1 Samuel 12:24

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1 Samuel 12:24 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.

King James Version KJV

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

American Standard Version ASV

Only fear Jehovah, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Only go in the fear of the Lord, and be his true servants with all your heart, keeping in mind what great things he has done for you.

Free Bible Version FBV

Make sure you honor God and worship him faithfully, with complete dedication. Think of all the tremendous things he has done for you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore feare you the Lord, and serue him in the trueth with all your hearts, and consider howe great things he hath done for you.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

only, fear ye Jehovah, and ye have served Him in truth with all your heart, for see that which He hath made great with you;

World English Bible WEB

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in truth and with your whole heart, for you have seen the great works which he hath done among you.

Translation for Translators T4T

But you must revere Yahweh and serve him wholeheartedly. Never forget all the great things that he has done for you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 12:24

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 Samuel 12:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אַ֣ךְ יְר֣אוּ אֶת יְהוָ֗ה וַ/עֲבַדְתֶּ֥ם אֹת֛/וֹ בֶּ/אֱמֶ֖ת בְּ/כָל לְבַבְ/כֶ֑ם כִּ֣י רְא֔וּ אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר הִגְדִּ֖ל עִמָּ/כֶֽם

אַ֣ךְ ʼak H389 surely DirObjM

יְר֣אוּ yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Impv-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וַ/עֲבַדְתֶּ֥ם ʻâbad H5647 to serve Conj | V-Qal-2mp

אֹת֛/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

בֶּ/אֱמֶ֖ת ʼemeth H571 truth Prep | N-fs

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

לְבַבְ/כֶ֑ם lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

רְא֔וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Impv-2mp

אֵ֥ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הִגְדִּ֖ל gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

עִמָּ/כֶֽם ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 12:24

אַ֣ךְ ʼak H389 "surely" DirObjM

This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.

Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.

יְר֣אוּ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וַ/עֲבַדְתֶּ֥ם ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

אֹת֛/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בֶּ/אֱמֶ֖ת ʼemeth H571 "truth" Prep | N-fs

This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.

Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

לְבַבְ/כֶ֑ם lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms | Suff

The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

רְא֔וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

אֵ֥ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

הִגְדִּ֖ל gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.

Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.

עִמָּ/כֶֽם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 12:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 12:24 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:24
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:24
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:24
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:24
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:24
Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:24

Context — Samuel’s Farewell Address

22Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. 23As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.

24Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.

25But if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 10:21	He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome wonders that your eyes have seen.
2	Proverbs 1:7	The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
3	Isaiah 5:12	At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.
4	Hebrews 12:29	“For our God is a consuming fire.”
5	Psalms 126:2–3	Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
6	Psalms 111:10	The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
7	Ecclesiastes 12:13	When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
8	Exodus 12:13	The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
9	Psalms 119:80	May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, that I may not be put to shame.
10	Job 28:28	And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

1 Samuel 12:24 Summary

[This verse reminds us to respect and reverence God, serving Him with all our heart. It's about trusting in His goodness and recognizing all the great things He's done for us, like creating us and providing for our needs (Psalm 100:3, Romans 8:28). By fearing the LORD and serving Him faithfully, we can experience a deeper relationship with Him and live a life that honors Him. As we reflect on God's greatness and our place in His story, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to fear the LORD in 1 Samuel 12:24?

Fearing the LORD means having a deep respect and reverence for God, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12 and Proverbs 1:7.

How can we serve the LORD faithfully with all our heart?

Serving the LORD faithfully involves surrendering our lives to Him, following His commands, and trusting in His goodness, as taught in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37.

What great things has the LORD done for us that we should consider?

The LORD has done many great things for us, including creating us, redeeming us through Jesus Christ, and providing for our needs, as seen in Psalm 40:5 and Romans 5:8.

Is it possible to serve the LORD without fearing Him?

While it is possible to serve the LORD without fearing Him, true service is rooted in a deep reverence and respect for God, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:24 and Psalm 111:10.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate my fear of the LORD in my daily life?
How can I serve the LORD faithfully with all my heart, even when it's difficult or challenging?
What are some great things the LORD has done for me that I can reflect on and give thanks for?
In what ways can I trust in the LORD's goodness and provision, even when circumstances seem uncertain?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:24

Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart,.... Fear him not with a servile fear, which is before dehorted from, but with a filial fear, a reverential affection for God; and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:24

Fear the Lord, and serve him; otherwise neither my prayer nor counsels will stand you in any stead. He hath done for you, or, among you, both at this time and formerly.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:24

1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.Ver. 24. Only fear the Lord.] Else my praying for you shall profit you nothing: my preaching also will be lost labour. And serve him in truth.] Without dissimulation With all your heart.] Without diminution. For consider how great things, &c.] Mercy calleth for duty: deliverance commandeth obedience.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:24

Verse 24. Only fear the Lord] Know, respect, and reverence him. Serve him] Consider him your Lord and Master; consider yourselves his servants. In truth] Be ever honest, ever sincere; with all your heart - have every affection engaged in the work of obedience; act not merely from a principle of duty, but also from a pious, affectionate sense of obligation. Act towards your God as an affectionate child should act towards a tender and loving parent. Consider how great things] Review the history of your fathers, review your own life; see what interpositions of power, mercy, goodness, and truth, God has displayed in your behalf! Has he not daily loaded you with his benefits?

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:24

24. how great things he hath done for you] Lit. with you. The reference can scarcely be limited to the recent storm as a display of God’s greatness, but includes all his gracious dealings with His people. Samuel concludes his speech as he began it (1 Samuel 12:6-7), with an appeal to these as the motive for loyal obedience.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:24

	Sermon	Description
	With All Your Heart by Jack Hyles	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving one's all in service to God. He shares his own commitment to preaching the word of God with all his heart and soul.
	The Great Duty of Family-Religion. (Joshua 24:15) by George Whitefield	George Whitefield preaches on the importance of family religion, emphasizing the duty of governors of families to ensure that both themselves and those under their care serve the L
	Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty. Preached at Philadelphia, on Sunday, August 24, 1746. and Occasioned by the Suppression of the Late Unnatural Rebellion. (Psalm 105:45) by George Whitefield	George Whitefield preaches about the importance of observing God's statutes and keeping His laws, emphasizing the power of love as a motive for obedience. He reflects on the need f
	Matthew 20:1-16. the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. by Favell Lee Mortimer	Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the parables shared by Jesus, emphasizing the profound truth that the last shall be first and the first last, revealing that many are called but few
	On Following the Lord Fully by Thomas Reade	Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of following the Lord fully, emphasizing the necessity of humility, faith, and obedience in the journey to heaven. Drawing inspiration from
	Continue in Sin by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing hidden sins and lust in the hearts and minds of believers. He explains that God considers these hidden sins to
	2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ.