14 "Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Who are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?

Other Translations of 1 Samuel 24:14

King James Version

14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

English Standard Version

14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea!

The Message

14 "What does the king of Israel think he's doing? Who do you think you're chasing? A dead dog? A flea?

New King James Version

14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea?

New Living Translation

14 Who is the king of Israel trying to catch anyway? Should he spend his time chasing one who is as worthless as a dead dog or a single flea?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:14

Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:8-15

(Read 1 Samuel 24:8-15)

David was falsely charged with seeking Saul's hurt; he shows Saul that God's providence had given him opportunity to do it. And it was upon a good principle that he refused to do it. He declares his fixed resolution never to be his own avenger. If men wrong us, God will right us, at farthest, in the judgment of the great day.