1 Chronicles 12:17
1 Chronicles 12:17 in Multiple Translations
And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.”
And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.
And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, my heart shall be knit unto you; but if ye be come to betray me to mine adversaries, seeing there is no wrong in my hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.
And David went out to them, and said to them, If you have come in peace to give me help, my heart will be united with yours; but if you have come to give me up to those who would take my life, though my hands are clean from wrongdoing, then may the God of our fathers see it and give you punishment.
David went out to meet them and told them, “If you've come in peace to help me, we can be friends. But if you've come to betray me to my enemies, even though I've done no wrong, then may the God of our fathers see what you're doing and condemn you.”
And Dauid went out to meete them, and answered and sayde vnto them, If yee be come peaceably vnto me to helpe me, mine heart shall be knit vnto you, but if you come to betray me to mine aduersaries, seeing there is no wickednes in mine handes, the God of our fathers beholde it, and rebuke it.
and David goeth out before them, and answereth and saith to them, 'If for peace ye have come in unto me, to help me, I have a heart to unite with you; and if to betray me to mine adversaries — without violence in my hands — the God of our fathers doth see and reprove.'
David went out to meet them, and answered them, “If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my adversaries, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers see this and rebuke it.”
And David went out to meet them, and answered and said to them, If ye have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart shall be knit to you: but if ye have come to betray me to my enemies, seeing there is no wrong in my hands, the God of our fathers look on it , and rebuke it .
And David went out to meet them, and said: If you are come peaceably to me to help me, let my heart be joined to you: but if you plot against me for my enemies whereas I have no iniquity in my hands, let the God of our fathers see, and judge.
David went out of the cave to meet them and said to them, “If you have come peacefully to help me, I am eager to have you join with me. But if you have come to enable my enemies to capture me, even though I [SYN] have not done anything to harm you, I hope/wish that the God whom our ancestors ◄worshiped/belonged to► will see it and condemn/punish you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 12:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 12:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֗אוּ
מִן
בְּנֵ֤י
בִנְיָמִן֙
וִֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה
עַד
לַ/מְצָ֖ד
לְ/דָוִֽיד
וַ/יָּבֹ֗אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
בִנְיָמִן֙
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
וִֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Conj | N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
לַ/מְצָ֖ד
mᵉtsad
H4679
stronghold
Prep | N-fs
לְ/דָוִֽיד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 12:17
וַ/יָּבֹ֗אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בִנְיָמִן֙
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
וִֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Conj | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
לַ/מְצָ֖ד
mᵉtsad
H4679
"stronghold"
Prep | N-fs
A stronghold or fort, often in a mountainous area, providing a safe place for people to hide or defend themselves, like the castle of David in 2 Samuel 5:7. It represents a secure and protected location.
Definition: 1) fort, stronghold, fastness 1a) mountain-fastness 1b) stronghold
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: castle, fort, (strong) hold, munition. See also: Judges 6:2; 1 Chronicles 12:9; Isaiah 33:16.
לְ/דָוִֽיד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 12:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 12:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:17
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 12:17
Context — The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag
15These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight all those in the valleys, both to the east and to the west.
16Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold.
17And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.”
18Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops. 19Some from Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (They did not help the Philistines because the Philistine rulers consulted and sent David away, saying, “It will cost us our heads if he defects to his master Saul.”)Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 2:23 | When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. |
| 2 | Jude 1:9 | But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 13:11 | Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 10:15 | When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 26:23–24 | May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble.” |
| 6 | Zechariah 3:2 | And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 18:1 | After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. |
| 8 | Psalms 7:6 | Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and ordain judgment. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 3:20–25 | When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them. Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace. Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron because David had sent him on his way in peace. When Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace.” So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away! Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 18:3 | Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. |
1 Chronicles 12:17 Summary
This verse shows David being cautious but open to those who want to join him. He wants to know if they come in peace or to harm him. If they are friends, he promises to work together with them, but if they are enemies, he asks God to judge them. This is like when we need to be careful about who we trust, and we should always ask God for wisdom, as it says in James 1:5. David's example teaches us to trust in God's protection and to seek unity with those who genuinely want to help us, just as it is encouraged in Psalm 133:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was David's primary concern when meeting the newcomers?
David's primary concern was to determine the intentions of the newcomers, whether they came in peace to help him or to betray him, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:17, and this is a theme also found in Jeremiah 29:11 where God's intentions towards us are for good.
How did David respond to those who came to help him?
David responded with a united heart, as stated in 1 Chronicles 12:17, indicating his willingness to work together with those who came to assist him, much like the unity described in Psalm 133:1.
What was the alternative if the newcomers had come to betray David?
If the newcomers had come to betray David, he called upon the God of their fathers to see it and judge them, as stated in 1 Chronicles 12:17, reflecting a trust in divine justice similar to what is expressed in Deuteronomy 32:4.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of David's life?
This verse is part of the narrative of David's rise to power, as described in 1 Chronicles 12, and reflects his dependence on God for guidance and protection, a theme also present in 1 Samuel 30:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can discern the intentions of those around us, and how can we respond in a way that honors God?
- How can we, like David, trust in God's justice and protection when faced with potential betrayal or harm?
- In what ways can we demonstrate a 'united heart' with our fellow believers, as David expressed to those who came to help him?
- What role does faith and trust in God play in our relationships and interactions with others, as seen in David's response to the newcomers?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:17
And David went out to meet them,.... Out of the hold where he was; either out of respect and deference to them, some of them being persons of eminence; or it may be out of suspicion, fearing they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:17
And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:17
And answered, i. e. spake, as that word is oft used in Scripture, even of him that speaketh first. Mine heart shall be knit unto you; I shall ever esteem and love you, and show this by my actions to you hereafter. If ye be come to betray me to mine enemies; which your number, and quality, and near relation to Saul gives me some cause to suspect. There is no wrong in mine hands; I have done no injury to Saul, nor to you; but have spared him and you when it was in my power to have destroyed you. The God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it, to wit, by his hand and power manifested for me and against you for your perfidiousness.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:17
1 Chronicles 12:17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if [ye be come] to betray me to mine enemies, seeing [there is] no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look [thereon], and rebuke [it].Ver. 17. If you be come peaceably.] It is not safe to be light of belief, or too forward to make friendship. Gedaliah perished by his credulity, and Queen Elizabeth oft complained that "in trust she had found treason." Mohammed, the great Turk, sent a couple of traitors to kill Scanderbeg, under pretence of great love to him and to the Christian religion, &c, “ Tuta frequensque via est per amici fallere nomen. ” The God of our fathers.] David could not do his enemies, whether covert or overt, a greater displeasure than to put them over into God’ s hands to punish.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:17
(17) And David went out to meet them.—From his fastness or hiding-place in the hill or wood. Literally, before them, i.e., confronted them. (Comp, same phrase, 1 Chronicles 14:8.) And answered and said unto them.—The familiar New Testament phrase, καὶὰποκριθϵὶςϵἰπϵναύτοῖς. David’s speech and the answer of Amasai have all the marks of a genuine survival of antiquity. “If for peace ye have come unto me to help me.” For peace, i.e., with friendly intent. (Comp. Psalms 120:7.) To help me.—Comp, 1 Chronicles 12:1, where David’s comrades are called “helpers of the war,” ξύμμαχοι. Mine heart shall be knit unto you.—Lite- rally, I shall have (fiet mihi) towards you a heart for union, or at unity: that is, a heart at one with and true to you. (Comp, “one heart,” 1 Chronicles 12:38, and Psalms 133:1, and terms like unanimis, δμόφρων.) If ye be come to betray me.—Literally, and if to beguile me for my foes, that is, to betray me to them, as Authorised Version. The false part of Sextus Tarquinius at Gabii, or of Zopyrus at Babylon. (Comp.
Psalms 120:2.) Seeing there is no wrong in mine hands.—Although (there be) no violence in my palms. (Comp. Job 16:17; Psalms 7:4; Isaiah 53:9.) The God of our fathers . . . behold and punish.—The verbs are jussive or optative. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 24:22.). The psalms of David breathe a confidence that Jehovah is a righteous judge, who never fails to vindicate innocence, and punish highhanded violence and treacherous cunning. (Comp. Psalms 9:12; Psalms 10:14; Psalms 18:20.)
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:17
17. David went out to meet them] Instead of letting himself be surprised he took up a favourable position in advance from which he could hold parley with them. The south of Judah with its ravines and cliffs affords many such positions.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:17
17. If ye be come to betray me to mine enemies — Here we observe an instance of David’s caution and reserve. He had some suspicion that these men of Benjamin and Judah might be crafty emissaries from Saul.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 12:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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作妻子的 - Attention: Wives! by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not fighting and arguing with our spouses, but instead allowing God to work in their lives. He encourages husbands and wiv |
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The Life of Brokenness by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of brokenness and its significance in the Christian faith. He references various biblical stories to illustrate the power of brok |
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Christian Growth the Life of Brokenness by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of brokenness and its significance in the Christian faith. He references various biblical stories to illustrate the power of brok |
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(Grace Baptist) Wait on the Lord by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and his battle with the Philistines. Instead of repeating the same strategy as before, God instructs David to stand by the |
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Prayer and Revival - Part 2 by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and suggests that God is sending judgments upon North America. He references Ezekiel 14:21, which mentions four |
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Following Living Suffering for Christ by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the seven verses of 1 Peter chapter four. He emphasizes that believers are being encouraged to live, testify, and suffer for Christ. The pre |
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Message 2 of 5 - New Zealand by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a couple who defused a potential argument by showing love and kindness to one another. He then transitions to another stor |