1 Samuel 24:5It happened afterward, that David's heart struck him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
The setting
Same En Gedi cave, minutes later. David holding piece of Saul's robe, suddenly overwhelmed with guilt...
The emotion here: recording David's immediate regret with understanding
The original word
nākâ (נָכָה) — to strike, smite, beat
Why it matters
Cutting someone's garment was considered a symbolic act of dominance in ancient Near East
Read with care
What most readers miss in 1 Samuel 24:5
David only cut the CORNER — but even this small act of disrespect devastated him
Common misconceptionPeople think David overreacted. But cutting a king's garment was like burning someone's flag — deeply disrespectful.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 1 Samuel 24:5
Bible Genome reading
1 Samuel 24:5 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
1 Samuel 24:5 comes from the book of 1 Samuel, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 50% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include conscience, repentance. Notable phrases: David's heart struck him; cut off Saul's skirt.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does 1 Samuel 24:5 mean to you, today?
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