1 Samuel 15:21
1 Samuel 15:21 in Multiple Translations
The 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.”
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice unto Jehovah thy God in Gilgal.
But the people took some of their goods, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which were put to the curse, to make an offering of them to the Lord your God in Gilgal.
The army took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was consecrated to God, to sacrifice them to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”
But the people tooke of the spoyle, sheepe, and oxen, and the chiefest of the things which shoulde haue bene destroyed, to offer vnto the Lord thy God in Gilgal.
and the people taketh of the spoil of the flock and herd, the first part of the devoted thing, for sacrifice to Jehovah thy God in Gilgal.'
But the people took of the plunder, sheep and cattle, the best of the devoted things, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.”
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
But the people took of the spoils sheep and oxen, as the firstfruits of those things that were slain, to offer sacrifice to the Lord their God in Galgal.
My men brought back only the best sheep and cattle and other things, in order to sacrifice them to Yahweh your God here at Gilgal.”
The soldiers only brought back the good animals. They got the best sheep, goats, cows and bulls for you to burn for God here at Gilgal.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:21
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 15:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
הָ/עָ֧ם
מֵ/הַ/שָּׁלָ֛ל
צֹ֥אן
וּ/בָקָ֖ר
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
הַ/חֵ֑רֶם
לִ/זְבֹּ֛חַ
לַֽ/יהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
בַּ/גִּלְגָּֽל
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֧ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
מֵ/הַ/שָּׁלָ֛ל
shâlâl
H7998
spoil
Prep | Art | N-ms
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
וּ/בָקָ֖ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
Conj | N-cs
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
first
N-fs
הַ/חֵ֑רֶם
chêrem
H2764
devoted thing
Art | N-ms
לִ/זְבֹּ֛חַ
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לַֽ/יהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
בַּ/גִּלְגָּֽל
Gilgâl
H1537
Galilee
Prep | N-proper
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 15:21
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
הָ/עָ֧ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
מֵ/הַ/שָּׁלָ֛ל
shâlâl
H7998
"spoil"
Prep | 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.
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וּ/בָקָ֖ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
Conj | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
"first"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
הַ/חֵ֑רֶם
chêrem
H2764
"devoted thing"
Art | N-ms
A net or doomed object, like the cursed things the Israelites were warned against in Joshua 6:18.
Definition: 1) a thing devoted, thing dedicated, ban, devotion 2) have been utterly destroyed, (appointed to) utter destruction
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: (ac-) curse(-d, -d thing), dedicated thing, things which should have been utterly destroyed, (appointed to) utter destruction, devoted (thing), net. See also: Leviticus 27:21; 1 Kings 20:42; Isaiah 34:5.
לִ/זְבֹּ֛חַ
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
לַֽ/יהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בַּ/גִּלְגָּֽל
Gilgâl
H1537
"Galilee"
Prep | N-proper
Gilgal refers to three places in Palestine, including a region conquered by Joshua. The name means 'a wheel, rolling' and is related to the word for Galilee, a region in northern Israel. Gilgal is mentioned in the book of Joshua.
Definition: Gilgal = "a wheel, rolling" a region conquered by Joshua, site unsure Another spelling of ga.lil (גָּלִיל "Galilee" H1551)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Gilgal. See also H1019 (בֵּית הַגִּלְגָּל). See also: Deuteronomy 11:30; 1 Samuel 11:15; Micah 6:5.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 15:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:21
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:21
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:21
Context — Samuel Denounces Saul
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.”
22But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. 23For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 15:15 | Saul answered, “The troops brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but the rest we devoted to destruction.” |
| 2 | Exodus 32:22–23 | “Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil. They told me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!’ |
| 3 | Genesis 3:13 | Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied, “and I ate.” |
1 Samuel 15:21 Summary
This verse shows how the troops took some of the best animals from the plunder to sacrifice to God, but this was not what God had commanded. Instead of following God's instructions fully, they tried to use the plunder for their own purposes, even if it seemed like a good thing to do. This teaches us that obedience to God's voice is more important than any outward actions, as we see in 1 Samuel 15:22 and Deuteronomy 13:16. By following God's commands and trusting in His goodness, we can avoid the mistakes of the past and live a life that honors Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the problem with the troops taking sheep and cattle from the plunder to sacrifice to the LORD?
The issue was that these animals were devoted to destruction, as part of God's judgment on the Amalekites, and should not have been taken for personal use or even for sacrifice, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:16 and Joshua 6:21.
Did the troops' actions seem to be a form of worship or obedience to God?
On the surface, it may have appeared that way, but as Samuel points out in 1 Samuel 15:22, obedience to God's voice is more important than any form of sacrifice, highlighting the difference between outward actions and true, inner obedience.
How does this verse relate to the concept of partial obedience?
This verse illustrates the danger of partial obedience, where we follow some of God's commands but not others, as Saul did in 1 Samuel 15:20-21, which can lead to severe consequences, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23.
What can we learn from the troops' mistake in this verse?
We can learn the importance of fully obeying God's commands, without trying to justify or rationalize our actions, as Proverbs 28:13 reminds us that 'whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy'.
Reflection Questions
- How do I prioritize obedience to God's voice in my daily life, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- In what ways might I be trying to justify or rationalize my own disobedience, and how can I instead choose to follow God's commands fully?
- What are some areas where I may be tempted to take things that are not mine to take, whether physically or spiritually, and how can I instead choose to trust God's provision and timing?
- How can I balance my desire to worship and honor God with the need to obey His commands and follow His ways, as seen in John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:21
But the people took the spoil, the sheep and oxen,.... Still he continues to lay the blame on the people, when he, as king, ought to have restrained them: the chief of the things, which should have
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:21
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 15:21
Heb. the chief of the devoted things; which being devoted to destruction, I thought it most proper to destroy them by way of sacrifice to God. But God had commanded Saul himself to smite and slay all upon the place, above, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:21
1 Samuel 15:21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.Ver. 21. But the people took, &c.] See 1 Samuel 15:15.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:21
Verse 21. To sacrifice unto the Lord] Thus he endeavours to excuse the people. They did not take the spoil in order to enrich themselves by it, but to sacrifice unto the Lord; and did not this motive justify their conduct?
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:21
21. the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed] The chief of the devoted things (cherem). It might seem a praiseworthy act to reserve the spoil for sacrifice: but since it was “devoted,” it did not belong to the Israelites, and no offering could be made of it.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:21
The Lord thy God - There is an implied censure of Samuel in this phrase. Saul says that Samuel blames him for what was done in honor of Samuel’s God; as if be had more zeal for the glory of God than was felt by Samuel.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) What God Regrets by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Saul and Samuel from the Bible. The sermon begins with the scene of Samuel confronting Saul after his victory in battle. Samuel q |
|
Esther - Prayer Meeting by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a fixed heart in times of trouble. He warns that America is heading towards serious trouble and those whose hearts |
|
Satan Is Alive and Well by Hal Lindsey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the existence of a powerful and real spiritual being behind the conflicts and suffering in the world. He emphasizes the importance of understa |
|
The Great Deception by Jon Couch | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to take God's Word seriously and not be deceived by the world. He encourages the congregation to rise up and make a d |
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Marriage Series #3 - Adam & Eve by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the consequences of Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden. He imagines the toil and hardship that Adam must have faced as a result of th |
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Whare Art Thou by Peter Orasuk | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two questions that God asks in the Bible: "Where are you?" and "What is this?" These questions represent God's dealings with humanity through |