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1 Samuel 23:12

1 Samuel 23:12 in Multiple Translations

So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD.

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver up me and my men into the hand of Saul? And Jehovah said, They will deliver thee up.

Then David said, Will the men of Keilah give me and my men up to Saul? and the Lord said, They will give you up.

“And will the town leaders of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul?” David asked. “Yes, they will,” the Lord replied.

Then said Dauid, Will the lords of Keilah deliuer me vp, and the men that are with me, into the hand of Saul? And the Lord sayde, They will deliuer thee vp.

And David saith, 'Do the possessors of Keilah shut me up, and my men, into the hand of Saul?' And Jehovah saith, 'They shut [thee] up.'

Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” The LORD said, “They will deliver you up.”

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.

And David said: Will the men of Ceila deliver me, and my men, into the hands of Saul? And the Lord said: They will deliver thee up.

Then David asked, “Will the leaders of Keilah enable Saul’s army to capture me and my men if we stay here?” By means of the stones in the sacred vest, Yahweh replied, “Yes, they will.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:12

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 23:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר דָּוִ֔ד הֲ/יַסְגִּ֜רוּ בַּעֲלֵ֧י קְעִילָ֛ה אֹתִ֥/י וְ/אֶת אֲנָשַׁ֖/י בְּ/יַד שָׁא֑וּל וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה יַסְגִּֽירוּ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֔ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
הֲ/יַסְגִּ֜רוּ çâgar H5462 to shut Part | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
בַּעֲלֵ֧י baʻal H1167 master N-mp
קְעִילָ֛ה Qᵉʻîylâh H7084 Keilah N-proper
אֹתִ֥/י ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
אֲנָשַׁ֖/י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp | Suff
בְּ/יַד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs
שָׁא֑וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
יַסְגִּֽירוּ çâgar H5462 to shut V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:12

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דָּוִ֔ד Dâvid H1732 "David" 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.
הֲ/יַסְגִּ֜רוּ çâgar H5462 "to shut" Part | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
בַּעֲלֵ֧י baʻal H1167 "master" N-mp
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
קְעִילָ֛ה Qᵉʻîylâh H7084 "Keilah" N-proper
Keilah was a city in ancient Judah, mentioned in the Bible as a place where David fought the Philistines. It was a fortified town, located northwest of Hebron. The city plays a significant role in the story of David's life, as recorded in 1 Samuel.
Definition: § Keilah = "fortress" a city in the lowlands of Judah northwest of Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Keilah. See also: Joshua 15:44; 1 Samuel 23:8; Nehemiah 3:18.
אֹתִ֥/י ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
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.
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.
אֲנָשַׁ֖/י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּ/יַד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
שָׁא֑וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֖ה 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.
יַסְגִּֽירוּ çâgar H5462 "to shut" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 23:20 Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.”
2 Psalms 31:8 You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open.
3 Psalms 62:1 In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him.
4 Isaiah 29:15 Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”
5 Psalms 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
6 1 Samuel 23:7 When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.”
7 Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
8 Ecclesiastes 9:14–15 There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.

1 Samuel 23:12 Summary

[This verse shows that David was seeking God's guidance and direction in a difficult situation, and God provided a clear answer, which is a great example for us to follow when we're unsure about what to do, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. David trusted in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when the situation seemed uncertain, and we can do the same, knowing that God is always with us, as promised in Hebrews 13:5. By seeking God's will and trusting in His goodness, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace, just like David did in this verse.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David ask the same question again in 1 Samuel 23:12?

David asked the same question again to clarify if his men would also be surrendered to Saul, not just himself, seeking to understand God's will in the situation, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:11-12.

How could God say that the citizens of Keilah would surrender David and his men into the hand of Saul?

God's statement in 1 Samuel 23:12 indicates that He knows the hearts and intentions of the people, and in this case, He knew the citizens of Keilah would prioritize their own safety over loyalty to David, similar to how God knows the hearts of all people, as stated in Jeremiah 17:10.

What does this verse reveal about David's relationship with God?

This verse shows that David had a personal and intimate relationship with God, seeking guidance and direction through prayer, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:10-12, and trusting in God's sovereignty, similar to the trust expressed in Psalm 23:4.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?

This verse demonstrates that faith and trust in God involve seeking His will and guidance, even in uncertain and difficult situations, and trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, as expressed in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and trust in His sovereignty, just like David did in this verse?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper and more personal relationship with God, like David's, in my own life and prayer practices?
  3. What are some ways that I can prioritize trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in uncertain or difficult situations, as seen in this verse and in Romans 8:28?
  4. How can I apply the lesson from this verse to my own relationships and community, prioritizing loyalty and faithfulness to those around me, as David did with his men?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?.... That is, the lords and great men of the place, the governor of the city, and the heads of it, the chief

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:12

To wit, if thou abidest there; for God saw their hearts, their purposes and passions, their aversion from David, and their affections to Saul, and knew better than themselves what they would do in that case.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:12

1 Samuel 23:12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.Ver. 12. Will the men of Keilah.] Here is a second inquiry. God loveth to be often sought unto by his praying people, and therefore answereth them by degrees, that he may frequently hear from them. Thus the cloud emptieth not itself at a sudden burst, but dissolveth upon the earth drop after drop. They will deliver thee up.] Trust not to them; lest upon trial they prove treacherous, how well soever thou hast deserved of them. They look upon Nob so recently razed and harassed, and fear to fare accordingly.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:12

Verse 12. 1 Samuel 23:11.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:12

12. They will deliver thee up] With the cowardice and ingratitude of thorough selfishness. Cp. Judges 15:10-13.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:12

The conduct of the men of Keilah would be like that of the men of Judah to Samson their deliverer Judges 15:10-13.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:12

SermonDescription
Joshua Daniel Eternal Inheritance by Joshua Daniel Joshua Daniel preaches on the eternal inheritance promised to believers in 2 Corinthians 5:1, emphasizing the confidence and assurance we have in God's heavenly dwelling. He challe
Kathryn Kuhlman Free to Do by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting God as the ultimate authority in our lives. He compares the disciplined self to an aviator who mu
David Wilkerson We Shall Not Be Moved by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that everything in the world is part of God's plan and is leading towards His glorification. He explains that everyone, not just preachers,
Martin Geehan Jude: Last Days - Balaam 1 by Martin Geehan In this sermon, the pastor discusses the importance of love and compatibility in a marriage. He emphasizes the need for both partners to be born again and to deeply love each other
Chuck Smith The Sorrow of Riches by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Mark's Gospel, specifically chapters nine and ten. The sermon begins by encouraging the audience to read these chapters and join in the stud
Hans R. Waldvogel Their Strength Is to Sit Still by Hans R. Waldvogel In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on God's guidance and power in our lives. He highlights that God orchestrates every joy and trial we experience and
Major Ian Thomas Die Isaac - Live to God by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the attendees and the Lord Jesus for the fruitful week they have had. The sermon begins with a recapitulation of the principles

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