1 Samuel 5:12
1 Samuel 5:12 in Multiple Translations
Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven.
And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
And the men that died not were smitten with the tumors; and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
And those men who were not overtaken by death were cruelly diseased: and the cry of the town went up to heaven.
Those who didn't die were plagued with swellings, and the cry for help from the town reached up to heaven.
And the men that dyed not, were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the citie went vp to heauen.
and the men who have not died have been smitten with emerods, and the cry of the city goeth up into the heavens.
The men who didn’t die were struck with the tumors; and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
And the men that died not, were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
For there was the fear of death in every city, and the hand of God was exceeding heavy. The men also that did not die, were afflicted with the emerods: and the cry of every city went up to heaven.
Some of the people in Ekron had already died, and the rest of the people were suffering because of tumors on their skin. So they all cried out to their gods [MTY] to help them.
The other people that were still alive, they were really sick, with lots of boils. They cried out to their gods, to ask them to help.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 5:12
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 5:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁים֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לֹא
מֵ֔תוּ
הֻכּ֖וּ
ב/עפלים
בַּ/טְּחֹרִ֑ים
וַ/תַּ֛עַל
שַֽׁוְעַ֥ת
הָ/עִ֖יר
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
וְ/הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁים֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
מֵ֔תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הֻכּ֖וּ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hophal-Perf-3cp
ב/עפלים
ʻôphel
H6076
hill
Prep | N-mp
בַּ/טְּחֹרִ֑ים
ṭᵉchôr
H2914
tumor
Prep | N-mp
וַ/תַּ֛עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
שַֽׁוְעַ֥ת
shavʻâh
H7775
cry
N-fs
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 5:12
וְ/הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁים֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | Art | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
לֹא
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.
מֵ֔תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-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.
הֻכּ֖וּ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hophal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
ב/עפלים
ʻôphel
H6076
"hill"
Prep | N-mp
This word can mean a tumor or a mound, like a fortress or strong hold. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and geographical features.
Definition: hill, mound, fort, stronghold, Ophel
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: emerod, fort, strong hold, tower. See also: Deuteronomy 28:27; 1 Samuel 6:4; Isaiah 32:14.
בַּ/טְּחֹרִ֑ים
ṭᵉchôr
H2914
"tumor"
Prep | N-mp
This word describes a painful tumor or ulcer, especially in the anal region, and is translated as emerod in the KJV. It is used to describe a physical affliction in the Bible.
Definition: tumours, haemorrhoids, piles
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: emerod. See also: Deuteronomy 28:27; 1 Samuel 6:4; 1 Samuel 6:17.
וַ/תַּ֛עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
שַֽׁוְעַ֥ת
shavʻâh
H7775
"cry"
N-fs
This word means to cry out for help, like a loud cry for assistance. It is used to describe a desperate call for aid. In the Bible, it is translated as crying.
Definition: cry for help
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crying. See also: Exodus 2:23; Psalms 39:13; Psalms 18:7.
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 5:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 5:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:12
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:12
Context — The Ark Afflicts the Philistines
10So they sent the ark of God to Ekron, but as it arrived, the Ekronites cried out, “They have brought us the ark of the God of Israel in order to kill us and our people!”
11Then the Ekronites called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was very heavy upon it.
12Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 12:30 | During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead. |
| 2 | Amos 5:19 | It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 19:17 | Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 14:2 | “Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 48:3 | A voice cries out from Horonaim: ‘Devastation and great destruction!’ |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 9:16 | “At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him leader over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 15:3–5 | In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within. My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 25:34 | Wail, you shepherds, and cry out; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For the days of your slaughter have come; you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery. |
1 Samuel 5:12 Summary
[This verse is telling us that the people of Ekron were very sick with tumors because they had taken the ark of God, which was a special box that represented God's presence, and they did not treat it with respect. As a result, God sent judgment upon them, and they cried out to Him for relief, much like the Israelites did in Exodus 2:23-25. This teaches us that God is holy and just, and that we must approach Him with reverence and respect, as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29. We can learn from the Philistines' experience and make sure to honor God in our own lives, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:11 and Revelation 15:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tumors did the people of Ekron experience?
The Bible does not specify the exact nature of the tumors, but it is clear that they were a result of God's judgment, similar to the plagues He sent upon Egypt in Exodus 9:8-12 and Deuteronomy 28:27, 35.
Why did the outcry of the city go up to heaven?
The outcry of the city went up to heaven because the people were suffering greatly and crying out to God for relief, much like the Israelites did in Exodus 2:23-25 when they were oppressed by the Egyptians.
Is this verse teaching that God is cruel and heartless?
No, this verse is actually demonstrating God's holiness and justice, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Revelation 15:3-4, where God's power and majesty are on full display, and His judgment is a call to repentance and worship.
What can we learn from the Philistines' experience with the ark of God?
We can learn that God will not be trifled with, and that His presence demands reverence and respect, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:11 and Hebrews 12:28-29, where we are warned to approach God with fear and trembling.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's judgment in my own life, and how have I responded to it?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for God's presence in my life, as seen in this verse?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to repent and turn to God, in light of His holiness and justice?
- How can I use this verse to share the gospel with others and warn them of God's judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 33:7-9 and Acts 17:30-31?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:12
And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods,.... As the inhabitants of Ashdod and Gath had been; this shows that those that died did not die of that disease, but of some other; very
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:12
And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven. The cry of the city went up to heaven.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:12
The men that died not; either of some other plague or ulcer, as may be thought from , or of the emerods, which infested and tormented even those whom it did not kill. The cry of the city, or, of that city where the ark was; and the city is put for the people inhabiting it.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:12
1 Samuel 5:12 And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.Ver. 12. And the men that died not were smitten, &c.] All that were smitten with emerods died not here, as they had done at the other cities, quod petiverant ut arca restitueretur, because they had desired that the ark might be restored. Piscator.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:12
Verse 12. The men that died not] Some it seems were smitten with instant death; others with the haemorrhoids, and there was a universal consternation; and the cry of the city went up to heaven-it was an exceeding great cry. IT does not appear that the Philistines had any correct knowledge of the nature of Jehovah, though they seemed to acknowledge his supremacy. They imagined that every country, district, mountain, and valley, had its peculiar deity; who, in its place, was supreme over all others. They thought therefore to appease Jehovah by sending him back his ark or shrine: and, in order to be redeemed from their plagues, they send golden mice and emerods as telesms, probably made under some particular configurations of the planets. 1 Samuel 6:21.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:12
12. the cry of the city went up to heaven] Cp. Exodus 2:13. The word used always denotes a supplication, a cry for help. Each city was visited with a heavier judgment than the preceding one. “The longer the Philistines resisted and refused to recognise the chastening hand of the living God in the plagues inflicted upon them, the more severely would they necessarily be punished.” So when Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let the Israelites go, the hand of the Lord grew heavier and heavier, till an unwilling consent was wrung from him.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"Go, Return!" by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the grave consequences of sin, illustrating how it can permanently hinder one's usefulness to God through the examples of Moses, Saul, and Elijah. He highligh |