1 Samuel 30:2
1 Samuel 30:2 in Multiple Translations
They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.
And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
and had taken captive the women and all that were therein, both small and great: they slew not any, but carried them off, and went their way.
And had made the women and all who were there, small and great, prisoners: they had not put any of them to death, but had taken them all away.
They had captured the women and everyone else there, young and old. They hadn't killed anyone, but they took everyone with them as they left.
And had taken the women that were therein, prisoners, both small and great, and slewe not a man, but caryed them away, and went their wayes.
and they take captive the women who [are] in it; from small unto great they have not put any one to death, and they lead away, and go on their way.
and had taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They didn’t kill any, but carried them off and went their way.
And had taken the women captives that were in it, they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
And had taken the women captives that were in it, both little and great: and they had not killed any person, but had carried them with them, and went on their way.
They had captured the women and the children and everyone else, and had taken them away. But they had not killed anyone.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 30:2
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 30:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁבּ֨וּ
אֶת
הַ/נָּשִׁ֤ים
אֲשֶׁר
בָּ/הּ֙
מִ/קָּטֹ֣ן
וְ/עַד
גָּד֔וֹל
לֹ֥א
הֵמִ֖יתוּ
אִ֑ישׁ
וַ/יִּֽנְהֲג֔וּ
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
לְ/דַרְכָּֽ/ם
וַ/יִּשְׁבּ֨וּ
shâbâh
H7617
to take captive
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נָּשִׁ֤ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּ/הּ֙
Prep | Suff
מִ/קָּטֹ֣ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Prep | Adj
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הֵמִ֖יתוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וַ/יִּֽנְהֲג֔וּ
nâhag
H5090
to lead
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/דַרְכָּֽ/ם
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 30:2
וַ/יִּשְׁבּ֨וּ
shâbâh
H7617
"to take captive"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to take someone captive, like a prisoner of war. It involves transporting people away from their homes, often as a result of conflict or battle. The Bible uses it to describe the experiences of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to take captive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take captive 1a2) captive (participle) 1a3) to lead captive 1b) (Niphal) to be taken captive
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive(-s), drive (take) away. See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Chronicles 6:38; Psalms 68:19.
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.
הַ/נָּשִׁ֤ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ/הּ֙
""
Prep | Suff
מִ/קָּטֹ֣ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
גָּד֔וֹל
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.
לֹ֥א
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.
הֵמִ֖יתוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
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/יִּֽנְהֲג֔וּ
nâhag
H5090
"to lead"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
לְ/דַרְכָּֽ/ם
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 30:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 30:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 30:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 30:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:2
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 30:2
Context — The Amalekites Raid Ziklag
1On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down.
2They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.
3When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4So David and the troops with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no strength left to weep.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 27:11 | David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory. |
| 2 | Job 38:11 | and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? |
| 3 | Psalms 76:10 | Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself. |
| 4 | Isaiah 27:8–9 | By warfare and exile You contended with her and removed her with a fierce wind, as on the day the east wind blows. Therefore Jacob’s guilt will be atoned for, and the full fruit of the removal of his sin will be this: When he makes all the altar stones like crushed bits of chalk, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 30:19 | Nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David brought everything back. |
1 Samuel 30:2 Summary
This verse tells us that the Amalekites took the women and children of Ziklag captive, but did not kill anyone. This shows us that even in the midst of great evil and destruction, God is still at work, and He can use even the darkest circumstances for His own purposes, as we see in Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20. The Amalekites' actions also remind us of the importance of trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when things seem bleak, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11. By looking to God and trusting in His love and care, we can find hope and comfort, even in the midst of great difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Amalekites take the women and children captive instead of killing them?
The Amalekites likely took the women and children captive to use them as slaves or to ransom them for a profit, as was common in ancient times, similar to the practices described in Exodus 21:16 and Deuteronomy 24:7.
What can we learn from the fact that the Amalekites did not kill anyone in Ziklag?
The fact that the Amalekites spared the lives of the people in Ziklag may indicate that they were more interested in plunder and slavery than in slaughter, which is consistent with the description of their raids in 1 Samuel 27:8-9.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of David's life?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of David's experiences as a fugitive and a leader, and it sets the stage for his response to the raid and his trust in God, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:6 and Psalm 34:4-6.
What does this verse teach us about the nature of evil and its consequences?
This verse shows us that evil can have devastating consequences, not just for individuals, but for entire communities, as seen in the destruction of Ziklag, and it highlights the need for God's people to trust in Him and seek His deliverance, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- How would I respond if I were in David's shoes, seeing my home and loved ones taken captive?
- What are some ways that I can trust God in the midst of difficult circumstances, like David did in 1 Samuel 30:6?
- How can I balance my emotions, like David's weeping in 1 Samuel 30:4, with my trust in God's sovereignty and goodness?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lessons of this verse to my own life, particularly in terms of trusting God and seeking His deliverance?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 30:2
And had taken the women captives, that [were] therein,.... There being no other to take, the men were gone with David: they slew not any, either great or small; that is, of the women, whether married
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 30:2
And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. Slew not any ... but carried them away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:2
They slew not any; which was strange, considering how David dealt with them, . But this must be ascribed partly to their selfish or fleshly interest; for they might reserve them, either to make sale of them for their profit, or to abuse them for their lust; or, it may be, to revenge themselves upon David and his men, by reserving them to extraordinary, and lingering, and repeated punishments; but principally to God’ s overruling and wonderful providence, who set these bounds to their rage; and though he designed to chastise David’ s sin and folly, yet would not deliver him nor his up to death.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:2
1 Samuel 30:2 And had taken the women captives, that [were] therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried [them] away, and went on their way.Ver. 2. And had taken the women captives.] Perhaps out of covetousness to make prize of them. This is likewise the practice of seducers. Egregiam vero laudem! &c. They slew not any, either great or small] By God’ s restraint they took up with an unbloody revenge; while David, roving against the Amalekites not many days before, left neither man nor woman alive.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:2
(2) They slew not any.—There was no one in the hapless city to resist the attack of the fierce sons of the desert. David—never dreaming of the sudden invasion—had marched with Achish, accompanied by his whole force. The Amalekites slew none of their captives; they were, we read, women and children. These possessed a marketable value, and were carried off to be sold into slavery, probably in Egypt, with which country the Amalekites, as neighbours, had constant dealings. We read a few verses on specially of an Egyptian slave in the army.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:2
2. Taken the women captives — The men were all absent with David, but the wives and children (see 1 Samuel 27:3, and note) remained in Ziklag.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 30:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Limits of Our Grace Are Those of Our Temptation. by Francois Fenelon | Francois Fenelon preaches about the limits of our grace being the same as our temptation, emphasizing God's faithfulness in not allowing us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. H |
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Letter 165. by James Bourne | James Bourne shares about a visit from Mrs. Oakley, where her husband found peace and hope in the crumbs from the Master's table, leading to a deep reflection on his sins and a des |
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Praying in Times of Crises by Kevin Meador | Kevin Meador preaches on seeking God in the midst of a crisis, emphasizing the importance of realizing our helplessness, committing ourselves to seeking the Lord, focusing on God's |
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Dauntless Faith by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the concept of 'Dauntless Faith' in his sermon, drawing from Acts 18:10, where God assures Paul of His protection while he carries out His work in Corinth. |
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Esther, the Power of Divine Providence by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the power of God's providence as seen in the Book of Esther, where God's hand is evident despite His name not being mentioned. The sermon emphasizes how |
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Manually Controlled by Miles J. Stanford | Miles J. Stanford preaches about the sovereignty of God, emphasizing that despite the world's evil and rebellion, God's rule remains absolute, bringing relief and rest to the Chris |
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Exposition on Psalm 77 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the Psalms, interpreting the congregation as those who leap over to reach Christ Jesus, emphasizing the importance of seeking God for Himself and not j |