1 Samuel 31:9
1 Samuel 31:9 in Multiple Translations
They cut off Saul’s head, stripped off his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temples of their idols and among their people.
And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.
And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry the tidings unto the house of their idols, and to the people.
And cutting off his head and taking away his war-dress, they sent word into the land of the Philistines round about, to take the news to their gods and to the people.
They cut off Saul's head, stripped him of his armor, and sent messengers throughout the country of the Philistines to announce the news in the temples of their idols and to their people.
And they cut off his head, and stripped him out of his armour, and sent into the land of ye Philistims on euery side, that they should publish it in the temple of their idoles, and among the people.
and they cut off his head, and strip off his weapons, and send into the land of the Philistines round about, to proclaim tidings [in] the house of their idols, and [among] the people;
They cut off his head, stripped off his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines all around, to carry the news to the house of their idols and to the people.
And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.
And they cut off Saul’s head, and stripped him of his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the temples of their idols, and among their people.
They cut off Saul’s head and took his weapons. Then they sent messengers throughout their land, to proclaim the news, in the temple where they kept their idols, and to the other people, that their army had killed Saul.
They cut off Saul’s head and took off his heavy iron plates. Then they sent messengers to every place in Philistia, to tell the story to the people and in the houses of their gods.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 31:9
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 31:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּכְרְתוּ֙
אֶת
רֹאשׁ֔/וֹ
וַ/יַּפְשִׁ֖יטוּ
אֶת
כֵּלָ֑י/ו
וַ/יְשַׁלְּח֨וּ
בְ/אֶֽרֶץ
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֜ים
סָבִ֗יב
לְ/בַשֵּׂ֛ר
בֵּ֥ית
עֲצַבֵּי/הֶ֖ם
וְ/אֶת
הָ/עָֽם
וַֽ/יִּכְרְתוּ֙
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֹאשׁ֔/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יַּפְשִׁ֖יטוּ
pâshaṭ
H6584
to strip
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כֵּלָ֑י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יְשַׁלְּח֨וּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְ/אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֜ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
סָבִ֗יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
לְ/בַשֵּׂ֛ר
bâsar
H1319
to bear tidings
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
עֲצַבֵּי/הֶ֖ם
ʻâtsâb
H6091
idol
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 31:9
וַֽ/יִּכְרְתוּ֙
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
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.
רֹאשׁ֔/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וַ/יַּפְשִׁ֖יטוּ
pâshaṭ
H6584
"to strip"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to strip or remove something, like taking off clothes or plundering a place. It is used in Exodus 22:26 to describe taking a pledge from someone. The word implies a sense of removal or deprivation.
Definition: 1) to strip, invade, strip off, make a dash, raid, spread out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strip off, put off 1a2) to put off (one's shelter), make a dash 1b) (Piel) to strip 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to strip of 1c2) to strip off 1c3) to flay 1d) (Hithpael) to strip oneself of
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fall upon, flay, invade, make an invasion, pull off, put off, make a road, run upon, rush, set, spoil, spread selves (abroad), strip (off, self). See also: Genesis 37:23; 1 Chronicles 14:9; Isaiah 32:11.
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.
כֵּלָ֑י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
וַ/יְשַׁלְּח֨וּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בְ/אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֜ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
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.
סָבִ֗יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
לְ/בַשֵּׂ֛ר
bâsar
H1319
"to bear tidings"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
Basar means to bear tidings or announce good news, often used to describe preaching or publishing glad news. It is used in the Bible to describe the spread of salvation or joyful messages.
Definition: 1) to bear news, bear tidings, publish, preach, show forth 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to gladden with good news 1a2) to bear news 1a3) to announce (salvation) as good news, preach 1b) (Hithpael) to receive good news
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: messenger, preach, publish, shew forth, (bear, bring, carry, preach, good, tell good) tidings. See also: 1 Samuel 4:17; 1 Chronicles 16:23; Psalms 40:10.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
עֲצַבֵּי/הֶ֖ם
ʻâtsâb
H6091
"idol"
N-mp | Suff
This word is used to describe an idolatrous image, like the golden calf in Exodus 32. It emphasizes the physical object of worship, rather than the false god itself.
Definition: idol, image
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: idol, image. See also: 1 Samuel 31:9; Isaiah 10:11; Psalms 106:36.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 31:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 31:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 31:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 31:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 31:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 31:9
Context — The Philistines Possess the Towns
7When the Israelites along the valley and those on the other side of the Jordan saw that the army of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities.
8The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.
9They cut off Saul’s head, stripped off his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temples of their idols and among their people.
10They put his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths and hung his body on the wall of Beth-shan. 11When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 1:20 | Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. |
| 2 | Judges 16:23–24 | Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 17:54 | David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 10:9–10 | They stripped Saul, cut off his head, took his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temple of their idols and among their people. They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung his head in the temple of Dagon. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 31:4 | Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, 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. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 17:51 | David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him; and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. |
1 Samuel 31:9 Summary
[This verse tells us that the Philistines cut off Saul's head and sent messengers to tell everyone about their victory, which shows how proud and arrogant they were. The Philistines wanted to show off their power and make the Israelites feel weak and scared. This event is similar to when David defeated Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:51, but in this case, the Philistines are the ones celebrating their victory. As believers, we can learn from this verse that pride and rebellion against God can lead to defeat and humiliation, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, and that we should always trust in God and give Him the glory, as seen in Psalm 115:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Philistines cutting off Saul's head?
The Philistines cut off Saul's head as a symbol of their victory over the King of Israel, much like David had cut off Goliath's head in 1 Samuel 17:51, to show their dominance and to demoralize the Israelites.
Why did the Philistines send messengers throughout their land to proclaim the news?
The Philistines sent messengers to spread the news of their victory over Saul and the Israelites, to glorify their idols and to boost the morale of their people, as seen in 1 Samuel 31:9, similar to how the Israelites would proclaim the mighty acts of God in Psalm 145:4-7.
What does this verse reveal about the spiritual state of the Philistines?
This verse shows that the Philistines were deeply committed to their idolatrous worship, as they sent messengers to proclaim the news in the temples of their idols, highlighting their spiritual blindness and rebellion against the one true God, as warned in Deuteronomy 13:6-10.
How does this event relate to the broader biblical narrative?
The defeat of Saul and the Israelites in 1 Samuel 31:9 is a consequence of their disobedience and idolatry, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23, and it sets the stage for the rise of David as King, who would trust in God and lead the Israelites to victory, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:13.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about the dangers of pride and the consequences of rebellion against God?
- How can we, like the Philistines, be blinded by our own spiritual idolatry and rebellion, and what are the warning signs in our own lives?
- In what ways can we, as believers, proclaim the mighty acts of God in our own lives, as seen in Psalm 145:4-7, and what impact can this have on those around us?
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of spiritual warfare and the battle between good and evil, as seen in Ephesians 6:12?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 31:9
And they cut off his head,.... And fastened it in the temple of Dagon, 1 Chronicles 10:10; perhaps that which was at Ashdod, one of the principalities of the Philistines, 1 Samuel 5:1; and stripped
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 31:9
And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
They cut off his head, as the Israelites did by Goliath. To publish it in the house of their idols, to give them the glory of this victory.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
1 Samuel 31:9 And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish [it in] the house of their idols, and among the people.Ver. 9. And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour.] They served him in like sort as their champion Goliath had been served: that they might cry quittance with him. Men love to retaliate. To publish it in the house of their idols.] Heb., Their fray-bugs . So called, because they fright their superstitious followers, instead of instructing and comforting them. See Psalms 16:4. And among the people.] This David would not have had done, but God suffered it, though he some way suffered in it, to show his singular hatred of sin, and show he is set upon the punishment of it.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
(9) And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour.—Only Saul’s head and armour is mentioned here, but on comparing 1 Samuel 31:12, where the bodies of his sons are especially mentioned, it is clear that this act was not confined to the person of the king. The sense of the passage there is, the heads of the king and his three sons were cut off, and their armour stripped from their bodies. The heads and armour were sent as trophies round about the different towns and villages of Philistia, and the headless corpses were fastened to the wall of the city of Beth-shan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
Verse 9. And they cut off his head] It is possible that they cut off the heads of his three sons likewise; for although only his head is said to be cut off, and his body only to be fastened to the walls of Beth-shan, yet we find that the men of Jabesh-gilead found both his body and the bodies of his three sons, fastened to the walls, 1 Samuel 31:12. Perhaps they only took off Saul's head, which they sent about to their temples as a trophy of their victory, when they sent the news of the defeat of the Israelites through all their coasts, and at last placed it in the temple of Dagon, 1 Chronicles 10:10.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 31:9
8–13. The burial of Saul and his Sons 9. they cut off his head] The Anointed of Jehovah fares no better than the uncircumcised Goliath, now that God has forsaken him. to publish it] To publish the good news. Sept. εὐαγγελίζοντες. Cp. 2 Samuel 1:20. in the house of their idols] In the temples of their idols, which were regarded as the givers of the victory. Cp. ch. 1 Samuel 5:2. Chron. reads “to carry tidings to their idols.”
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:9
9. They cut off his head — His sons seem to have received the same barbarous treatment. See 1 Samuel 31:12.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 31:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t |
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(1 Samuel) How to Not Fight Back by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David playing the harp for King Saul. He highlights the stark contrast between David's submission to God and Saul's violent natur |