1 Samuel 30:12

1 Samuel 30:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins. So he ate and was revived, for he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights.

King James Version KJV

And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.

American Standard Version ASV

and they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him; for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they gave him part of a cake of figs and some dry grapes; and after the food, his spirit came back to him, for he had had no food or drink for three days and nights.

Free Bible Version FBV

They also gave him a piece of a fig cake and two raisin cakes. He ate them and recovered, because he hadn't had any food or water for three days and nights.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also they gaue him a fewe figges, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirite came againe to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunke any water in three dayes, and three nightes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and give to him a piece of a bunch of dried figs, and two bunches of raisins, and he eateth, and his spirit returneth unto him, for he hath not eaten bread nor drunk water three days and three nights.

World English Bible WEB

They gave him a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins. When he had eaten, his spirit came again to him; for he had eaten no bread, and drank no water for three days and three nights.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drank any water, three days and three nights.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

As also a piece of a cake of figs, and two bunches of raisins. And when he had eaten them his spirit returned, and he was refreshed: for he had not eaten bread, nor drunk water three days, and three nights.

Translation for Translators T4T

They also gave him a piece of fig cake and two clusters/packs of raisins. The man had not had anything to eat or drink for three days and nights, but after he ate and drank he felt refreshed.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 30:12

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 30:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּתְּנוּ ל/וֹ֩ פֶ֨לַח דְּבֵלָ֜ה וּ/שְׁנֵ֤י צִמֻּקִים֙ וַ/יֹּ֔אכַל וַ/תָּ֥שָׁב רוּח֖/וֹ אֵלָ֑י/ו כִּ֠י לֹֽא אָ֤כַל לֶ֨חֶם֙ וְ/לֹא שָׁ֣תָה מַ֔יִם שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה יָמִ֖ים וּ/שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה לֵילֽוֹת

וַ/יִּתְּנוּ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

ל/וֹ֩ Prep | Suff

פֶ֨לַח pelach H6400 millstone N-fs

דְּבֵלָ֜ה dᵉbêlâh H1690 fig cake N-fs

וּ/שְׁנֵ֤י shᵉnayim H8147 two Conj | Adj

צִמֻּקִים֙ tsammûwq H6778 cluster N-mp

וַ/יֹּ֔אכַל ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וַ/תָּ֥שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

רוּח֖/וֹ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs | Suff

אֵלָ֑י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

כִּ֠י kîy H3588 for Conj

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

אָ֤כַל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לֶ֨חֶם֙ lechem H3899 food N-cs

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

שָׁ֣תָה shâthâh H8354 to drink V-Qal-Perf-3ms

מַ֔יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

יָמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 day N-mp

וּ/שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה shâlôwsh H7969 three Conj | Adj

לֵילֽוֹת layil H3915 night N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 30:12

וַ/יִּתְּנוּ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

ל/וֹ֩ "" Prep | Suff

פֶ֨לַח pelach H6400 "millstone" N-fs

A millstone is a heavy stone used to grind grain, like the ones Jesus talked about in Matthew 24:41. The word refers to a slice or a cut, often used to describe a piece of something. It appears in the Bible as a common household item.

Definition: 1) cleavage, mill-stone, cut, slice, part cut off 1a) mill-stone 1b) cleavage, slice

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: piece. See also: Judges 9:53; Job 41:16; Song of Solomon 6:7.

דְּבֵלָ֜ה dᵉbêlâh H1690 "fig cake" N-fs

A fig cake is a lump of pressed figs, a type of food mentioned in the Bible. It's made from figs that are pressed together.

Definition: fig cake, lump of pressed figs

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: cake (lump) of figs. See also: 1 Samuel 25:18; 2 Kings 20:7; Isaiah 38:21.

וּ/שְׁנֵ֤י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Conj | Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

צִמֻּקִים֙ tsammûwq H6778 "cluster" N-mp

This Hebrew word describes a cluster or bunch of dried grapes, often translated as a bunch of raisins. It's a specific type of food made from grapes.

Definition: bunch of raisins, raisin-bunch

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bunch (cluster) of raisins. See also: 1 Samuel 25:18; 2 Samuel 16:1; 1 Chronicles 12:41.

וַ/יֹּ֔אכַל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

וַ/תָּ֥שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

רוּח֖/וֹ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.

אֵלָ֑י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

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.

כִּ֠י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

לֹֽא 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.

אָ֤כַל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

לֶ֨חֶם֙ lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

שָׁ֣תָה shâthâh H8354 "to drink" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

מַ֔יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

יָמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

וּ/שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Conj | Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

לֵילֽוֹת layil H3915 "night" N-mp

Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.

Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 30:12

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Context
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Context — David Destroys the Amalekites

10because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit. 11Now his men found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David. They gave the man water to drink and food to eat—

12a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins. So he ate and was revived, for he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights.

13Then David asked him, “To whom do you belong, and where are you from?” “I am an Egyptian,” he replied, “the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me three days ago when I fell ill. 14We raided the Negev of the Cherethites, the territory of Judah, and the Negev of Caleb, and we burned down Ziklag.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 15:19	So God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned, and he was revived. That is why he named it En-hakkore, and it remains in Lehi to this day.
2	1 Samuel 14:27	Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.
3	1 Samuel 30:13	Then David asked him, “To whom do you belong, and where are you from?” “I am an Egyptian,” he replied, “the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me three days ago when I fell ill.
4	Esther 4:16	“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ”
5	Jonah 1:17	Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish.
6	Isaiah 40:29–31	He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
7	Matthew 27:63	“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’

1 Samuel 30:12 Summary

This verse tells us about an Egyptian man who was very hungry and thirsty, but then he ate some food and felt much better. He had not eaten or drunk anything for three days and nights, which is a long time to go without food or water, similar to the experience of Jesus in the wilderness in Matthew 4:2. The food he ate was a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins, which gave him the strength he needed to keep going, reminding us that God provides for our needs as seen in Philippians 4:19. This story teaches us about the importance of taking care of our bodies and being kind to others, just as David was kind to the Egyptian man.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food did the Egyptian man eat to be revived?

The Egyptian man ate a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins, which revived him after three days without food or water, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:12.

Why was the Egyptian man so weak when he was found by David's men?

The Egyptian man was weak because he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights, similar to the experience of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:8 when he traveled for forty days and nights without food or water.

What can we learn from the Egyptian man's experience of being revived by food and water?

We can learn the importance of taking care of our physical needs, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 4:4 that man shall not live by bread alone, but also recognize the value of physical nourishment as seen in 1 Samuel 30:12.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of David's pursuit of the Amalekites?

This verse provides a brief interruption in the story of David's pursuit, highlighting the humanity of the Egyptian slave and David's compassion, before returning to the pursuit in 1 Samuel 30:13-14.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have felt physically or spiritually depleted, and how did I find revival?
How can I show compassion to those around me who may be struggling, just as David showed kindness to the Egyptian man?
What are some ways that I can prioritize my physical and spiritual well-being, recognizing that both are important for my overall health?
How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's provision, even in times of scarcity or uncertainty, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 30:12

And they gave him a piece of cake of figs,.... That were dried and pressed together, and made into cakes: and two clusters of raisins; or dried grapes, as the Targum: and when he had eaten, his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 30:12

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:12

Which is to be understood synecdochically of one whole day, and part of two others, as the same phrase is taken , as appears from the next verse, where he saith, three days agone I fell sick, but in the Hebrew it this is the third day since I fell sick.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:12

1 Samuel 30:12 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk [any] water, three days and three nights.Ver. 12. And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs.] All this they did for him out of their humanity and charity, before they knew whether he could or would do them any service. His spirit came again to him.] For in nature were it not for nutrition, the natural life would be soon extinguished.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:12

(12) Three days and three nights.—This was a note of time as to the amount of start the Amalekite leader with the plunder had. It may well be conceived there was no time to lose. The cruelty of the Amalekites to their slaves was the cause of their ultimate discomfiture, for with the very considerable start they already had, if David had not been quite certain, through the information of the Egyptian, of their route, the pursuit would have been utterly hopeless.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:12

Verse 12. A cake of figs] See on 1 Samuel 25:18.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 30:12

12. his spirit came again to him] He revived. Cp. Judges 15:19.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 30:12

Three days and three nights - Indicating that at least so long a time had elapsed since the sack of Ziklag.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:12

12. His spirit came again to him — That is, he revived from the half-unconscious and dreamlike state into which, through anxiety and lack of food, he had fallen.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 30:12

	Sermon	Description
	"Where Are the Faithful Young Men?" by John Piper	This sermon calls for a generation willing to sacrifice their lives for Christ, to live dangerously and be reckless in His service, to prioritize prayer and God's Word above all el
	Interview on Fasting by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of fasting and its purpose in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that fasting should flow out of a lifestyle of prayer and a re
	Let Compassion Swallow Your Fear by Ray Comfort	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about injuring his arm while running to the house. Despite the pain, he continued to preach the gospel with his son-in-law outsi
	(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 2. Esther at the Court for Her People by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living moment by moment in God's love and receiving life from above. He shares a personal story of a woman who experienced
	Awake to Your Purpose by Brian Long	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing oneself fully to God's purpose. He uses the example of Esther, who was willing to risk her life for the sake of
	Studies in Esther-02 Esther 4 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the darkest moment in the book of Esther, where the people of God were sentenced to death. Despite the silence of God and unanswered prayers
	An Unforgettable Illustration - the Power of Prayer and Fasting by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the transformative power of prayer and fasting, illustrating that true desperation for God can be gauged by our willingness to sacrifice meals for spiritua