1 Samuel 7:17
1 Samuel 7:17 in Multiple Translations
Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.
And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.
And his return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel: and he built there an altar unto Jehovah.
And his base was at Ramah, where his house was; there he was judge of Israel and there he made an altar to the Lord.
Then he would return to Ramah because that was where he lived. He ruled Israel from there, and also built an altar to the Lord.
Afterward hee returned to Ramah: for there was his house, and there he iudged Israel: also he built an altar there vnto the Lord.
and his returning [is] to Ramath, for there [is] his house, and there he hath judged Israel, and he buildeth there an altar to Jehovah.
His return was to Ramah, for his house was there, and he judged Israel there; and he built an altar to the LORD there.
And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar to the LORD.
And he returned to Ramatha, for there was his house, and there he judged Israel: he built also there an altar to the Lord.
After he listened to disputes and made decisions in each of those towns, he returned to his home at Ramah, and he would listen to people’s disputes there, also, and make decisions about them. And he built an altar at Ramah to offer sacrifices to Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 7:17
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 7:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/תְשֻׁבָת֤/וֹ
הָ/רָמָ֨תָ/ה֙
כִּֽי
שָׁ֣ם
בֵּית֔/וֹ
וְ/שָׁ֖ם
שָׁפָ֣ט
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וַ/יִּֽבֶן
שָׁ֥ם
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
לַֽ/יהוָֽה
וּ/תְשֻׁבָת֤/וֹ
tᵉshûwbâh
H8666
turn
Conj | N-fs | Suff
הָ/רָמָ֨תָ/ה֙
Râmâh
H7414
Ramah
Art | N-proper | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
בֵּית֔/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
וְ/שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Conj | Adv
שָׁפָ֣ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/יִּֽבֶן
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
לַֽ/יהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 7:17
וּ/תְשֻׁבָת֤/וֹ
tᵉshûwbâh
H8666
"turn"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to turn or return, and is often used to describe a response or answer. In the Bible, it appears in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel, where God calls his people to return to him.
Definition: 1) a recurrence, an answer, return 1a) return 1a1) completion of a year, return of a year 1b) at the return (construct) 1c) answer, reply
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: answer, be expired, return. See also: 1 Samuel 7:17; 1 Chronicles 20:1; Job 34:36.
הָ/רָמָ֨תָ/ה֙
Râmâh
H7414
"Ramah"
Art | N-proper | Suff
Ramah, a city in Palestine, was a place of battle between Israel and Syria.
Definition: Ramah = "hill" a place of battle between Israel and Syria Another name of ra.mot gi.l.ad (רָמֹת "Ramoth" H7433)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ramah. See also: Joshua 18:25; 1 Samuel 25:1; Isaiah 10:29.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בֵּית֔/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
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.
וְ/שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Conj | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
שָׁפָ֣ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
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.
וַ/יִּֽבֶן
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לַֽ/יהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 7:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 7:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 7:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 7:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 7:17
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 7:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:17
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 7:17
Context — Samuel Subdues the Philistines
15So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
16Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places.
17Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 1:19 | The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 8:4 | So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 1:1 | Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. |
| 4 | Genesis 35:7 | There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 18:30–36 | Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people approached him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down. And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. Next, he arranged the wood, cut up the bull, placed it on the wood, and said, “Fill four waterpots and pour the water on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it a second time,” he said, and they did it a second time. “Do it a third time,” he said, and they did it a third time. So the water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. |
| 6 | Genesis 33:20 | There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. |
| 7 | Judges 21:4–5 | The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings. The Israelites asked, “Who among all the tribes of Israel did not come to the assembly before the LORD?” For they had taken a solemn oath that anyone who failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah would surely be put to death. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 19:18–23 | So David ran away and escaped. And he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. When Saul was told that David was at Naioth in Ramah, he sent messengers to capture him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy. Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 11:15 | So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly. |
| 10 | Genesis 12:7–8 | Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring. ” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD. |
1 Samuel 7:17 Summary
[This verse, 1 Samuel 7:17, tells us that Samuel would return to his home in Ramah after traveling to other places to judge Israel, and there he would build an altar to worship the LORD. This shows us the importance of having a special place to connect with God, like a quiet time or prayer room, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:6. By building an altar, Samuel was committing himself to worship and prayer, and encouraging others to do the same, just as we are encouraged to in Hebrews 10:24-25. This reminds us that our relationship with God should be our top priority, and that we should always make time for worship and prayer, no matter where we are or what we are doing.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Samuel return to Ramah after judging Israel in other places?
Samuel returned to Ramah because it was his home, as stated in 1 Samuel 7:17, and it served as a central location for his ministry, similar to how Jesus often returned to Galilee (Luke 4:14) to rest and recharge.
What is the significance of Samuel building an altar to the LORD in Ramah?
Building an altar to the LORD in Ramah, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 7:17, signifies Samuel's commitment to worship and his desire to provide a place for the Israelites to offer sacrifices and worship God, much like Abraham did in Genesis 12:7 and 22:9.
How did Samuel's role as a judge in Israel impact his relationship with God?
As a judge, Samuel's role was not only to govern the people but also to intercede for them, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:17, and to point them to God, demonstrating a deep understanding of God's sovereignty and love, as expressed in Deuteronomy 10:12-13.
What can we learn from Samuel's example of judging Israel and building an altar to the LORD?
We can learn from Samuel's example the importance of balancing leadership responsibilities with a personal commitment to worship and prayer, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:17, and striving to live a life that honors God, as encouraged in Micah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can create a 'Ramah' in my own life, a place where I can rest, recharge, and focus on my relationship with God?
- How can I, like Samuel, balance my responsibilities and duties with a deep commitment to worship and prayer?
- In what ways can I use my own 'altars' or places of worship to point others to God and encourage them in their faith?
- What does it mean for me to 'judge' or discern God's will in my own life, and how can I, like Samuel, seek God's guidance and wisdom in all my decisions?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 7:17
And his return was to Ramah,.... When he had gone his circuit, he came back to this city, which was his native place, and where his father and mother had dwelt, see 1 Samuel 1:1 for there was his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 7:17
And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:17
That by joining sacrifices with his prayers he might the better obtain direction and assistance from God upon all emergencies. Object. It was unlawful to build another altar for sacrifice besides that before the tabernacle, ,13. Answ. This was in part excused by the confusion of those times, wherein the tabernacle and its altar were destroyed, as is most probable; but most fully, because this was done by prophetical inspiration, and Divine dispensation, as appears by God’ s approbation and acceptance of the sacrifices offered upon it.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:17
1 Samuel 7:17 And his return [was] to Ramah; for there [was] his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.Ver. 17. And his return was to Ramah.] There was his house. There he judged Israel.] Being ever in action for the public good. And there he built an altar,] i.e., At Ramah, either for a monument of piety, or for extraordinary sacrifices.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:17
(17) Raman.—The same Ramah “of the Watchers” where Elkanah and Hannah had dwelt. After the destruction of Shiloh, Samuel seems to have fixed his abode in his father’s city. And there he built an altar.—Thus following the old custom of the patriarchs. It must be remembered that at this period there was no national sanctuary, no formal seat of worship, where the high priest and his attendant priests and Levites served. The Ark, we know, was in safe keeping in the “city of woods,” Kirjath-jearim, but it was in private custody; and we hear of no priests and Levites, of no ritual or religious observances, in connection with the long sojourn of the holy Ark in that place. It is probable that the sacred vessels and furniture had been saved from the destruction of Shiloh by Samuel. These were, very likely, in the prophet-judge’s safe keeping at Bamah.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 7:17
17. to Ramah] See note on ch. 1 Samuel 1:1. Samuel chose his native place for his usual official residence, and made it a centre of religious worship by building an altar to Jehovah. Here ends the first division of the book, which records Samuel’s life and work as the last of the Judges, in connexion with the old order of things. The next division opens by relating the steps which led to the establishment of a monarchy, and shews us Samuel as the Mediator between the old and the new régime, effecting a political change of the utmost importance in the history of Israel without the shock of revolution. It has been conjectured (a) from the fact that this portion of the book ends with a summary account of Samuel’s whole life: (b) from the apparent (but not altogether inexplicable) contradiction between ch. 1 Samuel 7:13-15 and the subsequent narrative, that the compiler derived the history of Samuel and the history of Saul from different sources: but in the obscurity of the whole question of the compilation of the book, it must remain a hypothesis incapable of verification.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 7:17
And there he built an altar - Whether this altar was in connection with the tabernacle or not we have no means of deciding, since we are in complete ignorance as to where the tabernacle was at this
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:17
17. There was his house — See on 1 Samuel 1:1. He probably lived at Shiloh till the time of Eli’s death, and then, upon the desolation of the tabernacle, he returned to the home of his infancy, and
Sermons on 1 Samuel 7:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Great Women of the Bible by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the virtues of a godly woman as described in Proverbs 31, emphasizing the importance of a woman's value, trustworthiness, wisdom, kindness, and dedicati |
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Los Angeles Conference #4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of the Israelites in the book of Samuel. The Israelites, dissatisfied with Samuel's leadership and the behavior of his sons, demand |
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Meat in Due Season by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following God's will and doing what He asks of us. He highlights the need for commitment, obedience, and walking with the L |
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1 Samuel 1-3 by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the story of Hannah and Samuel in 1 Samuel, highlighting various revelations and warnings for believers today. It discusses the importance of knowing the Lo |
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Hannah - an Epoch Making Vessel by Stephen Kaung | This sermon focuses on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, highlighting the power of travailing prayer and the importance of being a vessel for God's purposes. It emphasizes the nee |
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The Child Samuel by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the story of Elkanah, Hannah, and Samuel from 1 Samuel, highlighting the complexities of faith, parenting, and the consequences of choices. It emphasizes th |
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Breaking Barrenness by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye preaches on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, highlighting how she turned her barrenness into fruitfulness through faith, sacrifice, and aligning her motives with God |