Key Verse Spotlight
1 Samuel 12:21 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. "
1 Samuel 12:21
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Start a Guided Study on this Verse
Structured sessions with notes, questions, and advisor insights
The Beatitudes (5-Day Micro)
A short study on Jesus' blessings and the kingdom way.
Session 1 Preview:
Blessed Are the Humble
6 min
Psalms of Comfort (5-Day Micro)
Short, calming sessions grounded in the Psalms.
Session 1 Preview:
The Shepherd's Care
5 min
Create a free account to save notes, track progress, and unlock all sessions
Create Free AccountWhat Christians Use AI For
Bible Study, Life Questions & More
Bible Study
Life Guidance
Prayer Support
Daily Wisdom
From This Chapter
1 Samuel 12:1
"And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you."
1 Samuel 12:2
"And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day."
1 Samuel 12:3
"Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you."
1 Samuel 12:4
"And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand."
1 Samuel 12:5
"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."
1 Samuel 12:6
"And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought ➔ your fathers up out of the land of Egypt."
Daily Prayer
Receive daily prayer inspiration rooted in Scripture
Start each morning with a verse, a prayer, and a simple next step.
Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.
Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.
Generating Your Biblical Guidance...
Applying advanced memory intelligence and preparing deeply personalized Scripture guidance