18
And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.

crown

2 Samuel 12:30
And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.

Lamentations 5:16
The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!

Jump to Previous
Arm Crown Death Death-Blow Fall Fallen Falling Foot Head Hither Killed Live Slew Stand Stood Sure Survive
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Arm Crown Death Death-Blow Fall Fallen Falling Foot Head Hither Killed Live Slew Stand Stood Sure Survive
2 Samuel 1
1. The Amalekite who accused himself of Saul's death is slain
17. David laments Saul and Jonathan with a song














So I stood over him and killed him
This phrase describes the Amalekite's claim of killing Saul, Israel's first king. The act of standing over someone in battle signifies dominance and finality. In the context of ancient warfare, it was common for a warrior to ensure the death of an opponent to prevent any chance of recovery. The Amalekite's account contrasts with 1 Samuel 31:4-5, where Saul takes his own life to avoid capture. This discrepancy raises questions about the Amalekite's truthfulness and motives, possibly seeking favor with David by claiming to have ended Saul's life.

because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive
The Amalekite justifies his actions by suggesting mercy killing, a concept not uncommon in ancient warfare where a swift death was sometimes seen as preferable to prolonged suffering or capture. Saul's fall symbolizes the end of his reign and the judgment upon him for disobedience to God (1 Samuel 15:26-28). The phrase also reflects the harsh realities of battle and the swift decisions made in the heat of conflict.

And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm
The crown and arm band are symbols of Saul's kingship and authority. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such items were not only royal insignia but also carried significant political and spiritual weight. The removal of these items signifies the transfer of power and the end of Saul's dynasty, as prophesied by Samuel (1 Samuel 15:28). The act of taking these items could be seen as an attempt to curry favor with David, who was anointed as the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13).

and I have brought them here to my lord
The Amalekite presents the crown and arm band to David, acknowledging him as "my lord," which indicates recognition of David's future kingship. This act can be seen as an attempt to gain favor or reward from David, who was known to be Saul's successor. The gesture also highlights the political dynamics at play, as David's rise to power was seen as divinely ordained (1 Samuel 16:1-13). The Amalekite's actions, however, are met with condemnation by David, who respects Saul as the Lord's anointed (2 Samuel 1:14-16), demonstrating David's reverence for God's chosen leaders and his own integrity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Amalekite Messenger
A young man who claims to have killed Saul and brings Saul's crown and bracelet to David, expecting a reward.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who was wounded in battle against the Philistines and ultimately died on Mount Gilboa.

3. David
The anointed future king of Israel, who receives the news of Saul's death from the Amalekite.

4. Mount Gilboa
The location where Saul and his sons died in battle against the Philistines.

5. The Crown and Bracelet
Symbols of Saul's kingship, brought to David by the Amalekite as proof of Saul's death.
Teaching Points
The Sanctity of God's Anointed
David's reaction underscores the importance of respecting those whom God has chosen and anointed, even when they fall short.

Integrity and Truthfulness
The Amalekite's false claim to have killed Saul for personal gain serves as a warning against deceit and the pursuit of selfish ambition.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Despite Saul's failures, his kingship was ordained by God, reminding us that God is sovereign over leadership and authority.

The Consequences of Sin
Saul's tragic end is a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and turning away from God.

The Role of Providence
The events leading to David's kingship illustrate God's providential hand in fulfilling His promises, even through human actions and decisions.(10) Slew him.--This story is inconsistent with that given in 1Samuel 31:4-5, and was evidently invented by the Amalekite to gain favour with David. At the same time, he is careful not to carry the story too far, and asserts that Saul was only put to death at his own request, and after being mortally wounded. However, he must have been one of the first to find the body of Saul after his death, since he brought his crown and bracelet to David--a prima facie evidence of the truth of his whole story. The offering of these emblems of royalty shows that the Amalekite recognised David as the future king, a recognition which most of the tribes of Israel were unwilling to make for a long time.

Verse 10. - After that he was fallen; Hebrew, after his fall; that is, his defeat; for Saul was standing and supporting himself with his spear. The crown, probably, was a narrow band of gold encircling the royal helmet. Bracelet. We read of "bracelets" in Numbers 31:50, in the enumeration of the spoil taken from the Midianites, and there too apparently they were the ornaments of warriors. In the Assyrian monuments chiefs are generally represented with ornaments upon their wrists and arms (see Layard, 'Nineveh,' etc., pl. 18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So I stood
וָאֶעֱמֹ֤ד (wā·’e·‘ĕ·mōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

over
עָלָיו֙ (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

him and killed him,
וַאֲמֹ֣תְתֵ֔הוּ (wa·’ă·mō·ṯə·ṯê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

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

I knew
יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

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

after
אַחֲרֵ֣י (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

he had fallen
נִפְל֑וֹ (nip̄·lōw)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

he could not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

survive.
יִֽחְיֶ֖ה (yiḥ·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive

And I took
וָאֶקַּ֞ח (wā·’eq·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3947: To take

the crown
הַנֵּ֣זֶר ׀ (han·nê·zer)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5145: Something set apart, dedication, unshorn locks, a chaplet

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

was on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his head
רֹאשׁ֗וֹ (rō·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

and the band
וְאֶצְעָדָה֙ (wə·’eṣ·‘ā·ḏāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 685: A step-chain, a bracelet

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

was on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his arm,
זְרֹע֔וֹ (zə·rō·‘ōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2220: The arm, the foreleg, force

and I have brought
וָאֲבִיאֵ֥ם (wā·’ă·ḇî·’êm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

them here
הֵֽנָּה׃ (hên·nāh)
Adverb
Strong's 2008: Hither, thither

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

my lord.?
אֲדֹנִ֖י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller


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OT History: 2 Samuel 1:10 So I stood beside him and killed (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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