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1 Samuel 15:30
ESV Then he said, "I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the Lord your God."
NIV Saul replied, "I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God."
NASB Then Saul said, 'I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before all Israel, and go back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.'
CSB Saul said, "I have sinned. Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me so I can bow in worship to the Lord your God."
NLT Then Saul pleaded again, 'I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel by coming back with me so that I may worship the Lord your God.'
KJV Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord thy God.
NKJV Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the Lord your God.”

What does 1 Samuel 15:30 mean?

Saul's request reveals what seems to be his true priority. Samuel has been clear that the Lord's decision to remove the kingdom from Saul is absolute and final. No matter how sorry Saul might be now, the Lord will not change his mind (1 Samuel 15:29).

Saul does not respond to this declaration from Samuel. Instead, he repeats that he has sinned and once more begs Samuel to show him honor, anyway. He wants Samuel to accompany him as he bows before the Lord in full view of the elders of Israel. Saul doesn't seem genuinely repentant or concerned with being made right before the Lord. Notice that Saul still refers to God as "the Lord your God" (emphasis added). It seems Saul wants Israel to see Samuel with him to lend an appearance of legitimacy to his kingship. Saul still fears the people more than he seems to fear the Lord or to care about God's verdict in response to Saul's disobedience.
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