One verse. Three ways to understand.
Afterward, David felt guilty and his conscience bothered him because he had cut off a piece of Saul's robe.
David felt convicted in his heart after cutting off a piece of King Saul's robe, showing his deep respect for God's appointed leader even when that leader was trying to kill him.
These are AI-assisted adaptations, not separate Bible editions. Compare them with the KJV source and read our methodology. How these readings are made →
Read the KJV source
King James Version · EnglishAnd it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, David was fleeing from King Saul, who was pursuing him out of jealousy over David's rising popularity and success. While hiding in a cave, David had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose only to cut off a piece of his robe, an act that later caused him deep remorse. This event underscores the ancient Israelite respect for God's anointed leaders, as Saul was still the rightful king chosen by God.