1 Samuel 8:2
1 Samuel 8:2 in Multiple Translations
The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba.
Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.
Now the name of his first-born was Joel; and the name of his second, Abijah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.
The name of his first son was Joel and the name of his second Abijah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.
His first son was named Joel, and his second son was named Abijah. They were rulers in Beersheba.
(And the name of his eldest sonne was Ioel, and the name of the second Abiah) euen Iudges in Beer-sheba.
And the name of his first-born son is Joel, and the name of his second Abiah, judges in Beer-Sheba:
Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba.
Now the name of his first-born was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.
Now the name of his firstborn son was Joel: and the name of the second was Abia, judges in Bersabee.
They judged people’s disputes/cases in Beersheba town.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 8:2
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 8:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֞י
שֶׁם
בְּנ֤/וֹ
הַ/בְּכוֹר֙
יוֹאֵ֔ל
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
מִשְׁנֵ֖/הוּ
אֲבִיָּ֑ה
שֹׁפְטִ֖ים
בִּ/בְאֵ֥ר
שָֽׁבַע
וַ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שֶׁם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
בְּנ֤/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
הַ/בְּכוֹר֙
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
Art | N-ms
יוֹאֵ֔ל
Yôwʼêl
H3100
Joel
N-proper
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
מִשְׁנֵ֖/הוּ
mishneh
H4932
second
N-ms | Suff
אֲבִיָּ֑ה
ʼĂbîyâh
H29
Abijah
N-proper
שֹׁפְטִ֖ים
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal
בִּ/בְאֵ֥ר
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
Prep | N-proper
שָֽׁבַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 8:2
וַ/יְהִ֞י
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.
שֶׁם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
בְּנ֤/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/בְּכוֹר֙
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
יוֹאֵ֔ל
Yôwʼêl
H3100
"Joel"
N-proper
Joel means Jehovah is God, the name of twelve Israelites, including a minor prophet who wrote the book of Joel. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:24 and his book is one of the minor prophets in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Another name of sha.ul (שָׁאוּל "Shaul" H7586J) § Joel = "Jehovah is God" 1) son of Pethuel and the 2nd of the 12 minor prophets with a book by his name; probably prophesied in the time of king Uzziah of Judah 2) eldest son of Samuel the prophet and father of Heman the singer 3) a Simeonite chief 4) a Reubenite 5) a chief of Gad 6) son of Izrahiah and a chief of Issachar 7) brother of Nathan of Zobah and one of David's mighty warriors 8) son of Pedaiah and a chief of the half tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan in the time of David 9) a son of Nebo who returned with Ezra and had a foreign wife 10) a Benjamite, son of Zichri 11) a Levite 12) a Kohathite Levite in the reign of Hezekiah 13) a Gershonite Levite chief in the time of David 14) a Gershonite Levite, son of Jehiel and a descendant of Laadan; maybe same as 13
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Joel. See also: 1 Samuel 8:2; 1 Chronicles 15:7; Joel 1:1.
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
מִשְׁנֵ֖/הוּ
mishneh
H4932
"second"
N-ms | Suff
Mishneh means a second or duplicate, like a copy of a document, or something that is double in amount, also referring to a second in order or rank, like a secondary position or a copy of a law.
Definition: 1) double, copy, second, repetition 1a) double 1b) copy (of law) 1c) second (in order) 1c1) second rank 1c2) second in age 1d) second quarter or district
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: college, copy, double, fatlings, next, second (order), twice as much. See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 15:18; Isaiah 61:7.
אֲבִיָּ֑ה
ʼĂbîyâh
H29
"Abijah"
N-proper
Abijah was the name of several people in the Bible, including a king of Judah and a son of Samuel. The name Abijah means 'Jehovah is my father', showing devotion to God. It is mentioned in books like 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
Definition: A woman living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.2; daughter of: Zechariah (H2148C); married to Ahaz (H0271); mother of: Hezekiah (H2396); also called Abijah at 2Ch.29.1; Another name of a.vi (אֲבִי "Abi" H0021) § Abia or Abiah or Abijah = "Jehovah is (my) father" 1) king of Judah, son and successor of Rehoboam 2) second son of Samuel 3) son of Jeroboam the first, king of Israel 4) son of Becher, a Benjamite 5) head of a priestly house (one of the 24 Levite groups) 6) head of a priestly house (after the exile) 7) wife of Hezron 8) mother of Hezekiah (cf H021)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Abiah, Abijah. See also: 1 Samuel 8:2; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Nehemiah 12:17.
שֹׁפְטִ֖ים
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal
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.
בִּ/בְאֵ֥ר
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
"Beersheba"
Prep | N-proper
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.
שָֽׁבַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
"Beersheba"
N-proper
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 8:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 8:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 8:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 8:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 8:2
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 8:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:2
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 8:2
Context — Israel Demands a King
1When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel.
2The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba.
3But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice. 4So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 6:38 | the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. |
| 2 | Genesis 22:19 | Abraham went back to his servants, and they got up and set out together for Beersheba. And Abraham settled in Beersheba. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 6:28 | The sons of Samuel: Joel his firstborn and Abijah his second son. |
| 4 | Amos 5:5 | Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal; do not journey to Beersheba, for Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 19:3 | And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, |
1 Samuel 8:2 Summary
This verse tells us about Samuel's sons, Joel and Abijah, who were appointed as judges in Beersheba. As judges, they would have been responsible for helping people settle disputes and making sure justice was served, as seen in Exodus 18:13-26 and Deuteronomy 1:9-18. However, as we see in the next verse, Samuel's sons did not follow in his footsteps and instead turned to dishonest gain. This reminds us that even the children of godly parents can make poor choices, and that we all need to stay focused on God's ways, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:1-6 and Psalm 119:9-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Samuel appoint his sons as judges over Israel?
Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel because he was growing old, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:1, and it was a common practice for leaders to pass on their responsibilities to their children, as noted in Deuteronomy 16:18-20.
What were the names of Samuel's sons and where did they serve as judges?
The names of Samuel's sons were Joel and Abijah, and they served as judges in Beersheba, as stated in 1 Samuel 8:2.
How did Samuel's sons turn out, and what does this say about Samuel's parenting?
Samuel's sons did not walk in his ways and turned aside toward dishonest gain, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 8:3, which may indicate that Samuel's parenting or the influence of the world around them had an impact on their character, as warned in Proverbs 22:6.
What is the significance of Beersheba in the Bible, and why were Samuel's sons judges there?
Beersheba was an important city in the southern part of Israel, and it is likely that Samuel's sons were judges there because it was a major hub of activity and a place where many people would come for justice, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Genesis 21:31 and Amos 5:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Samuel, can pass on my faith and responsibilities to the next generation, and what are the potential pitfalls to avoid?
- How can I, like Samuel's sons, be tempted by dishonest gain or other worldly influences, and what strategies can I use to stay focused on God's ways?
- What does it mean to 'walk in the ways' of someone like Samuel, and how can I apply this principle to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways can I, as a leader or influencer, ensure that those under my care are being taught and guided in the ways of the Lord, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-9?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 8:2
Now the name of his firstborn was Joel,.... In 1 Chronicles 6:28 he is called Vashni; [See comments on 1 Chronicles 6:28].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 8:2
Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:2
In the southern border of the land of Canaan, where he placed his sons, because these parts were very remote from his house at Ramah; where, and in the neighbouring places, Samuel himself still executed the office of the judge; sending his sons to reside and judge in distant places, for the ease and convenience of the people.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:2
1 Samuel 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: [they were] judges in Beersheba.Ver. 2. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel.] Which some will have to be Joel the prophet, the son of Pethuel, that is, of Samuel, say they, as this Joel is called Vashni. He might afterwards repent of his government without righteousness, which is but robbery by authority, and be a prophet as was his father. Howsoever, he had a good son - viz., Heman the music master and a prophet. They were judges in Beersheba,] i.e., From Dan to Beersheba, saith Junius: the one in Dan, the other in Beersheba, saith Josephus. Pellican thinketh they dwelt both at Beersheba, purposely to vex the people with long journeys for judgment: or at least out of a neglect toward them. Others hold that their father set them there to exercise that authority by him delegated unto them in the southern parts of the land, because they were so far remote from Ramah, and that he knew not of their bribery, &c. Alsted.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 8:2
2. Now the name, &c.] Joel = “Jehovah is God:” Abiah = “Jah is my father:” names significant of a protest against the prevalent idolatry. The text of 1 Chronicles 6:28, where the names are given as “the firstborn Vashni and Abiah,” is corrupt. “Joel” has dropped out after “the firstborn,” and “Vashni” is an obvious corruption of the Heb. word meaning “and the second.” judges in Beer-sheba] See note on ch. 1 Samuel 3:20. Beer-sheba was the most convenient centre for the southern district, which Samuel assigned to his sons, retaining the northern himself. Josephus says that “resigning his office to his sons he divided the people between them, and placed them in Bethel and Beer-sheba,” a statement which is probably his own conjecture, and does not agree with ch. 1 Samuel 7:15.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 8:2
The mention of Beer-sheba, on the extreme southern frontier of Judah, as the place where Samuel’s sons judged Israel is remarkable.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:2
2. In Beer-sheba — Their chief seat was there, as Samuel’s was at Ramah.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 8:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Amos 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing to meet God, as everyone will ultimately stand before Him in judgment. The preacher describes a vision of all th |
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Through the Bible - Amos, Obadiah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the evil and luxurious lifestyle of the people in Judah and Israel. He criticizes their complacency and lack of concern for the state of the |
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Study Notes - Seeking God by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on God's complaint about those who turn back, do not seek, and do not inquire for Him, emphasizing the consequences of forsaking God and the failure to res |
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Recover Us Again by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the theme of recovery and revival, drawing from Psalms 85:6 and Isaiah 57:15 to emphasize God as the great Recoverer who restores the contrite and humble. The |
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(Elijah Legacy) 9. Do Not Tolerate Jezebel by David Davis | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his confrontation with Jezebel. He emphasizes the supernatural power that was upon Elijah as he ran across the Jezree |
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Let's Go On by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the common experience of feeling discouraged, tired, and frustrated in the spiritual journey, drawing parallels to moments of despair in the lives of bib |
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That I Might Finish My Course With Joy by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the critical importance of completing our God-given tasks, reflecting on the sorrow of unfinished work in the Christian life. He illustrates this through th |