1 Samuel 17:2 — Word Study
WLCוְשָׁא֤וּל וְאִֽישׁ־ יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּעֵ֣מֶק הָאֵלָ֑ה וַיַּעַרְכ֥וּ מִלְחָמָ֖ה לִקְרַ֥את פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃
BSASaulShâʼûwl [the desired one, Shaul] and the menʼîysh [individuals, males] of IsraelYisrâʼêl [Jacob's descendants, God's chosen people] assembledʼâçaph■ [gathered together, came together] and campedchânâh▸ [pitched their tents, encamped] in the Valleyʻêmeq [lowland area] of ElahʼÊlâh [oak valley] arraying themselvesʻârak▸ [setting in order, arranging] for battlemilchâmâh [war, conflict] againstqârâʼ the PhilistinesPᵉlishtîy [enemies of Israel, non-Israelites]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְשָׁא֤וּל | and Saul | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וְאִֽישׁ־ | and [the] man of | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ | Israel | Noun proper |
| נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ | they were gathered | Verb, Niphal, perfect third person common plural |
| וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ | and they encamped | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine plural |
| בְּעֵ֣מֶק | in [the] valley of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| הָאֵלָ֑ה | Elah | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וַיַּעַרְכ֥וּ | and they deployed | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine plural |
| מִלְחָמָ֖ה | battle | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| לִקְרַ֥את | to meet | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ | [the] Philistines | Noun gentilic, masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines. |
| KJV | And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. |
| ASV | And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. |
| YLT | and Saul and the men of Israel have been gathered, and encamp by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array to meet the Philistines. |
| WEB | Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. |
| BBE | And Saul and the men of Israel came together and took up their position in the valley of Elah, and put their forces in order against the Philistines. |
Where they part company is in the choice of words for נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ — see How Translations Differ.
The main action is the assembly, followed by their encampment and preparation for battle, indicating a sequence of military readiness.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, AdamClarke & more — read them ›
clause
verbאָסַף
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 1 Samuel 17:2
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Battle Preparationsgenerated
1 Samuel 17:2 describes the gathering of Saul and the men of Israel in preparation for battle against the Philistines. This moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for the confrontation between David and Goliath, highlighting the tension between the Israelites and their enemies. The Valley of Elah serves as the backdrop for this significant event in Israel's history.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 17:19 | They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 21:9 | The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 2 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ, ne.'es.Fugenerated
The verb אָסַף (asaf) means to gather or assemble. It is a Niphal form, indicating that the action is performed on the subject, in this case, Saul and the men of Israel. The parsing as a perfect third person common plural signifies that the gathering has been completed.
This word encompasses the idea of coming together for a common purpose, which in this context is military readiness. The assembly of the Israelite forces signifies unity and preparation for the impending conflict.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ governs the main clause, with two additional verbs following it: וַיַּחֲנ֖וּ and וַיַּעַרְכ֥וּ. This structure indicates a sequence of actions: gathering, encamping, and arranging for battle.
The sentence structure emphasizes the collective action of the men of Israel, highlighting their unity as they prepare for confrontation with the Philistines.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ as συνάγονται, indicating a gathering. This choice reflects a similar meaning but may carry a different nuance in the Greek context, emphasizing the act of coming together.
The use of συνάγονται suggests a focus on the communal aspect of the assembly, which is consistent with the Hebrew intent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Samuel 17:2 tells us that Saul and the men of Israel gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah, preparing for battle against the Philistines. This moment is crucial as it leads to the famous confrontation between David and Goliath.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies their readiness and unity to confront the Philistine threat, indicating a critical moment in Israel's military history.
The Valley of Elah is the site where David fought Goliath, making it a key location in the narrative of Israel's battles.
The Philistines were a group of people from the region of Philistia, known for their conflicts with the Israelites.
They gathered, camped, and arranged themselves for battle, indicating their preparation for the conflict ahead.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I show unity with others when facing challenges?
- What does it mean to prepare for a conflict in my own life?
- In what ways can I support others who are gathering for a common purpose?
- What lessons can I learn from the actions of Saul and the men of Israel?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Samuel 17:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together,.... He being cured, at least being better of his disorder, through the music of David, and alarmed and aroused by the invasion of the
Read John Gill on 1 Samuel 17 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Samuel 17 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Samuel 17:2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.Ver. 2. By the valley of Elah.] So called from the store of oaks that grew there. Ad convallem querceti. Tremel.
Read John Trapp on 1 Samuel 17 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 2. The valley of Elah] Some translate this the turpentine valley, or the valley of the terebinth trees; and others, the valley of oaks. The situation of this valley is well known.
Read AdamClarke on 1 Samuel 17 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges2. by the valley of Elah] Rather, “in the valley of Elah.”
Read Cambridge on 1 Samuel 17 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe valley of Elah - i. e., of the terebinth, now called Wady es Sunt, from the acacias which are scattered in it.
Read Albert Barnes on 1 Samuel 17 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible2. The valley of Elah — The Wady es-Sumt, which has been often visited by travellers, and is represented by all as corresponding fully to the statements of this narrative.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 1 Samuel 17 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.
Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.
Saul and the Israelite army assembled and camped in the valley of Elah, where they arranged their battle lines to fight against the Philistines.
Tyndale line
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
And Saul and the men of Israel were assembled and encamped by the valley of Elah, and they set the battle in array against the Philistines.
And Saul, and the men of Israel assembled, and pitched in the valley of Elah, and put themselues in battell araie to meete the Philistims.
Strictly literal
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of terebinths, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
and Saul and the men of Israel have been gathered, and encamp by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array to meet the Philistines.
and Saul and the men of Israel have been gathered, and encamp by the Valley of Elah, and set in array [for] battle to meet the Philistines.
And Saul and the men of Israel gathered themselves together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and put themselves in battle-array opposite to the Philistines.
Saul and the men of Israel gathered and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines.
From the Latin
And Saul and the children of Israel being gathered together came to the valley of Terebinth, and they set the army in array to fight against the Philistines.
Simplified
Saul and the Israelites gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah and took up their positions to engage in battle with the Philistines.
And Saul and the men of Israel came together and took up their position in the valley of Elah, and put their forces in order against the Philistines.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text states that Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, preparing for battle against the Philistines. The Septuagint, while not providing a complete translation, matches 6 of the 11 words from the Masoretic Text, indicating some level of agreement in the core elements of the verse, though the exact wording and structure differ. There are no significant divergences in meaning noted from the Samaritan Pentateuch or the Dead Sea Scrolls for this verse, as they align with the Masoretic Text in the context of the assembly and battle preparation.
וְשָׁא֤וּל וְאִֽישׁ־ יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ נֶאֶסְפ֔וּ וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּעֵ֣מֶק הָאֵלָ֑ה וַיַּעַרְכ֥וּ מִלְחָמָ֖ה לִקְרַ֥את פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃
6 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Samuel 17:2
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
שָׁאוּל (Sha'uwl) means 'asked' and is associated with several figures in the Old Testament, most notably Saul, the first king of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin. The entries indicate that the name can refer to multiple individuals, including an early king of Edom and a Levite. The name is derived from a passive participle form, suggesting a connection to the act of asking.
שָׁאוּל n.pr.m. (= asked)
397 1st king of Isr.
a king of Edom
a son of Simeon
a Levite
base
H7586 שָׁאוּל (= asked)
7586 Sha'uwl shaw-ool'
passive participle of 7592; asked; Shaul, the name of an
Edomite and two Israelites:--Saul, Shaul.
see HEBREW for 07592
שָׁאוּל (sha.ul) — Saul.
A king of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.9.2;
son of: Kish (H7027); married to Ahinoam (H0293) and Rizpah (H7532);
father of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Ish-bosheth (H0378), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H)
§ Saul or Shaul = "desired"
1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel
2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah
3) a son of Simeon
4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
שָׁאוּל (sha.ul) — Shaul.
A man of the tribe of Simeon living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.10;
son of: Simeon (H8095) and Canaanite_woman (H3669);
brother of: Jemuel (H3223), Jamin (H3226), Ohad (H0161), Jachin (H3199) and Zerah (H2226L);
father of: Shallum (H7967K)
Also named: sha.u.li (שָׁאוּלִי "Shaulite" H7587)
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
sol (sha'ul; Saoul):
(1) The first king of Israel.
I. EARLY HISTORY
1. Name and Meaning
2. Genealogy
3. Home and Station
4. Sources for Life
5. Election as King
6. Reasons for It
II. REIGN AND FALL
1. His First Action
2. Army Reorganized
3. Battle of Michmash
4. Defeats the Amalekites
5. Deposition Pronounced
6. David Introduced to Saul
7. Two Accounts
8. Saul's Envy of David
9. Attempts to Get Rid of David
10. David Spares Saul
11. Saul's Divided Energies
12. Consults a Necromancer
13. Battle of Gilboa
14. Double Accounts
15. Saul's Posterity
III. CHARACTER
1. Book of Chronicles
2. Saul's Failings
3. His Virtue
4. David's Elegy
I. Early History.
1. Name and Meaning:
The name Saul is usually regarded as simply the passive participle of the verb "to ask," and so meaning "asked" (compare 1Sa 8:4 ff), but the gentilic adjective sha'uli (
Saul
Asked for. (1.) A king of Edom (Gen. 36:37, 38); called Shaul in 1 Chr. 1:48.
(2.) The son of Kish (probably his only son, and a child of prayer, “asked for”), of the tribe of Benjamin, the first king of the Jewish nation. The singular providential circumstances connected with his election as king are recorded in 1 Sam. 8-10. His father’s she-asses had strayed, and Saul was sent with a servant to seek for them. Leaving his home at Gibeah (10:5, “the hill of God,” A.V.; lit., as in R.V. marg., “Gibeah of God”), Saul and his servant went toward the north-west over Mount Ephraim, and then turning north-east they came to “the land of Shalisha,” and thence eastward to the land of Shalim, and at length came to the district of Zuph, near Samuel’s home at Ramah (9:5-10). At this point…
(desired), more accurately Shaul. One of the early kings of Edom, and successor of Samlah. (Genesis 36:37,38; 1 Chronicles 1:48) (B.C. after 1450.) The first king of Israel, the son of Kish, and of the tribe of Benjamin. (B.C, 1095-1055.) His character is in part illustrated by the fierce, wayward, fitful nature of the tribe and in part accounted for by the struggle between the old and new systems in which he found himself involved. To this we must add a taint of madness. which broke out in violent frenzy at times leaving him with long lucid intervals. He was remarkable for his strength and activity, (2 Samuel 1:25) and, like the Homeric heroes, of gigantic stature, taller by head and shoulders than the rest of the people, and…
The son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, the first king of the Israelites, anointed by Samuel, B. C. 1091, and after a reign of forty years filled with various events, slain with his sons on Mount Gilboa. He was succeeded by David, who was his son-in-law, and whom he had endeavored to put to death. His history is contained in 1Sa 10:1-31:13. It is a sad and admonitory narrative. The morning of his reign was bright with special divine favors, both providential, and spiritual, 1Sa 9:20 10:1-11,24,25. But he soon began to disobey God, and was rejected as unworthy to found a line of kings; his sins and misfortunes multiplied, and his sun went down in gloom. In his first war with the Ammonites, God was with him; but then follow his presumptuous sacrifice, in the absence of Samuel…
The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.
אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)
base
H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)
376 'iysh eesh
contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root
meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male
person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and
in such cases frequently not expressed in
translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +
champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,
husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),
him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,
person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.
Compare 802.
see HEBREW for 0582
see HEBREW for 0802
אִישׁ (ish) — man.
: man
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.
: husband
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.
: anyone/someone
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el) refers to both the second name of Jacob, meaning 'God prevails,' and the name of the Hebrew nation descended from him. It is derived from roots meaning 'to rule' and 'God.' The term encompasses Jacob's descendants and is used historically for the northern kingdom of Israel and the nation as a whole after the Babylonian exile.
יִשְׂרָאֵל 2507 n.pr.m. et gent. Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth)
n.pr.m. second name of Jacob
n.pr.gent. name of Hebrew nation
base
H3478 יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth) . n. pr. m. second name of Jacob
. n. pr. gent. name of Hebrew nation
3478 Yisra'el yis-raw-ale'
from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical
name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity:
--Israel.
see HEBREW for 08280
see HEBREW for 0410
יִשְׂרָאֵל (yis.ra.el) — Israel.
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
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
iz'-ra-el.
See JACOB.
Israel
The name conferred on Jacob after the great prayer-struggle at Peniel (Gen. 32:28), because “as a prince he had power with God and prevailed.” (See JACOB.) This is the common name given to Jacob’s descendants. The whole people of the twelve tribes are called “Israelites,” the “children of Israel” (Josh. 3:17; 7:25; Judg. 8:27; Jer. 3:21), and the “house of Israel” (Ex. 16:31; 40:38).
This name Israel is sometimes used emphatically for the true Israel (Ps. 73:1: Isa. 45:17; 49:3;
(the prince that prevails with God). The name given, (Genesis 32:28) to Jacob after his wrestling with the angel, (Hosea 12:4) at Peniel. Gesenius interprets Israel "soldier of God." It became the national name of the twelve tribes collectively. They are so called in (Exodus 3:16) and afterward. It is used in a narrower sense, excluding Judah, in (1 Samuel 11:8; 2 Samuel 20:1; 1 Kings 12:16) Thenceforth it was assumed and accepted as the name of the northern kingdom. After the Babylonian captivity, the returned exiles resumed the name Israel as the designation of…
Who prevails with God, a name given to Jacob, after having wrestled with the Angel-Jehovah at Penuel. Ge 32:1,2,28,30 Ho 12:3. See JACOB. By the name Israel is sometimes understood all the posterity of Israel, the seed of Jacob, 1Co 10:18; sometimes all true believers, his spiritual seed, Ro 9:6; and sometimes the kingdom of Israel, or the ten tribes, as distinct from the kingdom of Judah.
אָסַף (acaph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to gather or remove. It encompasses a range of actions including collecting, assembling, and withdrawing. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances like gathering individuals or being gathered. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
אָסַף 209 vb. gather, remove
Qal
gather, collect
gather an individual into company of others
bring up the rear of
gather and take away, remove, withdraw
Niph.
assemble, be gathered, reflex.
pass. of Qal 2
Pass. of Qal 4; be taken away, removed, perish
Pi.
gather harvest
take in, receive into
as subst. rearguard, rearward
Pu. be gathered, of men
Hithp. gather themselves
base
H622 אָסַף gather, remove
622 'acaph aw-saf'
a primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to
receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave behind, put
up, restore, etc.):--assemble, bring, consume, destroy,
felch, gather (in, together, up again), X generally, get
(him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from
leprosy), (be) rereward, X surely, take (away, into, up), X
utterly, withdraw.
אָסַף (a.saph) — to gather.
1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to gather, collect
1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others)
1a3) to bring up the rear
1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to assemble, be gathered
1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2)
1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers
1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others)
1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4)
1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to gather (harvest)
1c2) to take in, receive into
1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst)
1d) (Pual) to be gathered
1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person common pluralHVNp3cp
חָנָה (chanah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to decline, bend down, or encamp. It conveys the idea of inclining or settling, particularly in the context of pitching a tent or establishing a temporary dwelling. The word appears in various forms, including the act of encamping or laying siege. It is associated with the imagery of the evening's slanting rays and the conclusion of a day's journey.
חָנָה 143 vb. decline, bend down, encamp
Qal
decline, of day drawing to its close
encamp (prop. verge toward, incline to, settle at, of goal of day’s march)
base
H2583 חָנָה decline, bend down, encamp
2583 chanah khaw-naw'
a primitive root (compare 2603); properly, to incline; by
implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening);
specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. to encamp (for abode or
siege):--abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an
end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent.
see HEBREW for 02603
חָנָה (cha.nah) — to camp.
1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to decline
1a2) to encamp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine pluralHc/Vqw3mp
The Hebrew word עֵ֫מֶק (*'emeq*) means 'vale' or 'valley,' indicating a broad depression in the landscape. It is derived from the root meaning 'deepening' or 'depth.' This term is often used in proper names, such as the Valley of Achor and the Valley of Elah, and covers a range of valleys and lowlands mentioned in the Old Testament.
עֵ֫מֶק 70 n.m. vale (prop. deepening, depth)
base
H6010 עֵ֫מֶק vale (prop. deepening, depth)
6010 `emeq ay'-mek
from 6009; a vale (i.e. broad depression):--dale, vale,
valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also 1025.
see HEBREW for 06009
see HEBREW for 01025
עֵ֫מֶק (e.meq) — Valley (of Achor).
Combined with a.khor (עָכוֹר " of Achor" H5911)
§ valley, vale, lowland, open country
עֵ֫מֶק (e.meq) — Valley (of Beracah).
Combined with be.ra.khah (בְּרָכָה " of Beracah" H1294H)
§ valley, vale, lowland, open country
עֵ֫מֶק (e.meq) — Valley (of Elah).
Combined with e.lah (אֵלָה "Elah" H0425L)
§ valley, vale, lowland, open country
עֵ֫מֶק (e.meq) — Emek.
§ valley, vale, lowland, open country
עֵ֫מֶק (e.meq) — Valley (of Hebron).
Combined with chev.ron (חֶבְרוֹן " of Hebron" H2275H)
§ valley, vale, lowland, open country
עֵ֫מֶק (e.meq) — Valley (of Topheth).
valley, vale, lowland, open country
Another name of to.phet (תֹּ֫פֶת "Topheth" H8612)
עֵ֫מֶק (e.meq) — Valley (of Jezreel).
Combined with yiz.re.el (יִזְרְעֶאל " of Jezreel" H3157L)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
אֵלָה (Elah) refers to a terebinth tree and is associated with several figures in the Old Testament, including an Edomite chief, a king of Israel, and individuals from the tribe of Judah. The name means 'oak' and is also linked to the Valley of Elah. The entries consistently identify Elah as a personal name and a geographical location.
אֵלָה n.pr.m. (terebinth)
a chief of Edom
son of Baasha
father of Hoshea who was last king of Isr.
a son of Caleb
a son of Uzzi
base
H425 אֵלָה (terebinth)
425 'Elah ay-law'
the same as 424; Elah, the name of an Edomite, of four
Israelites, and also of a place in Palestine:--Elah.
see HEBREW for 0424
אֵלָה (e.lah) — Elah.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.41
§ Elah = "An oak"
an Edomite chief
אֵלָה (e.lah) — Elah.
A king living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.16.6;
son of: Baasha (H1201)
§ Elah = "An oak"
a king of Israel for two years, son of Baasha
אֵלָה (e.lah) — Elah.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.15.30;
father of: Hoshea (H1954)
§ Elah = "An oak"
the father of king Hoshea of Israel
אֵלָה (e.lah) — Elah.
A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.4.15;
son of: Caleb (H3612);
brother of: Achsah (H5915), Iru (H5900) and Naam (H5277);
father of: Kenaz (H7073J)
§ Elah = "An oak"
אֵלָה (e.lah) — Elah.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at 1Ch.9.8;
son of: Uzzi (H5813J)
§ Elah = "An oak"
N-proper — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
Elah
Terebinth or oak. (1.) Valley of, where the Israelites were encamped when David killed Goliath (1 Sam. 17:2, 19). It was near Shochoh of Judah and Azekah (17:1). It is the modern Wady es-Sunt, i.e., “valley of the acacia.” “The terebinths from which the valley of Elah takes its name still cling to their ancient soil. On the west side of the valley, near Shochoh, there is a very large and ancient tree of this kind known as the ’terebinth of Wady Sur,’ 55 feet in height, its trunk 17 feet in circumference, and the breadth of its shade no less than 75 feet. It marks the upper end of the Elah valley, and forms a noted object, being one of the largest terebinths in Palestine.” Geikie’s, The Holy Land, etc.
One of the dukes of Edom. (Genesis 36:41; 1 Chronicles 1:52) Shimei ben-Elah was Solomon’s commissariat officer in Benjamin. (1 Kings 4:18) (B.C. 1013.) A son of Caleb the son of Jephuneh. (1 Chronicles 4:15) (B.C. 1450.) Son of Uzzi, a Benjamite, (1 Chronicles 9:8) s, and one of the chiefs of the tribe at the settlement of the country. (B.C. 536.)
1. A valley in which David slew Goliath, 1Sa 17:2,3,19. It was probably about eleven miles southwest from Jerusalem.
2. Son and successor of Baasha, king of Israel, B. C. 926. After reigning two years, he was slain while intoxicated, by Zimri, one of his officers, who succeeded him as king. Zimri destroyed all the family of Baasha, according to the prediction of Jehu, 1Ki 16:6- 10.
an oak; a curse; perjury
עָרַךְ (arak) means to arrange or set in order, applicable in various contexts such as preparing a table, organizing a battle, or stating a legal case. It can also denote valuing or taxing in the Hiphil form. The word encompasses a wide range of meanings related to order and comparison.
עָרַךְ vb. arrange or set in order
Qal
arrange in order, seven altars
set or lay in order, as wood
in common life, arrange a table
arrange a battle, i.e. draw up in battle order
arrange weapons of army in order for battle
arrange words
state in order, set forth a legal case
compare (as result of arranging in order)
intrans. be comparable
base
עָרַךְ vb. denom. Hiph. value (for taxation), tax
base
H6186a עָרַךְ arrange or set in order .. . arrange in order, seven altars
. set or lay in order, as wood
. in common life, arrange a table
. arrange a battle, i.e. draw up in battle order
. arrange weapons of army in order for battle
. arrange words
. state in order, set forth a legal case
. . compare (as result of arranging in order)
. intrans. be comparable
H6186b עָרַךְ vb. denom. Hiph. value (for taxation), tax
6186 `arak aw-rak'
a primitive root; to set in a row, i.e. arrange, put in order
(in a very wide variety of applications):--put (set) (the
battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem,
estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle),
ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax,
value.
עָרַךְ (a.rakh) — to arrange.
1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place
1a2) to compare, be comparable
עָרַךְ (a.rakh) — to value.
(Hiphil) to value, tax
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine pluralHc/Vqw3mp
מִלְחָמָה (milchamah) means 'battle' or 'war.' It is derived from the root word for fighting and encompasses both specific engagements and the broader concept of warfare. The entries consistently define it in this way, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מִלְחָמָה 319 n.f. battle, war
base
H4421 מִלְחָמָה battle, war
4421 milchamah mil-khaw-maw'
from 3898 (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the
engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare):--battle,
fight(-ing), war((-rior)).
see HEBREW for 03898
מִלְחָמָה (mil.cha.mah) — battle.
battle, war
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
See WAR.
The Hebrew word קָרָא (*qara'*) is a primitive root meaning to encounter or meet, often unexpectedly. It encompasses various nuances, including to befall or happen by chance. The verb appears in different forms: Qal (to meet), Niphal (to meet unexpectedly), and Hiphil (to cause to meet). Brown-Driver-Briggs notes its use in a figurative sense as well.
[קָרָא] 137 vb. encounter, befall
Qal 131
meet, encounter
fig. befall
Niph. meet unexpectedly
Hiph. thou didst cause all this evil to befall them
base
H7122 קָרָא encounter, befall
7122 qara' kaw-raw'
a primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a
hostile manner:--befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon),
fall out, happen, meet.
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to encounter: meet.
: meet
1) to encounter, befall, meet
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to meet, encounter
1a2) to befall (fig)
1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to encounter: toward.
: toward/(come)against
1) to encounter, befall, meet
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to meet, encounter
1a2) to befall (fig)
1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to encounter: chanced.
: happen[unexpectedly]
1) to encounter, befall, meet
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to meet, encounter
1a2) to befall (fig)
1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
met, adjective (yashar; axios): Various words are employed to express meetness, the sense of what is proper, worthy, or fit. We have yashar, "straight," "upright," "right" (2Ki 10:3, "meetest"; Jer 26:14, the Revised Version (British and American) "right"); yashar (Jer 27:5, the Revised Version (British and American) "right"); yosher (Pr 11:24, the Revised Version margin "what is justly due"); 'arikh, Aramaic "meet" (Ezr 4:14); bene, "sons of" (De 3:18, the King James Version "meet for the war," margin "Hebrew sons of power," the Revised Version (British and…
The Hebrew word פְּלִשְׁתִּי (*pelishtiy*) means 'Philistine' and refers to an inhabitant of Philistia, with roots indicating they are descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor. It is derived from the lemma for Philistia, פְּלֶ֫שֶׁת (*peleshet*), and is first mentioned in Genesis 10:14.
פְּלִשְׁתִּי 288 adj.gent. Philistine
base
H6430 פְּלִשְׁתִּי Philistine
6430 Plishtiy pel-ish-tee'
patrial from 6429; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of
Pelesheth:--Philistine.
see HEBREW for 06429
פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — Philistine.
Philistine = "immigrants"
an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan
Another spelling of pe.le.shet (פְּלֶ֫שֶׁת "Philistia" H6429)
פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — Philistine.
A Philistine living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.14;
son of: Casluhim (H3695)
§ Philistine = "immigrants"
an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan
פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — (Sea of the) Philistines.
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)
Ngmpa — Noun gentilic · masculine plural absoluteHNgmpa
fi-lis'-tinz, fil'-is-tinz, fil'-is-tinz (pelishtim; Phulistieim, allophuloi):
I. OLD TESTAMENT NOTICES
1. Race and Origin
2. Religion
3. Individual Philistines Mentioned
4. Title of Ruler and Circumcision
5. History in the Old Testament to Death of Saul
6. History Continued to Time of Ahaz
7. Later Notices
II. MONUMENTAL NOTICES
1. Palestinian Excavations
2. Egyptian Monuments
3. Assyrian Texts
III. THE CRETAN THEORY
1. Cherethim and Kretes
2. Caphtor and Keft
IV. DAVID'S GUARDS
1. The "Cherethi" and the "Pelethi" Not Mercenaries
2. Meaning of These Terms
3. Native Hebrews
4. Review
LITERATURE
I. Old Testament Notices.
1. Race and Origin:
The Philistines were an uncircumcised people inhabiting the shore plain between Gezer and Gaza in Southwestern Palestine (see PHILISTIA). The name Palestine itself (Hebrew pelesheth) refers to their country. The word means "migrants," and they came from another country. They…
Philistines
(Gen. 10:14, R.V.; but in A.V., “Philistim”), a tribe allied to the Phoenicians. They were a branch of the primitive race which spread over the whole district of the Lebanon and the valley of the Jordan, and Crete and other Mediterranean islands. Some suppose them to have been a branch of the Rephaim (2 Sam. 21:16-22). In the time of Abraham they inhabited the south-west of Judea, Abimelech of Gerar being their king (Gen. 21:32, 34; 26:1). They are, however, not noticed among the Canaanitish tribes mentioned in the Pentateuch. They are spoken of by Amos (9:7) and Jeremiah (47:4) as from Caphtor, i.e., probably Crete, or, as some think, the Delta of Egypt. In the whole record from Exodus to Samuel they are…
(immigrants), The origin of the Philistines is nowhere expressly stated in the Bible; but as the prophets describe them as "the Philistines-from Caphtor," (Amos 9:7) and "the remnant of the maritime district of Caphtor" (Jeremiah 47:4) it is prima facie probable that they were the Caphtorim which came out of Caphtor" who expelled the Avim from their territory and occupied it; in their place, (2:23) and that these again were the Caphtorim mentioned in the Mosaic genealogical table among the descendants of Mizraim. (Genesis 10:14) It has been generally assumed that Caphtor represents Crete, and that the Philistines migrated from that island, either directly or through Egypt, into Palestine. But the name Caphtor is more probably…
A celebrated people, who inhabited the southern seacoast of Canaan, which from them took the name of Philistia, Ps 60:8 108:9, or Palestine. They seem originally to have migrated form Egypt to Caphtor, by which some understand Crete, and others with the ancients Cappadocia, Ge 10:14, and thence to have passed over to Palestine under the name of Caphtorim, where they drove out the Avim, who dwelt from Hazerim to Azzah, that is, Gaza, and swelt in their stead, De 2:23. The country they inhabited lay between the higher land of Judea and the Mediterranean, and was in the main a level and fertile territory. It resembles our own western prairies; and bears splendid crops year after year, though miserably cultivated and never manured.