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1 Samuel 4:5

1 Samuel 4:5 in Multiple Translations

When the ark of the covenant of the LORD entered the camp, all the Israelites raised such a great shout that it shook the ground.

And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

And when the ark of the covenant of Jehovah came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

And when the ark of the Lord's agreement came into the tent-circle, all Israel gave a great cry, so that the earth was sounding with it.

When the Ark of the Lord's Agreement arrived in the camp, all the Israelites gave such a loud shout it made the ground shake.

And when the Arke of the couenant of the Lord came into the hoste, all Israel shouted a mightie shoute, so that the earth rang againe.

And it cometh to pass, at the coming in of the ark of the covenant of Jehovah unto the camp, that all Israel shout — a great shout — and the earth is moved.

When the ark of the LORD’s covenant came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth resounded.

And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth resounded.

And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord was come into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, and the earth rang again.

When the Israeli people saw the men bringing the box into their camp, they were so happy that they shouted loudly. They shouted so loudly that they made the ground shake!

After they brought the box to their camp, the Israel mob were so happy that they shouted out real loud. Their shouts were so loud they made the ground shake.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 4:5

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 4:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֗י כְּ/ב֨וֹא אֲר֤וֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה֙ אֶל הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה וַ/יָּרִ֥עוּ כָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל תְּרוּעָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה וַ/תֵּהֹ֖ם הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וַ/יְהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/ב֨וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֲר֤וֹן ʼârôwn H727 ark N-cs
בְּרִית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant N-fs
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 camp Art | N-cs
וַ/יָּרִ֥עוּ rûwaʻ H7321 to shout Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
תְּרוּעָ֣ה tᵉrûwʻâh H8643 shout N-fs
גְדוֹלָ֑ה gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
וַ/תֵּהֹ֖ם hûwm H1949 to make noise Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 4:5

וַ/יְהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/ב֨וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֲר֤וֹן ʼârôwn H727 "ark" N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
בְּרִית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
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.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Art | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
וַ/יָּרִ֥עוּ rûwaʻ H7321 "to shout" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to shout or make a loud noise, like a war cry or a joyful sound. In Numbers 10:9, the Israelites would shout to sound the alarm for war or to signal a gathering. It is about making a loud noise to get attention.
Definition: 1) to shout, raise a sound, cry out, give a blast 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to shout a war-cry or alarm of battle 1a2) to sound a signal for war or march 1a3) to shout in triumph (over enemies) 1a4) to shout in applause 1a5) to shout (with religious impulse) 1a6) to cry out in distress 1b) (Polal) to utter a shout 1c) (Hithpolel) 1c1) to shout in triumph 1c2) to shout for joy 2) (Niphal) destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph. See also: Numbers 10:7; Psalms 60:10; Psalms 41:12.
כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
תְּרוּעָ֣ה tᵉrûwʻâh H8643 "shout" N-fs
This word means a loud shout or noise, like a battle cry or a joyful sound. It can also refer to the blast of trumpets in books like Numbers and Joshua.
Definition: 1) alarm, signal, sound of tempest, shout, shout or blast of war or alarm or joy 1a) alarm of war, war-cry, battle-cry 1b) blast (for march) 1c) shout of joy (with religious impulse) 1d) shout of joy (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: alarm, blow(-ing) (of, the) (trumpets), joy, jubile, loud noise, rejoicing, shout(-ing), (high, joyful) sound(-ing). See also: Leviticus 23:24; Ezra 3:12; Psalms 27:6.
גְדוֹלָ֑ה gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וַ/תֵּהֹ֖ם hûwm H1949 "to make noise" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To make a loud noise or cause a commotion, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Exodus 32:17. This word can also mean to stir up trouble or disturb the peace, as described in the book of Job. It implies a strong reaction or upheaval.
Definition: 1) to distract, ring again, make a (great) noise, murmur, roar, discomfit, be moved 1a) (Qal) to discomfit 1b) (Niphal) to be in a stir 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to murmur 1c2) to show disquietude
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: destroy, move, make a noise, put, ring again. See also: Ruth 1:19; 1 Kings 1:45; Psalms 55:3.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | 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.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 4:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 6:5 And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city. ”
2 Job 20:5 the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary?
3 Amos 6:3 You dismiss the day of calamity and bring near a reign of violence.
4 Judges 15:14 When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands.
5 Jeremiah 7:4 Do not trust in deceptive words, chanting: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’
6 Joshua 6:20 So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it.
7 Micah 2:11 If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be just the preacher for this people!

1 Samuel 4:5 Summary

In this verse, the Israelites are so excited to have the ark of the covenant, which represents God's presence, back in their camp that they shout with joy, making the ground shake. However, as we see in the rest of the chapter, having the ark did not guarantee their victory, and they were still defeated by the Philistines. This teaches us that true victory comes from trusting in God's power and presence, not just in rituals or symbols, as seen in Exodus 33:14-15, where God's presence is what gives us rest and success. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by trusting in God's power and presence, rather than just going through the motions of our faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the ark of the covenant in this context?

The ark of the covenant represented God's presence among the Israelites, and they believed it would bring them victory over their enemies, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:3 and Exodus 25:22.

Why did the Israelites shout when the ark entered the camp?

The Israelites shouted because they believed the ark's presence would guarantee their victory, as they had seen in the past, such as in Joshua 6:20, where the walls of Jericho fell after the ark was carried around the city.

Did the Israelites' shouting and the presence of the ark guarantee their victory?

No, the presence of the ark did not guarantee their victory, as we see in the subsequent verses, 1 Samuel 4:10-11, where the Israelites were still defeated by the Philistines, highlighting that God's presence is not a magical formula for success, but rather a call to obedience and faith, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

What can we learn from the Israelites' reliance on the ark for victory?

We can learn that true victory comes from trusting in God's power and presence, not just in rituals or symbols, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I rely on rituals or symbols for comfort or success, rather than truly trusting in God's power and presence?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's presence in my life, beyond just external symbols or rituals?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and presence, rather than my own abilities or strengths?
  4. How can I apply the lesson of the Israelites' defeat, despite the presence of the ark, to my own life and struggles?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 4:5

And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp,.... Being brought thither by the men that carried it: all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again; this they

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 4:5

So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:5

Partly from their great joy and confidence of success; and partly in design to encourage themselves, and terrify their enemies.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:5

1 Samuel 4:5 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.Ver. 5. And when the ark, &c.] The ark was indeed to the Israel of God, the chiefest evidence of his gracious presence, and the most principal type of Christ. The word here used is Aron, which is put for a coffin, coffer, or chest. This showeth that all the counsels of God, all the love and favour of God, all that God accounteth precious, are treasured up for his in Christ. But what is all this, or any of God’ s ordinances, to the profligate professor, who yet boasteth of them, and beareth himself too bold upon them All Israel shouted.] This was to triumph before the victory. So they afterwards bellowed out, "The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord," as the Papists now do ‘ The Church, the Church,’ ad ravim usque; and as they go to war with their crucifixes at their bosoms, and with the sign of the cross, as if armed thereby against devils and adversaries.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:5

(5) And when the ark . . . came into the camp.—As far as we know, this was the first time since the establishment of the people in Canaan that the Ark had been brought from the permanent sanctuary into the camp. The shout of joy represented the confidence of the army that now the Ark, which had witnessed so many splendid victories of the chosen race, was among them, discomfiture was out of the question.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:5

Verse 5. All Israel shouted] Had they humbled themselves, and prayed devoutly and fervently for success, they would have been heard and saved. Their shouting proved both their vanity and irreligion.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:5

5. All Israel shouted — As many a modern army has done, and must naturally do in time of peril, at the sight of a mighty reinforcement. They felt confident now that victory would perch upon their banners.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 4:5

SermonDescription
Paris Reidhead Let God Be God by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker shares a profound statement he encountered in Nigeria. The statement, inscribed on a fisherman's boat, consists of four words that hold the secret to vi
Charles E. Cowman Shout of Faith by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches on the powerful shout of faith demonstrated by the Israelites at Jericho, emphasizing the importance of unwavering faith in claiming God's promises even
J.C. Ryle The Cost by J.C. Ryle J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of counting the cost of true Christianity, urging believers to consider the sacrifices required to follow Christ. He warns that many who initial
Don Currin (Spiritual Dangers) the Danger of Complacency by Don Currin In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene in a restaurant where people are enjoying their meals and drinks while oblivious to a documentary on global starvation playing on the
A.W. Tozer Amend Your Ways by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving God and our souls a chance to breathe by prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly distractions. He highlights ho
John Calvin Necessity of Reforming the Church 3 of 4 (1544) by John Calvin In this sermon, the speaker addresses the primacy of the Romish sea, which refers to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The speaker acknowledges that the adversaries of th
Dennis Kinlaw What Is the Spirit Doing by Dennis Kinlaw In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their life experiences and the perspective they have gained over the years. They emphasize the importance of memory as a valuable treasure a

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