1 Samuel 15:19
1 Samuel 15:19 in Multiple Translations
So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?”
Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?
Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of Jehovah, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah?
Why then did you not do the orders of the Lord, but by violently taking their goods did evil in the eyes of the Lord?
Why didn't you do what the Lord ordered? Why did you swoop down on the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord's sight?”
Nowe wherefore hast thou not obeyed the voyce of the Lord, but hast turned to the pray, and hast done wickedly in the sight of the Lord?
and why hast thou not hearkened to the voice of Jehovah — and dost fly unto the spoil, and dost do the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah?'
Why then didn’t you obey the LORD’s voice, but took the plunder, and did that which was evil in the LORD’s sight?”
Why then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?
Why then didst thou not hearken to the voice of the Lord: but hast turned to the prey, and hast done evil in the eyes of the Lord.
So why did you not obey Yahweh [RHQ]? Why did your men take the best animals [RHQ]? Why did you do what Yahweh said was evil?” [RHQ]
So why didn’t you listen to him? Why did you do something that he said was wrong? You kept the best animals, so he is angry with you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:19
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 15:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לָ֥/מָּה
לֹא
שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/תַּ֨עַט֙
אֶל
הַ/שָּׁלָ֔ל
וַ/תַּ֥עַשׂ
הָ/רַ֖ע
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וְ/לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Prep | Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/תַּ֨עַט֙
ʻîyṭ
H5860
to scream
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/שָּׁלָ֔ל
shâlâl
H7998
spoil
Art | N-ms
וַ/תַּ֥עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
הָ/רַ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | Adj
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 15:19
וְ/לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
יְהוָ֑ה
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/תַּ֨עַט֙
ʻîyṭ
H5860
"to scream"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
To pounce means to quickly attack or seize something, like a bird swooping down on its prey. This verb is used in Psalm 35:8 to describe an unexpected attack, and in Jeremiah 4:13 to describe a swift and powerful assault.
Definition: 1) to scream, shriek 1a) (Qal) to scream
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: fly, rail. See also: 1 Samuel 14:32; 1 Samuel 15:19; 1 Samuel 25:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/שָּׁלָ֔ל
shâlâl
H7998
"spoil"
Art | N-ms
Shâlâl refers to the spoils of war, or the booty taken from enemies. It is used in the Bible to describe the plunder or prey taken in battle. In the KJV, it is translated as 'prey' or 'spoil'.
Definition: 1) prey, plunder, spoil, booty 1a) prey 1b) booty, spoil, plunder (of war) 1c) plunder (private) 1d) gain (meaning uncertain)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:27; 2 Chronicles 15:11; Psalms 68:13.
וַ/תַּ֥עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הָ/רַ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 15:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:19
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:19
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:19
Context — Samuel Denounces Saul
17And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel
18and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’
19So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?”
20“But I did obey the LORD,” Saul replied. “I went on the mission that the LORD gave me. I brought back Agag king of Amalek and devoted the Amalekites to destruction. 21The troops took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of the things devoted to destruction, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 14:32 | So they rushed greedily to the plunder, taking sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them on the ground and ate meat with the blood still in it. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 33:6 | He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 36:12 | And he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke for the LORD. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 33:2 | And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 2:9–12 | Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life. For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork. Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by iniquity! |
| 6 | Jeremiah 7:11 | Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD. |
| 7 | Proverbs 15:27 | He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. |
| 8 | 2 Timothy 4:10 | because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. |
1 Samuel 15:19 Summary
[This verse is about Saul, a king in the Bible, who did not obey God's commands fully. He took some of the plunder for himself, which was against God's will, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:19. This teaches us that God wants our full obedience, not just partial obedience, as also taught in Deuteronomy 28:1 and Jeremiah 7:23. We should strive to follow God's commands completely, just like it says in Psalm 119:6 and 1 John 2:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue that Samuel has with Saul in this verse?
The main issue is that Saul did not obey the Lord by rushing upon the plunder and doing evil in the sight of the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:19, which goes against the Lord's command in Deuteronomy 7:2 to devote everything to destruction.
How does this verse relate to the concept of partial obedience?
This verse highlights the problem of partial obedience, where Saul obeyed some of God's commands but not all, as seen in his response in 1 Samuel 15:20-21, which is also warned against in Deuteronomy 28:1 and Jeremiah 7:23.
What is the significance of Samuel's question to Saul in this verse?
Samuel's question in 1 Samuel 15:19 emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands fully, as also taught in Joshua 1:7 and Matthew 28:20, and serves as a reminder that partial obedience is still disobedience.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God desires our full obedience, just like He desired Saul's, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:19, and that we should strive to follow His commands completely, as encouraged in Psalm 119:6 and 1 John 2:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be rushing upon the plunder and doing evil in the sight of the Lord, just like Saul did?
- How can I ensure that I am fully obeying God's commands in my life, rather than just partially obeying?
- What are the consequences of partial obedience, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
- How can I cultivate a heart of obedience, like the one described in Psalm 119:10, where I seek to obey God's commands fully?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:19
Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord,.... Who had made him king, and sent him on this errand, and gave him such plain directions, and such strong orders to make an entire
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:19
And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:19
Who cannot be deceived by thy fair professions of religion, but knows very well that thou didst not seek sacrifices for God, but prey for thyself.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:19
1 Samuel 15:19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? Ver. 19. Wherefore then didst thou … fly upon the spoil?] As a hungry hawk upon his prey. See on 1 Samuel 15:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:19
(19) Didst fly upon the spoil.—The expression used evidently includes the idea of greedy eagerness, as though Samuel detected a spirit of grasping covetousness at the bottom of this disobedient act of Saul’s.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Necessity of Reforming the Church 3 of 4 (1544) by John Calvin | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the primacy of the Romish sea, which refers to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The speaker acknowledges that the adversaries of th |
|
Mark 11 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of Scripture and the question of its verency or inerrancy. He recommends a clear and simple exposition of the inspiration of Scrip |
|
Masses by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman addresses the errors within the Roman Church regarding the sacrifices of Masses, emphasizing the distinction between the sacrifice of Christ's death and the belief that |
|
An Appeal to Fathers by Don Currin | Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of fatherhood, highlighting how Satan has targeted fathers to undermine their nurturing influence, leading to defeated dads, |
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Do People Get You Down? by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of people turning away from their faith and the dangers of being influenced by the world. He uses the example of Demis, a trusted |
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Take Heed to Yourselves by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of personal preparation before delivering a message. He shares that he spends two hours preparing for a sermon, with the majo |
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Many Voices in the World by Hattie Hammond | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the voice of the world and how it tries to appeal to us through various legitimate things in our lives. The voice of the world is cleverly di |