2 Samuel 1:27
2 Samuel 1:27 in Multiple Translations
How the mighty have fallen and the weapons of war have perished!”
How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
How are the mighty fallen, And the weapons of war perished!
How have the great ones been made low, and the arms of war broken!
How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war are gone!”
How have the mighty fallen, Yea, the weapons of war perish!'
How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war have perished!”
How have the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
How are the valiant fallen, and the weapons of war perished?
“It is very sad that those mighty men have died, and their weapons are now abandoned!
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 1:27
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.
2 Samuel 1:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֚יךְ
נָפְל֣וּ
גִבּוֹרִ֔ים
וַ/יֹּאבְד֖וּ
כְּלֵ֥י
מִלְחָמָֽה
אֵ֚יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
נָפְל֣וּ
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
גִבּוֹרִ֔ים
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
וַ/יֹּאבְד֖וּ
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כְּלֵ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 1:27
אֵ֚יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
נָפְל֣וּ
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
גִבּוֹרִ֔ים
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
וַ/יֹּאבְד֖וּ
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
כְּלֵ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 1:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 1:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:27
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:27
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:27
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:27
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:27
Context — David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan
25How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
26I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.
27How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war have perished!”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 1:25 | How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 1:19 | “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! |
| 3 | Ezekiel 39:9–10 | Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn up the weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel. They will not gather wood from the countryside or cut it from the forests, for they will use the weapons for fuel. They will loot those who looted them and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 4 | Psalms 46:9 | He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 2:12 | As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 13:14 | When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” |
2 Samuel 1:27 Summary
This verse is a sad statement about how even the strongest and bravest people can fall and lose their power. It's like when a great warrior lays down their sword and shield, and they are no longer able to fight. This reminds us that our strength and power come from God, not from ourselves, as seen in Psalm 121:2 and Isaiah 40:29. Just like David, we can trust in God's plan and goodness, even when things seem to be falling apart, and we can learn to rely on His strength instead of our own, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the phrase 'How the mighty have fallen' in 2 Samuel 1:27?
This phrase is a lamentation of the fall of great warriors, like Saul and Jonathan, and is a recognition of the fleeting nature of human strength, as seen in Ecclesiastes 9:11 and Psalm 39:5.
What does it mean that 'the weapons of war have perished' in this verse?
This phrase likely refers to the fact that the weapons of war, which were once used to protect and defend, are now useless and still, much like the warriors who wielded them, as seen in the stillness after battle in Joshua 10:42 and the devastating effects of war in Lamentations 1:20.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context of 2 Samuel 1:25-26?
This verse is a continuation of David's lament over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, and serves as a conclusion to his expression of grief and sorrow, as seen in the emotional language used in 2 Samuel 1:26 and the recognition of Jonathan's extraordinary love in 2 Samuel 1:26.
What can we learn from David's reaction to the fall of the mighty in this verse?
We can learn that even in the face of great loss and tragedy, we can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in David's trust in God's plan in 2 Samuel 2:1 and his recognition of God's hand in the fall of the mighty in 2 Samuel 1:27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have seen the 'mighty' fall in my own life, and how can I respond with humility and trust in God?
- How can I, like David, cultivate a heart of lamentation and sorrow over the losses and tragedies of life, and what role does prayer play in this process?
- What are some 'weapons of war' that I have relied on in my own life, and how can I recognize their limitations and trust in God's power instead, as seen in Proverbs 21:31 and Psalm 33:16-17?
- How can I, like Jonathan, demonstrate extraordinary love and devotion to those around me, and what would be the impact on my relationships and community?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:27
How are the mighty fallen,.... This is the burden of this elegiac song, being the third time it is mentioned: and the weapons of war perished!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:27
Either, 1. Metaphorically so called, to wit, Saul and Jonathan, and the brave commanders and soldiers of Israel; who might have been called the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. Or rather, 2. Properly; for, together with the men, their arms were lost, which was a very great aggravation of their loss, and that loss seems to be at this time more irrecoverable and dangerous than the loss of their men.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:27
2 Samuel 1:27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!Ver. 27. How are the mighty fallen!] See 2 Samuel 1:19. And the weapons of war perished!] Yea, together with Saul and Jonathan, all the warlike glory of Israel is gone.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:27
27. How are the mighty fallen] This thrice-repeated refrain sounds the keynote of the elegy. Cp. Psalms 42:5; Psalms 42:11; Psalms 43:5; Psalms 107:8; Psalms 107:15; Psalms 107:21; Psalms 107:31. the weapons of war] Metaphorically, of Saul and Jonathan as the instruments of battle for the nation. Cp. Isaiah 13:5, Acts 9:15 (óêåῦ ?ïò as in the LXX. here). To understand it literally of swords and spears would close the most pathetic of elegies with an incredible bathos. Dean Stanley observes that “Over the portal of the sepulchral chapel of the most famous of mediaeval heroes—the tomb of the Cid near Burgos—we find inscribed the words of David “How are the mighty fallen and the weapons of war perished,” “Quomodo ceciderunt robusti, et perierunt arma bellica” (Lect. II. 31). It is needless to dwell on the poetic beauty, the chivalrous loyalty, the tender love, which characterize this most pathetic of funeral odes. “Saul had fallen with all his sins upon his head, fallen in the bitterness of despair, and as it might have seemed to mortal eye, under the shadow of the curse of God.
But not only is there in David’s lament no revengeful feeling at the death of his persecutor.… but he dwells with unmixed love on the brighter recollections of the departed. He speaks only of the Saul of earlier times, the mighty conqueror, the delight of his people, the father of his beloved and faithful friend; like him in life, united with him in death. Such expressions … may fairly be taken as justifying the irrepressible instinct of humanity which compels us to dwell on the best qualities of those who have just departed.” Stanley, Lect. II. 30. See too a noble passage to the same effect in Maurice’s Prophets and Kings, Serm. II., p. 32.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:27
27. Implements of war — The shields and other implements that were vilely cast away. 2 Samuel 1:21.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Loyalty by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Jonathan from the Bible and how his loyalty to God and his faith inspired others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of e |
|
Wonderful by Phil Clarkson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Isaiah Chapter 9 and emphasizes the solemn responsibility of addressing an audience. He highlights the importance of not wasting p |
|
David - Raised Up by God by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between man's way of achieving and fulfilling God's will and God's way. He uses the examples of Saul, who was chosen by the peop |
|
David Lamenting Over the Death of Saul Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith reflects on the lamentation of David over the death of Saul. He emphasizes the beauty and might of Israel that has been lost. Pastor Chuck also m |
|
Standing Firm in Unsettling Times by Skip Heitzig | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the recent events that have taken place and compares them to a movie trailer, a preview of what is to come. He divides the psalm into three |
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Therefore Pray by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the marvel of God's plan and the importance of having a deep relationship with Him. The sermon begins by discussing the desire for an exchan |
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Your Battle Is the Lord’s (See 2 Chronicles 20:15) by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the battles we face are ultimately the Lord's, not ours. He draws from 2 Chronicles 20, where King Jehoshaphat and his people seek God in the face o |