1 Samuel 31:3
1 Samuel 31:3 in Multiple Translations
When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically.
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.
And the fight was going badly for Saul, and the archers came across him, and he was wounded by the archers.
The fighting became very intense around Saul, and the arrows of the Philistine archers found their target, wounding Saul very badly.
And when the battel went sore against Saul, the archers and bowmen hit him, and hee was sore wounded of the archers.
And the battle is hard against Saul, and the archers find him — men with bow — and he is pained greatly by the archers;
The battle went hard against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.
And the battle was severe against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was severely wounded by the archers.
And the whole weight of the battle was turned upon Saul: and the archers overtook him, and he was grievously wounded by the archers.
The fighting was very fierce around Saul. When the Philistine ◄archers/men with bows and arrows► caught up with Saul, they wounded him badly with their arrows.
The soldiers that were close to Saul fought hard. The Philistia mob shot Saul lots of times with bows and arrows, and they hurt him very badly.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 31:3
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 31:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּכְבַּ֤ד
הַ/מִּלְחָמָה֙
אֶל
שָׁא֔וּל
וַ/יִּמְצָאֻ֥/הוּ
הַ/מּוֹרִ֖ים
אֲנָשִׁ֣ים
בַּ/קָּ֑שֶׁת
וַ/יָּ֥חֶל
מְאֹ֖ד
מֵ/הַ/מּוֹרִֽים
וַ/תִּכְבַּ֤ד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הַ/מִּלְחָמָה֙
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Art | N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וַ/יִּמְצָאֻ֥/הוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
הַ/מּוֹרִ֖ים
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Art | V-Hiphil
אֲנָשִׁ֣ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
בַּ/קָּ֑שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
bow
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יָּ֥חֶל
chûwl
H2342
to twist
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
מֵ/הַ/מּוֹרִֽים
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Prep | Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 31:3
וַ/תִּכְבַּ֤ד
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָה֙
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
שָׁא֔וּל
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/יִּמְצָאֻ֥/הוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
הַ/מּוֹרִ֖ים
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Art | V-Hiphil
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
אֲנָשִׁ֣ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
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.
בַּ/קָּ֑שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
וַ/יָּ֥חֶל
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
מֵ/הַ/מּוֹרִֽים
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Prep | Art | N-mp
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 31:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 31:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 31:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 31:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 31:3
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 31:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:3
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 31:3
Context — Saul’s Overthrow and Death
1Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
2The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.
3When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically.
4Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 1:6 | “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. |
| 2 | Genesis 49:23 | The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 22:34 | However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!” |
| 4 | Amos 2:14 | Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 1:4 | “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” |
1 Samuel 31:3 Summary
This verse tells us that Saul, the king of Israel, was badly hurt in a battle with the Philistines. This happened because Saul had disobeyed God, and God was no longer protecting him (1 Samuel 15:23). We can learn from Saul's mistake by remembering to always obey God, even when it's hard, and by trusting in His power and love for us (Psalm 23:4). By following God's commands and trusting in His goodness, we can avoid the kind of suffering that Saul experienced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God allow Saul to be wounded so critically in battle?
This event was a fulfillment of God's judgment on Saul for his disobedience, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23, where God rejected Saul as king due to his refusal to obey Him.
What can we learn from Saul's experience about the dangers of disobedience?
Saul's story teaches us that disobeying God can have severe consequences, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:15, where it says that disobedience will lead to suffering and defeat.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Israel's history?
This verse is part of the narrative of Israel's transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy, as described in 1 Samuel 8:7, where the people asked for a king, and God granted their request, but also warned them of the potential consequences of having a human king.
What can we infer about Saul's character from his actions in this verse?
Saul's actions in this verse, being wounded critically, show that he was a complex character, capable of both bravery and poor decision-making, as seen in his earlier interactions with God, such as in 1 Samuel 15:24, where he admitted to sinning against God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be disobeying God, and how can I surrender to His will?
- How can I apply the lesson of Saul's disobedience to my own life, and what steps can I take to ensure I am following God's commands?
- What are some ways that God may be calling me to trust Him in the midst of difficult circumstances, just as Saul should have trusted God in this battle?
- In what ways can I prioritize obedience to God, even when it's challenging or uncomfortable, and what role can prayer and scripture play in guiding me towards obedience?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 31:3
And the battle went sore against Saul,.... Pressed heavy upon him; he was the butt of the Philistines, they aimed at his person and life: and the archers hit him; or "found him" (a); the place where
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 31:3
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. The battle went sore against Saul ... and he was sore wounded of the archers.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:3
1 Samuel 31:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.Ver. 3. And he was sore wounded of the archers.] Sulpitius Severus saith he was so wounded that he fell from his horse. But this he addeth of his own; for neither in the Scriptures nor yet in Josephus read we any such thing. Saul equo delapsus. - Sac. Hist., lib. i.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:3
(3) And the battle went sore against Saul.—That is, after the death of Jonathan and his brothers. The great warrior king no doubt fought like a lion, but one by one his brave defenders fell in harness by his side; and the enemy seems to have directed their principal attention, at this period of the fight, to killing or capturing the famous Saul. And the archers hit him.—It would seem as though, in that deadly combat, none could strike down that giant kingly form, so the archers—literally, as in the margin of our Version, shooters, men with bows, skilful shots—were told off, and these, aiming at the warrior towering above the other combatants, with the crown on his head (2 Samuel 1:10), hit him. And he was sore wounded by the archers.—This is the usual rendering of the word, but the more accurate translation is, He was sore afraid (or was greatly alarmed at them): so Gesenius, Keil, Lange, &c. All seemed against him. His army was routed, his sons were dead, his faithful captains and companions were gone, and these bow-men were shooting at him from a distance where his strong arm could not reach them. Gradually weakened through loss of blood—perhaps with the words he had heard only a few hours before at En-dor from the dead prophet ringing in his ears, “To-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me”—the great undaunted courage at last failed him, and he turned to his armourbearer, who was still by his side.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:3
Verse 3. He was sore wounded of the archers.] It is likely that Saul's sons were slain by the archers, and that Saul was now mortally wounded by the same. Houbigant translates, The archers rushed upon him, from whom he received a grievous wound. He farther remarks that had not Saul been grievously wounded, and beyond hope of recovery, he would not have wished his armour-bearer to despatch him; as he might have continued still to fight, or have made his escape from this most disastrous battle. Some of the versions render it, He FEARED the archers greatly; but this is by no means likely.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 31:3
3. the battle went sore against Saul] Cp. 1 Kings 22:31 ff. The Vulg. has a striking paraphrase: “the whole weight of the battle was directed against Saul,” (totumque pondus praelii versum est in Saul). he was sore wounded] So the Sept. and Vulg. But the Heb. may also be rendered, “and he was sore afraid.” Despair and the fear of insult paralysed his courage. For “of the archers” the Sept. reads “in the abdomen,” but the Heb. text is preferable.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 31:3
He was sore wounded - Better, “he was sore afraid” (compare Deuteronomy 2:25). Saul’s fear is explained in 1 Samuel 31:4.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:3
3. Battle went sore — This verse is rendered better thus: Then the battle was heavy against Saul, and the archers, men with the bow, discovered him, and he became greatly terrified because of the
Sermons on 1 Samuel 31:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How to Comment Spiritual Suicide by Charlie Orr | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of spiritual suicide and how it can lead to physical suicide. He uses the story of Saul from the book of 1 Samuel as an example. Sa |
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David Gaining Strength and Encouragement in the Lord Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith begins by discussing the closing events of 1 Samuel, which include the death of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. He then transi |
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It All Began With a Thirsty Woman by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of business people and initially intends to talk about the needs of orphans in Africa. However, he feels compelled to discuss a debt t |
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A Certain Man . . Smote the King of Israela Certain Man . . Smote the King of Israel by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of understanding the vulnerabilities of individuals when sharing the Gospel, likening people to armored figures who protect themselves with exc |
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The Punishment of a Privileged People by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intensity of the message of punishment on a privileged people who have heard and rejected the Gospel. The book of Obadiah, with its brev |