1 Samuel 23:5

1 Samuel 23:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.

King James Version KJV

So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

American Standard Version ASV

And David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and slew them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So David and his men went to Keilah, and had a fight with the Philistines, and took away their cattle, and put them to the sword with great destruction. So David was the saviour of the people of Keilah.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then David and his men went to Keilah and fought the Philistines. They slaughtered them and drove off their livestock. By doing this David saved the people of Keilah.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So Dauid and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistims, and brought away their cattel, and smote them with a great slaughter: thus Dauid saued the inhabitants of Keilah.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David goeth, and his men, to Keilah, and fighteth with the Philistines, and leadeth away their cattle, and smiteth among them — a great smiting, and David saveth the inhabitants of Keilah.

World English Bible WEB

David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their livestock, and killed them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

David therefore, and his men, went to Ceila, and fought against the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and made a great slaughter of them: and David saved the inhabitants of Ceila.

Translation for Translators T4T

So David and his men went to Keilah. They fought against the men of the Philistia people-group and captured many of their cattle. David and his men killed many of the Philistia men and rescued the people of Keilah.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:5

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 23:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ דָּוִד֩ ו/אנש/ו וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֨י/ו קְעִילָ֜ה וַ/יִּלָּ֣חֶם בַּ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֗ים וַ/יִּנְהַג֙ אֶת מִקְנֵי/הֶ֔ם וַ/יַּ֥ךְ בָּ/הֶ֖ם מַכָּ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה וַ/יֹּ֣שַׁע דָּוִ֔ד אֵ֖ת יֹשְׁבֵ֥י קְעִילָֽה

וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִד֩ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

ו/אנש/ו ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-mp | Suff

וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֨י/ו ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-mp | Suff

קְעִילָ֜ה Qᵉʻîylâh H7084 Keilah N-proper

וַ/יִּלָּ֣חֶם lâcham H3898 to fight Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בַּ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֗ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Prep | Ngmpa

וַ/יִּנְהַג֙ nâhag H5090 to lead Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מִקְנֵי/הֶ֔ם miqneh H4735 livestock N-ms | Suff

וַ/יַּ֥ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

בָּ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff

מַכָּ֣ה makkâh H4347 wound N-fs

גְדוֹלָ֑ה gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj

וַ/יֹּ֣שַׁע yâshaʻ H3467 to save Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֔ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יֹשְׁבֵ֥י yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal

קְעִילָֽה Qᵉʻîylâh H7084 Keilah N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:5

וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

דָּוִד֩ 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.

ו/אנש/ו ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | 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.

וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֨י/ו ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-mp | Suff

קְעִילָ֜ה 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.

וַ/יִּלָּ֣חֶם lâcham H3898 "to fight" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.

Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.

בַּ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֗ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Prep | Ngmpa

A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.

Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)

Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.

וַ/יִּנְהַג֙ nâhag H5090 "to lead" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To moan means to sigh or lament, like in Psalm 77:3 when the psalmist moaned in his sleepless night. It can also mean to lead or guide someone, like in 1 Samuel 25:42 when Abigail led her maids to follow David.

Definition: 1) to drive, lead, guide, conduct 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off 1a2) to behave itself (fig.) (of heart) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to drive away, lead off 1b2) to lead on, guide, guide on 1b3) to cause to drive

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: acquaint, bring (away), carry away, drive (away), lead (away, forth), (be) guide, lead (away, forth). See also: Genesis 31:18; 1 Chronicles 20:1; Psalms 48:15.

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.

מִקְנֵי/הֶ֔ם miqneh H4735 "livestock" N-ms | Suff

Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.

Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.

וַ/יַּ֥ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

בָּ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff

מַכָּ֣ה makkâh H4347 "wound" N-fs

A wound or blow, also referring to carnage, pestilence, or defeat. It can describe physical harm, like a beating, or widespread suffering, like a plague.

Definition: 1) blow, wound, slaughter 1a) blow, stripe 1b) beating, scourging 1c) wound 1d) slaughter 1e) defeat, conquest 1f) plague

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beaten, blow, plague, slaughter, smote, [idiom] sore, stripe, stroke, wound(-ed). See also: Leviticus 26:21; 2 Chronicles 22:6; Psalms 64:8.

גְדוֹלָ֑ה gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

וַ/יֹּ֣שַׁע yâshaʻ H3467 "to save" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to

Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.

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.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אֵ֖ת 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.

יֹשְׁבֵ֥י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

קְעִילָֽה Qᵉʻîylâh H7084 "Keilah" N-proper

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.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
1 Samuel 23:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:5
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:5

Context — David Delivers Keilah

3But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” 4Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

5Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.

6(Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.) 7When 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.”

1 Samuel 23:5 Summary

[This verse shows us that David trusted in God's power and provision, and because of that, he was able to save the people of Keilah from the Philistines. It's a great example of what can happen when we trust in God, just like it says in Psalm 37:5, to commit our way to Him and trust in Him. David's story reminds us that God is always with us, even in difficult situations, and that He can give us the courage and strength we need to overcome them, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David decide to go to Keilah despite his men's fears?

David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him, giving him the courage to go to Keilah, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:4, where the Lord says, 'Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.'

What can we learn from David's actions in this verse?

We can learn about the importance of trusting in God's promises, just like David did, and being obedient to His will, as seen in passages like Proverbs 3:5-6, which reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.

How did David's victory in Keilah impact the people of the town?

David's victory saved the people of Keilah, as stated in 1 Samuel 23:5, demonstrating God's power and provision through David's obedience, similar to the way God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 16:4.

What role did faith play in David's decision to fight the Philistines?

David's faith in God's promise to deliver the Philistines into his hand was crucial, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:4, and it is a great example of the kind of faith that pleases God, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:6.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's promises and be obedient to His will?
How can I, like David, seek God's guidance and direction in uncertain situations?
In what ways can I demonstrate my faith in God's power and provision, just as David did in Keilah?
What are some 'Philistines' in my life that I need to trust God to deliver me from, and how can I prepare for that battle?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:5

So David and his men went to Keilah,.... Animated by a commission from God, and a promise of success by him: and fought with the Philistines; encamped before Keilah: and brought away their cattle;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:5

And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:5

The Philistines had either brought their cattle out of their land, or had taken from the Israelites in their march, for the sustenance of their army.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:5

1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.Ver. 5. And brought away their cattle.] Which either they found about their camp, or fetched out of their country. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.] And therefore deserved a corona civica of them, but met with ill measure.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:5

Verse 5. Brought away their cattle] The forage and spoil which the Philistines had taken, driving the country before them round about Keilah.

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