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1 Samuel 6:18

1 Samuel 6:18 in Multiple Translations

The number of gold rats also corresponded to the number of Philistine cities belonging to the five rulers—the fortified cities and their outlying villages. And the large rock on which they placed the ark of the LORD stands to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh.

And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Beth-shemite.

and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities and of country villages, even unto the great stone, whereon they set down the ark of Jehovah, which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite.

And the gold mice, one for every town of the Philistines, the property of the five lords, walled towns as well as country places: and the great stone where they put the ark of the Lord is still in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite to this day.

The gold rats represented the number of Philistine towns of the five rulers—the fortified towns and their surrounding villages. The large rock on which they placed the Ark of the Lord still stands to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh as a witness to what happened there.

And golden mise, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistims, belonging to the fiue princes, both of walled townes, and of townes vnwalled, vnto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set the Arke of the Lord: which stone remaineth vnto this day in the fielde of Ioshua the Beth-shemite.

and the golden mice — the number of all the cities of the Philistines — for the five princes, from the fenced city even unto the hamlet of the villages, even unto the great meadow on which they placed the ark of Jehovah — [are] unto this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-Shemeshite.

and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities and of country villages, even to the great stone on which they set down the LORD’s ark. That stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh.

And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities, and of country villages, even to the great stone of Abel, on which they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth to this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite.

And the golden mice according to the number of the cities of the Philistines, of the five provinces, from the fenced city to the village that was without wall, and to the great Abel (the stone) whereon they set down the ark of the Lord, which was till that day in the field of Josue the Bethsamite.

The models of the five gold rats were gifts from the people of those five cities and the surrounding towns. The large rock at Beth-Shemesh, on which the men of the tribe of Levi set the sacred chest, is still there in the field that belonged to Joshua. When people see it, they remember what happened there.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 6:18

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 6:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/עַכְבְּרֵ֣י הַ/זָּהָ֗ב מִסְפַּ֞ר כָּל עָרֵ֤י פְלִשְׁתִּים֙ לַ/חֲמֵ֣שֶׁת הַ/סְּרָנִ֔ים מֵ/עִ֣יר מִבְצָ֔ר וְ/עַ֖ד כֹּ֣פֶר הַ/פְּרָזִ֑י וְ/עַ֣ד אָבֵ֣ל הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִנִּ֤יחוּ עָלֶ֨י/הָ֙ אֵ֚ת אֲר֣וֹן יְהוָ֔ה עַ֚ד הַ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/זֶּ֔ה בִּ/שְׂדֵ֥ה יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ בֵּֽית הַשִּׁמְשִֽׁי
וְ/עַכְבְּרֵ֣י ʻakbâr H5909 mouse Conj | N-mp
הַ/זָּהָ֗ב zâhâb H2091 gold Art | N-ms
מִסְפַּ֞ר miçpâr H4557 number N-ms
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
עָרֵ֤י ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙ Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa
לַ/חֲמֵ֣שֶׁת châmêsh H2568 five Prep | Adj
הַ/סְּרָנִ֔ים çeren H5633 lord Art | N-mp
מֵ/עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fs
מִבְצָ֔ר mibtsâr H4013 fortification N-ms
וְ/עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 till Conj | Prep
כֹּ֣פֶר kôpher H3724 ransom N-ms
הַ/פְּרָזִ֑י pᵉrâzîy H6521 villager Art | N-ms
וְ/עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 till Conj | Prep
אָבֵ֣ל ʼÂbêl H59 Abel N-proper
הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֗ה gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
הִנִּ֤יחוּ yânach H3240 to rest V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
עָלֶ֨י/הָ֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֲר֣וֹן ʼârôwn H727 ark N-cs
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
עַ֚ד ʻad H5704 till Prep
הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
בִּ/שְׂדֵ֥ה sâdeh H7704 field Prep | N-ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper
בֵּֽית Bêyth hash-Shimshîy H1030 Bethshemite Ngmsa
הַשִּׁמְשִֽׁי Bêyth hash-Shimshîy H1030 Bethshemite Ngmsa
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 6:18

וְ/עַכְבְּרֵ֣י ʻakbâr H5909 "mouse" Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for mouse is used in the Bible to describe a small rodent that nibbles or gnaws. It appears in 1 Samuel 6:4 and Isaiah 66:17, often symbolizing something small or insignificant.
Definition: mouse
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: mouse. See also: Leviticus 11:29; 1 Samuel 6:11; Isaiah 66:17.
הַ/זָּהָ֗ב zâhâb H2091 "gold" Art | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
מִסְפַּ֞ר miçpâr H4557 "number" N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
כָּל 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.
עָרֵ֤י ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fp
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.
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙ 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.
לַ/חֲמֵ֣שֶׁת châmêsh H2568 "five" Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
הַ/סְּרָנִ֔ים çeren H5633 "lord" Art | N-mp
An axle was a rod that connected wheels together, but it can also mean a peer or equal. In the Bible, this word is used to describe something that holds things together. The axle of a wheel was crucial for its function and stability.
Definition: lord, ruler, tyrant
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lord, plate. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 12:20.
מֵ/עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | 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.
מִבְצָ֔ר mibtsâr H4013 "fortification" N-ms
This word describes a strong, fortified place like a castle or a fenced city, providing protection and safety. It is used in the Bible to describe secure and defended locations.
Definition: fortification, fortress, fortified city, stronghold
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most) strong (hold). See also: Numbers 13:19; Isaiah 34:13; Psalms 89:41.
וְ/עַ֖ד 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.
כֹּ֣פֶר kôpher H3724 "ransom" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cover or a village, and also refers to bitumen, henna, and a redemption price. It is translated as bribe, ransom, or satisfaction in the KJV Bible. The word has various meanings in different contexts.
Definition: price of a life, ransom, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom, satisfaction, sum of money, village. See also: Genesis 6:14; Job 36:18; Psalms 49:8.
הַ/פְּרָזִ֑י pᵉrâzîy H6521 "villager" Art | N-ms
This word means a person who lives in a village or rural area, often in a small settlement without walls. In the book of Judges, it describes the people living in the countryside. The term is often translated as 'villager' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) villager, rural dweller, hamlet-dweller 2) (TWOT) open region
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: village. See also: Deuteronomy 3:5; 1 Samuel 6:18; Esther 9:19.
וְ/עַ֣ד 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.
אָבֵ֣ל ʼÂbêl H59 "Abel" N-proper
Abel refers to two places in Palestine, one of which is a city in northern Israel near Bethmaachah. The name Abel is also associated with a city called Abel-beth-maachah.
Definition: A city in northern Israel near Bethmaachah Another name of a.vel bet-ma.a.khah (אָבֵל בֵּית־מֲעַכָה "Abel-beth-maachah" H0062)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Abel. See also: 1 Samuel 6:18; 2 Samuel 20:15; 2 Samuel 20:18.
הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֗ה gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Art | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר 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.
הִנִּ֤יחוּ yânach H3240 "to rest" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To rest or settle down, implying a sense of calmness or stillness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: bestow, cast down, lay (down, up), leave (off), let alone (remain), pacify, place, put, set (down), suffer, withdraw, withhold. (The Hiphil forms with the dagesh are here referred to, in accordance with the older grammarians; but if any distinction of the kind is to be made, these should rather be referred to H5117 (נוּחַ), and the others here.) See also: Genesis 2:15; 1 Kings 13:30; Psalms 17:14.
עָלֶ֨י/הָ֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֵ֚ת 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.
אֲר֣וֹן 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.
יְהוָ֔ה 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.
עַ֚ד ʻad H5704 "till" 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.
הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
בִּ/שְׂדֵ֥ה sâdeh H7704 "field" Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
בֵּֽית Bêyth hash-Shimshîy H1030 "Bethshemite" Ngmsa
A Bethshemite is an inhabitant of Beth-shemesh, a city named house of the sun, with its people mentioned in the Bible.
Definition: Bethshemite or Beth-shemeshite = "house of the sun" an inhabitant of Beth-shemesh Another spelling of bet she.mesh (בֵּית שֶׁ֫מֶשׁ "Beth-shemesh" H1053)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Bethshemite. See also: 1 Samuel 6:14; 1 Samuel 6:18.
הַשִּׁמְשִֽׁי Bêyth hash-Shimshîy H1030 "Bethshemite" Ngmsa
A Bethshemite is an inhabitant of Beth-shemesh, a city named house of the sun, with its people mentioned in the Bible.
Definition: Bethshemite or Beth-shemeshite = "house of the sun" an inhabitant of Beth-shemesh Another spelling of bet she.mesh (בֵּית שֶׁ֫מֶשׁ "Beth-shemesh" H1053)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Bethshemite. See also: 1 Samuel 6:14; 1 Samuel 6:18.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 6:18

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites;
2 Deuteronomy 3:5 All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages.
3 1 Samuel 6:14–16 The cart came to the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there near a large rock. The people chopped up the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD. And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest containing the gold objects, and they placed them on the large rock. That day the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD. And when the five rulers of the Philistines saw this, they returned to Ekron that same day.

1 Samuel 6:18 Summary

This verse tells us about the Philistines' attempt to make things right with God after they had taken the ark of the LORD. They sent gold rats and tumors as a guilt offering, which showed that they recognized God's power over them. The large rock where they placed the ark served as a reminder of what happened, similar to the way the Israelites remembered important events in their history, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:9 (Deuteronomy 4:9). This story teaches us about the importance of acknowledging God's power and authority in our lives, and approaching Him with humility and reverence, as seen in Psalms 95:6 (Psalms 95:6).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the gold rats mentioned in this verse?

The gold rats were part of the guilt offering sent by the Philistines to the LORD, corresponding to the number of their cities, as a symbol of their acknowledgment of God's power over their land, similar to the way the Philistines acknowledged God's power in 1 Samuel 5:11 (First Samuel 5:11).

Why did the Philistines send these offerings to the LORD?

The Philistines sent these offerings as a way to appease the LORD and acknowledge His power over them, after they experienced the judgment of God in the form of tumors, as seen in First Samuel 5:6 (First Samuel 5:6).

What is the significance of the large rock in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh?

The large rock served as a pedestal for the ark of the LORD, and its presence was a reminder of the events that transpired, similar to the way the Israelites set up stones of remembrance in Joshua 4:7 (Joshua 4:7).

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse provides a conclusion to the story of the Philistines returning the ark of the LORD, and it sets the stage for the events that follow in First Samuel 6:19 (First Samuel 6:19), where the people of Beth-shemesh are judged for looking inside the ark.

Reflection Questions

  1. What can we learn from the Philistines' actions in this verse about the importance of acknowledging God's power and authority?
  2. How can we apply the principle of acknowledging God's power in our own lives, as seen in this verse and in other scriptures like Proverbs 3:6 (Proverbs 3:6)?
  3. What role does humility play in our relationship with God, as seen in the Philistines' actions in this verse?
  4. How can we balance the desire to understand and learn from God's Word with the need to approach Him with reverence and humility, as seen in this verse and in other scriptures like Hebrews 4:12 (Hebrews 4:12)?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:18

And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords,.... That is, as many golden mice as there were cities under the jurisdiction of the five

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:18

And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:18

Both of fenced cities, and of country villages: this is added for explication of that foregoing phrase, all the cities; either to show that under the name of the five cities were comprehended all the villages and territories belonging to them, in whose name and at whose charge these presents were made; or to express the difference between this and the former present, the emerods being only five, according to thee five cities mentioned , because it may seem the cities only, or principally, were pestered with that disease; and the mice being many more, according to the number of all the cities, as is here expressed; the word city being taken generally so, as to include, not only fenced cities, but also the country villages, as is here added, and the fields belonging to them, these being the parts where the mice did most mischief. The great stone of Abel; which is mentioned as the utmost border of the Philistines’ territory to which the plague of mice did extend; the word stone being easily understood out of , where this great stone is expressly mentioned, as the place on which the ark was set which is also here repeated in the following words. And this place is here called Abel, by anticipation, from the great mourning mentioned in the following verse.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:18

1 Samuel 6:18 And the golden mice, [according to] the number of all the cities of the Philistines [belonging] to the five lords, [both] of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great [stone of] Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: [which stone remaineth] unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.Ver. 18. Both of fenced cities.] So that the golden mice seem to have been many more than the emerods. Unto the great stone of Abel,] i.e., Of grief, so called from the great slaughter there made. See Genesis 50:11.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:18

(18)And the golden mice.—We have here a far greater number of “golden mice” mentioned as being offered in expiation than appear specified in the directions of the priests and diviners (1 Samuel 6:4). The truth was that whilst the human sickness was confined to the five cities, the plague of field mice no doubt extended over the whole country. The inhabitants of all the villages were anxious to do their part to propitiate the insulted Hebrew God, and to get rid of the plague which was devastating their fields and vineyards; hence this large offering, so much in excess of what was suggested by the diviners. The great stone of Abel.—The LXX. Version reads here, “And this great stone on which they placed the Ark of Jehovah, which is in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite, is a witness unto this day.” With this reading the Chaldee Targum substantially agrees. The Hebrew text here is hopelessly corrupt; the copies which the Greek translators and the Chaldee Targumist apparently had before them, instead of the word “Avel” (Abel), which signifies mourning, read the word ãven, a stone, and the punctuation of v’ad, “and unto,” in the last clause was evidently (v’ed), “and a witness.” If the reading Avel be the true one (“even unto the great Avel”), then the conjecture of R. D. Kimchi is probably right, that this stone was known as the Great Avel (or Abel), “the great mourning,” owing to the terrible judicial calamity, related in the next three verses (1 Samuel 6:19-21), which happened there. With this slight change a very good sense is obtained.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:18

Verse 18. And the golden mice] The desolation that had been made through the land by these animals had excited a general concern; and it appears from the text, that all the cities of the Philistines, as well fended as without walls, sent a golden mouse as a trespass-offering. Remaineth unto this day] Some think the ark is intended, which continued on the stone of Abel for some considerable time after it was placed there; and that the memoranda from which this book was afterwards compiled, were made before it was removed: but it is not likely that it remained any time exposed in the open field. Therefore it is most natural to suppose that it is the stone of Abel which is here intended; and so our translators have understood the place, and have used supplementary words to express this sentiment: "Which stone remaineth unto this day."

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:18

17, 18. We have here a specific description of the propitiatory offering actually sent; (a) a golden “boil” for each chief city: (b) a golden mouse for each city and village throughout the whole country. The apparent discrepancy between the latter statement and 1 Samuel 6:4 vanishes if we regard 1 Samuel 6:4 as merely the proposal of the priests, and 1 Samuel 6:18 as a description of what was actually done. The reason for the offering of mice from the whole country probably was that the plague of mice had ravaged the whole country, while the pestilence was chiefly confined to the great cities. fenced cities] Fortified or walled cities, contrasted with the “country villages” or unwalled towns. Cp. Deuteronomy 3:5. even unto the great [stone of] Abel] If the present Heb. text is correct, Abel (= “lamentation”) must be regarded as a proper name given to the great stone in Joshua’s field from the lamentation for the disaster recorded in 1 Samuel 6:19. But there is no mention of such a name having been given to it: it is scarcely natural that this stone should be taken as the boundary of the land of the Philistines: and the sentence as it stands is ungrammatical. It seems best to follow the Targum and Sept. in reading “stone” instead of Abel, and to make a slight further alteration of the text, by which we obtain good sense and grammar: either (a) “And the great stone whereon they set down the ark of the Lord is a witness unto this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemeshite.” (Cp. Genesis 31:52): or (b) “The great stone … remaineth unto this day.”

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 6:18

The great stone of Abel ... - Probably so called from the “lamentation” described in 1 Samuel 6:19.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:18

18. Both of fenced cities, and of country villages — From which it appears that many more images of the mice were sent than of the boils.Perhaps the plague of mice had marred the whole land, while

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