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1 Samuel 15:27
ESV As Samuel turned to go away, Saul seized the skirt of his robe, and it tore.
NIV As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore.
NASB Then Samuel turned to go, but Saul grasped the edge of his robe, and it tore off.
CSB When Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the corner of his robe, and it tore.
NLT As Samuel turned to go, Saul tried to hold him back and tore the hem of his robe.
KJV And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.
NKJV And as Samuel turned around to go away, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore.

What does 1 Samuel 15:27 mean?

Saul now attempts to show Samuel that he is serious about being sorry for his sin against the Lord. During this era in Israel and the ancient Near East, grabbing the hem of a person's robe was a symbolic way of showing submission to a superior. It all but requires someone to kneel or bow down. Saul has asked Samuel to pardon him for his disobedience to God, and Samuel has made clear that it's too late. The Lord has already rejected Saul as Israel's king (1 Samuel 15:25–26). Saul seems to be begging for mercy.

Perhaps in his desperation to get back Samuel's approval, Saul grabbed the edge of Samuel's robe with too much force. The robe tore, probably ripping off a piece in Saul's hand. Samuel will use this as an illustration of what God has declared about Saul and his kingdom (1 Samuel 15:28).
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