1 Chronicles 10:4

1 Chronicles 10:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.

King James Version KJV

Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

American Standard Version ASV

Then said Saul unto his armor-bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armor-bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took his sword, and fell upon it.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Saul said to the servant who had the care of his arms, Take your sword and put it through me, before these men without circumcision come and make sport of me. But his servant, full of fear, would not do so. Then Saul took out his sword, falling on it himself.

Free Bible Version FBV

Saul told his armor bearer, “Take out your sword and kill me before these heathen come and torment me.” But his armor bearer refused—he was too afraid to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then sayde Saul to his armour bearer, Drawe out thy sworde, and thrust me thorowe therewith, lest these vncircumcised come and mocke at me: but his armour bearer would not, for he was sore afraid: therefore Saul tooke the sword and fell vpon it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Saul saith unto the bearer of his weapons, 'Draw thy sword, and pierce me with it, lest these uncircumcised come — and have abused me.' And the bearer of his weapons hath not been willing, for he feareth exceedingly, and Saul taketh the sword, and falleth upon it;

World English Bible WEB

Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me.” But his armor bearer would not, for he was terrified. Therefore Saul took his sword and fell on it.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said Saul to his armor-bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armor-bearer would not; for he was greatly afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Saul said to his armourbearer: Draw thy sword, and kill me: lest these uncircumcised come, and mock me. But his armourbearer would not, for he was struck with fear: so Saul took his sword, and fell upon it.

Translation for Translators T4T

Saul said to the man who was carrying his weapons, “Take out your sword and kill me with it, in order that these heathen Philistines will not be able to injure me further and make fun of me while I am dying.” But the man who was carrying Saul’s weapons was terrified and refused to do that. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it and died.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 10:4

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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 Chronicles 10:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר שָׁאוּל֩ אֶל נֹשֵׂ֨א כֵלָ֜י/ו שְׁלֹ֥ף חַרְבְּ/ךָ֣ וְ/דָקְרֵ֣/נִי בָ֗/הּ פֶּן יָבֹ֜אוּ הָ/עֲרֵלִ֤ים הָ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙ וְ/הִתְעַלְּלוּ בִ֔/י וְ/לֹ֤א אָבָה֙ נֹשֵׂ֣א כֵלָ֔י/ו כִּ֥י יָרֵ֖א מְאֹ֑ד וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח שָׁאוּל֙ אֶת הַ/חֶ֔רֶב וַ/יִּפֹּ֖ל עָלֶֽי/הָ

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁאוּל֩ Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

נֹשֵׂ֨א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal

כֵלָ֜י/ו kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-mp | Suff

שְׁלֹ֥ף shâlaph H8025 to draw V-Qal-Impv-2ms

חַרְבְּ/ךָ֣ chereb H2719 sword N-fs | Suff

וְ/דָקְרֵ֣/נִי dâqar H1856 to pierce Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

בָ֗/הּ Prep | Suff

פֶּן pên H6435 lest Conj

יָבֹ֜אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

הָ/עֲרֵלִ֤ים ʻârêl H6189 uncircumcised Art | Adj

הָ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙ ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron

וְ/הִתְעַלְּלוּ ʻâlal H5953 to abuse Conj | V-Hithpael-3cp

בִ֔/י Prep | Suff

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

אָבָה֙ ʼâbâh H14 be willing V-Qal-Perf-3ms

נֹשֵׂ֣א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal

כֵלָ֔י/ו kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-mp | Suff

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

יָרֵ֖א yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Perf-3ms

מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv

וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/חֶ֔רֶב chereb H2719 sword Art | N-fs

וַ/יִּפֹּ֖ל nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

עָלֶֽי/הָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 10:4

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

שָׁאוּל֩ Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.

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; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § 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

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

נֹשֵׂ֨א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

כֵלָ֜י/ו kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-mp | Suff

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.

שְׁלֹ֥ף shâlaph H8025 "to draw" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.

Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.

חַרְבְּ/ךָ֣ chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs | Suff

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

וְ/דָקְרֵ֣/נִי dâqar H1856 "to pierce" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

To pierce or stab, as in Psalm 109:16, and can also mean to starve or revile, like in Psalm 57:4.

Definition: 1) to pierce, thrust through, pierce through 1a) (Qal) to pierce, run through 1b) (Niphal) to be pierced through 1c) (Pual) pierced, riddled (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: pierce, strike (thrust) through, wound. See also: Numbers 25:8; Jeremiah 37:10; Isaiah 13:15.

בָ֗/הּ "" Prep | Suff

פֶּן pên H6435 "lest" Conj

This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.

Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.

יָבֹ֜אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

הָ/עֲרֵלִ֤ים ʻârêl H6189 "uncircumcised" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word describes someone who is uncircumcised, meaning they still have their foreskin. It is used to distinguish between Jews and non-Jews, as seen in Acts 7.

Definition: uncircumcised, having foreskin

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: uncircumcised (person). See also: Genesis 17:14; Jeremiah 6:10; Isaiah 52:1.

הָ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙ ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

וְ/הִתְעַלְּלוּ ʻâlal H5953 "to abuse" Conj | V-Hithpael-3cp

To thrust or push something is what this Hebrew word means, and it can also imply treating someone poorly. It is used in various ways in the Bible, including to describe abuse or mocking. The KJV translates it as abuse or mock.

Definition: 1) to act severely, deal with severely, make a fool of someone 1a) (Poel) to act severely 1b) (Poal) to be severely dealt with 1c) (Hithpael) to busy oneself, divert oneself, deal wantonly, deal ruthlessly, abuse (by thrusting through) 1d) (Hithpoel) to practise practices, thrust forth (in wickedness)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: abuse, affect, [idiom] child, defile, do, glean, mock, practise, thoroughly, work (wonderfully). See also: Exodus 10:2; Job 16:15; Psalms 141:4.

בִ֔/י "" Prep | Suff

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

אָבָה֙ ʼâbâh H14 "be willing" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.

Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.

נֹשֵׂ֣א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal

כֵלָ֔י/ו kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-mp | Suff

כִּ֥י 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.

יָרֵ֖א yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv

Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.

Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness

Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.

וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

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.

הַ/חֶ֔רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" Art | N-fs

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

וַ/יִּפֹּ֖ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

עָלֶֽי/הָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 10:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Chronicles 10:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 10:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 10:4
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 10:4
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 10:4
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 10:4
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 10:4

Context — Saul’s Overthrow and Death

2The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. 3When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him.

4Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.

5When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died. 6So Saul died together with his three sons and all his house.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 31:4	Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
2	Judges 9:54	He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So Abimelech’s armor-bearer ran his sword through him, and he died.
3	1 Samuel 17:26	David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
4	2 Samuel 1:20	Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.
5	Acts 16:27	When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped.
6	Judges 16:21	Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison.
7	2 Samuel 1:14–16	So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”
8	1 Samuel 17:36	Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”
9	2 Samuel 1:9–10	Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’ So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”
10	Judges 16:23–25	Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.” And while their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars.

1 Chronicles 10:4 Summary

This verse shows us that even the strongest people can be overcome with fear and desperation, as Saul was when he asked his armor-bearer to kill him. However, instead of turning to God for help, Saul took matters into his own hands and ended his own life. This teaches us that when we are faced with difficult circumstances, we should trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28, rather than trying to control the situation ourselves. By trusting in God, we can find peace and comfort, even in the midst of suffering, as described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul ask his armor-bearer to kill him?

Saul asked his armor-bearer to kill him because he feared being tortured by the Philistines, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 10:4, and he did not want to suffer at their hands, similar to the concerns expressed in Deuteronomy 32:26-27.

What does it mean to be 'uncircumcised' in this context?

In 1 Chronicles 10:4, 'uncircumcised' refers to the Philistines being unbelievers, not having entered into a covenant relationship with God, as described in Genesis 17:9-14 and Romans 2:25-29.

Why did Saul's armor-bearer refuse to kill him?

The armor-bearer refused to kill Saul because he was terrified, as stated in 1 Chronicles 10:4, and it is likely that he did not want to take the life of his king, similar to the respect shown to authority in Romans 13:1-7.

What can we learn from Saul's actions in this verse?

We can learn from Saul's actions that when we are faced with difficult circumstances, we should turn to God for help and trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6, rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations in my life where I feel like I am being 'pursued' by my enemies, and how can I trust God to deliver me?
How do I respond when faced with the fear of suffering or pain, and what does this reveal about my faith in God's goodness?
In what ways can I prioritize trusting in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem overwhelming, as seen in 1 Chronicles 10:4 and Psalm 23:4?
What are some areas where I need to surrender control to God, rather than trying to take matters into my own hands, as Saul did in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 10:4

[See comments on 1 Samuel 31:4]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 10:4

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 10:4

1 Chronicles 10:4 Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.Ver. 4. Lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me.] Heb., Mock me. He was more solicitous about his own glory than the glory of God and salvation of his poor soul. But his armourbearer would not.] The like unhappiness befell Nero, who hearing that the senate had proclaimed him a public enemy to mankind, and condemned him to be whipped to death, entreated that some one of those that were with him would kill him; which when they refused to do, he cried out, Itaque nec amicum habeo nec inimicure: What I have I neither friend nor foe to do me this last good office? and so struck himself through with his own sword, and was a horrible spectacle to all beholders. So Saul took a sword.] A just hand of God upon him for his cruelty at Nob and other places. Per quod quis peccat, per idem punitur. Aurel. Victor. Sueton.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 10:4

(4) And Saul said.—So Abimelech (Judges 9:54). Lest these uncircumcised come.—Sam. Adds “and thrust me through.” An inadvertent repetition there, or omission here, is possible. Or, we might say, Saul preferred death by a friendly stroke to the thrusts of insulting foemen. And abuse me.—The Hebrew means, strictly, “to make a toy of,” “sport with.” “How I have made a toy of Egypt” (Exodus 10:2); and is used (Jeremiah 38:19) of insulting a fallen foe, as here. Took a sword.—Literally, the sword—i.e., his sword.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 10:4

4. to his armourbearer] Cp. Judges 9:54 (the death of Abimelech). One function of an armourbearer was to give the “coup de grâce” to fallen enemies (1 Samuel 14:13), but sometimes the same office had to be executed for friends. and abuse me] i.e. wreak their cruel will upon me; cp. Judges 1:6. a sword] R.V. his sword.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 10:4

	Sermon	Description
	Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman	James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t
	The Testing of David by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David, highlighting how God chose David for his faithfulness and concern for God's glory, contrasting him with Saul, who failed God's tests. Da
	(Gaining God's Approval) 7. the Testing of David by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting his faithfulness in mundane tasks, concern for God's glory, and refusal to take revenge agai
	Destroy Satan's Fortresses in Your Mind by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on the story of David and Goliath, emphasizing David's intense concern for God's name and the honor of God's people. David's willingness to face Goliath stemmed
	The Armies of the Living God. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the stark contrast between David and the soldiers of Saul, who viewed God as distant and absent, while David experienced God as a living presence in his life.
	The Great Need of the Hour by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 7th and 16th chapters of the Book of Acts. He emphasizes the need for a revival in America and the importance of witnessing to others ab
	Giant Ungainted by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the focus is on the life of Samson, a judge in ancient Israel. The passage being discussed is about Samson being captured by the Philistines, who gouged out his eye