1 Samuel 15:8
1 Samuel 15:8 in Multiple Translations
He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword.
And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
He took Agag, king of the Amalekites, prisoner, and put all the people to the sword without mercy.
He captured Agag, king of Amalek, alive, but exterminated all the people by the sword.
And tooke Agag the King of the Amalekites aliue, and destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
and he catcheth Agag king of Amalek alive, and all the people he hath devoted by the mouth of the sword;
He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
And he took Agag the king of Amalec alive: but all the common people he slew with the edge of the sword.
Saul’s army captured Agag, the king of the Amalek people-group, but they killed everyone else.
Saul’s mob killed dead all the men, and the women and the kids. They finished them up properly. But they didn’t kill the boss of the Amalek mob, a man called Agag.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:8
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 15:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתְפֹּ֛שׂ
אֶת
אֲגַ֥ג
מֶֽלֶךְ
עֲמָלֵ֖ק
חָ֑י
וְ/אֶת
כָּל
הָ/עָ֖ם
הֶחֱרִ֥ים
לְ/פִי
חָֽרֶב
וַ/יִּתְפֹּ֛שׂ
tâphas
H8610
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲגַ֥ג
ʼĂgag
H90
Agag
N-proper
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
עֲמָלֵ֖ק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
Amalek
N-proper
חָ֑י
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הֶחֱרִ֥ים
châram
H2763
to devote/destroy
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לְ/פִי
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
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 Samuel 15:8
וַ/יִּתְפֹּ֛שׂ
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
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.
אֲגַ֥ג
ʼĂgag
H90
"Agag"
N-proper
Agag was a king of the Amalekites, a group of people who lived near the Israelites. He is mentioned in 1 Samuel 15, where Saul spares his life but Samuel later kills him. Agag was a title given to Amalekite kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.15.8 Also named: a.ga.gi (אֲגָגִי "Agagite" H0091) § Agag = "I will overtop" king of Amalek, spared by Saul but slain by Samuel
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Agag. See also: Numbers 24:7; 1 Samuel 15:20; 1 Samuel 15:33.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עֲמָלֵ֖ק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
"Amalek"
N-proper
Amalek was a descendant of Esau and the ancestor of a tribe in southern Canaan. The Amalekites were enemies of the Israelites, as seen in the story of Exodus and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the Edomites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.12; son of: Eliphaz (H0464) and Timna (H8555); brother of: Teman (H8487), Omar (H0201), Zepho (H6825), Gatam (H1609), Kenaz (H7073) and Korah (H7141H) § Amalek = "dweller in a valley" 1) son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan 2) descendants of Amalek
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Amalek. See also: Genesis 36:12; Judges 10:12; Psalms 83:8.
חָ֑י
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
הָ/עָ֖ם
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.
הֶחֱרִ֥ים
châram
H2763
"to devote/destroy"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To devote or destroy something, like the objects the Israelites were told to destroy in Deuteronomy 7:26.
Definition: 1) to ban, devote, destroy utterly, completely destroy, dedicate for destruction, exterminate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to prohibit (for common use), ban 1a2) to consecrate, devote, dedicate for destruction 1a3) to exterminate, completely destroy 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be put under the ban, be devoted to destruction 1b2) to be devoted, be forfeited 1b3) to be completely destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: make accursed, consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose, utterly (slay, make away). See also: Exodus 22:19; Joshua 11:21; Isaiah 11:15.
לְ/פִי
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 15:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:8
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:8
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:8
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:8
Context — Saul’s Disobedience
6And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites.
7Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt.
8He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword.
9Saul and his troops spared Agag, along with the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs, and the best of everything else. They were unwilling to devote them to destruction, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless. 10Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 30:1 | On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. |
| 2 | Esther 3:1 | After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him. |
| 3 | Numbers 24:7 | Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted. |
| 4 | Joshua 11:12 | Joshua captured all these kings and their cities and put them to the sword. He devoted them to destruction, as Moses the LORD’s servant had commanded. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 20:34–42 | Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me, please!” But the man refused to strike him. Then the prophet said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, as soon as you depart from me a lion will kill you.” And when he left, a lion found him and killed him. Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him, and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. As the king passed by, he cried out to the king: “Your servant had marched out into the middle of the battle, when suddenly a man came over with a captive and told me, ‘Guard this man! If he goes missing for any reason, your life will be exchanged for his life, or you will weigh out a talent of silver. ’ But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.” Then the prophet quickly removed the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’” |
| 6 | Joshua 10:39 | And they captured Debir, its king, and all its villages. They put them to the sword and devoted to destruction everyone in the city, leaving no survivors. Joshua did to Debir and its king as he had done to Hebron and as he had done to Libnah and its king. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 15:3 | Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” |
| 8 | 1 Kings 20:30 | The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 27:8–9 | Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these people had inhabited the land extending to Shur and Egypt.) Whenever David attacked a territory, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing. Then he would return to Achish, |
1 Samuel 15:8 Summary
This verse shows that Saul, the king of Israel, captured the king of the Amalekites but killed many of his people. However, Saul was supposed to kill everyone, including the king, as an act of obedience to God (1 Samuel 15:3). This verse teaches us that partial obedience is not enough; God wants us to follow His commands completely (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). By studying this verse, we can learn the importance of trusting and obeying God, even when it's hard, and seeking to understand His will for our lives (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 5:17).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul capture Agag king of Amalek alive?
Saul captured Agag king of Amalek alive, possibly because he wanted to showcase his victory or spare the king's life out of pride or mercy, which was contrary to God's command to utterly destroy the Amalekites (Deuteronomy 25:19, 1 Samuel 15:3).
What does it mean to 'devote to destruction' in this verse?
To 'devote to destruction' means to completely destroy something as an act of dedication to God, which is what Saul was commanded to do to the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3, Leviticus 27:28-29).
Is it significant that Saul spared Agag but destroyed others?
Yes, it is significant because Saul's actions show partial obedience to God's command, which is not acceptable; God requires wholehearted obedience, as seen in the story of the Israelites' failure to fully obey God's commands in the book of Judges (Judges 1:28, 2:10-13).
How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the lives of biblical characters like Abraham (Genesis 22:1-14), where obedience is demonstrated through faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness (Romans 4:3, 11:33-36).
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am only partially obeying God's commands, and how can I surrender to wholehearted obedience?
- How do I balance mercy and judgment in my relationships, and what does the Bible say about these qualities (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:7)?
- What are some ways I can ensure that my actions align with God's will, and how can I seek God's guidance in my decision-making (Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5-8)?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when His commands seem difficult or unclear (Psalm 37:3-7, Isaiah 40:28-31)?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:8
And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive,.... This name seems to be a common name of the kings of these people, as Pharaoh was of the Egyptians, see Numbers 24:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:8
And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. Took Agag ... alive.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:8
Saul spared Agag, either out of foolish pity for the goodliness of his person, which Josephus notes; or for his respect to his royal majesty, in the preservation of which he thought himself concerned; or for the glory of his triumph: compare . All the people, to wit, the body of the people, but not every individual person, as hath been showed. Universal particles are commonly thus understood, as is confessed.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:8
1 Samuel 15:8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.Ver. 8. And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive.] Captans laudem clementiae, that he might be cried up for a clement conqueror: or that he might put him to his ransom, or rather out of a foolish and preposterous pity to his fellowking; as Ahab afterwards dealt by Benhadad. And utterly destroyed all the people.] All that he met with, as those that were devoted to destruction. The Jews at this day think they may kill any idolaters; and they have a saying, Optimus qui inter gentes, dignus est cui caput conteratur tanquam serpenti. The very best man among the Gentiles is as worthy as the old serpent to be knocked on the head. Ob fortanae regiae similitudinem. - Joseph.;
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:8
8. Agag] Agag perhaps means “fiery.” As the name is found in Numbers 24:7, it was probably an hereditary title, like Pharaoh among the Egyptians. utterly destroyed all the people] All who fell into their bands. Some survived, and continued a guerilla warfare against the Israelites (1 Samuel 27:8, 1 Samuel 30:1; 2 Samuel 8:12). The last remnant of them was destroyed by a band of Simeonites in the reign of Hezekiah (1 Chronicles 4:43).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:8
The saving Agag alive was in direct violation of the devotion to destruction.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:8
8. Agag — This was the common title of the Amalekite, as Pharaoh was of the Egyptian, and Abimelech of the Philistine kings.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Be Strong in the Lord by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher explains the concept of Jesus making a public spectacle of the devil. He compares it to how the Romans would publicly shame and display defeated rebels |
|
God's People by Frank Knox | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching the word of God to children. He encourages teachers to love, pray, and live with their students, guiding them towa |
|
Kingdom in Crisis - Part 1 by Dean Taylor | In this teaching session, the speaker addresses the current political climate and the deep influence it has on society. He emphasizes the need for Christians to respond to this cri |
|
Seeking God's Will by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in times of distress, as illustrated by David's experience when he found Ziklag burned and his family taken. David's in |
|
David Recovered All by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the instructive life of David, drawing parallels between David's experiences in Ziklag and the redemptive work of Jesus. Through David's story, we learn abo |
|
It Ends With Me! Breaking Bloodline Curses by Vlad Savchuk | Vlad Savchuk delivers a powerful message on breaking generational curses, emphasizing that many struggles stem from ancestral demons that are passed down through family lines. He p |
|
Studies in Esther - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas explores the transformation of King Ahasuerus in the book of Esther, illustrating the struggle between the sin principle represented by Haman and the righteousness |