1 Chronicles 19:4
1 Chronicles 19:4 in Multiple Translations
So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved their beards, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away.
Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.
So Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
So Hanun took David's servants, and cutting off their hair and the skirts of their robes up to the middle, sent them away.
So Hanun detained David's ambassadors and had them shaved, and their robes cut off at the buttocks. Then he sent them back.
Wherefore Hanun tooke Dauids seruants, and shaued them, and cut off their garments by the halfe vnto the buttocks, and sent them away.
And Hanun taketh the servants of David, and shaveth them, and cutteth their long robes in the midst, unto the buttocks, and sendeth them away.
So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle at their buttocks, and sent them away.
Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.
Wherefore Hanon shaved the heads and beards of the servants of David, and cut away their garments from the buttocks to the feet, and sent them away.
Hanun believed what they said, so he commanded some soldiers to seize the officials whom David had sent, and shave off their beards, and insult them by cutting off the lower part of their robes, and then send them away. So his soldiers did that.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 19:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 19:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
חָנ֜וּן
אֶת
עַבְדֵ֤י
דָוִיד֙
וַֽ/יְגַלְּחֵ֔/ם
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֧ת
אֶת
מַדְוֵי/הֶ֛ם
בַּ/חֵ֖צִי
עַד
הַ/מִּפְשָׂעָ֑ה
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵֽ/ם
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חָנ֜וּן
Chânûwn
H2586
Hanun
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַבְדֵ֤י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
דָוִיד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וַֽ/יְגַלְּחֵ֔/ם
gâlach
H1548
to shave
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֧ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַדְוֵי/הֶ֛ם
medev
H4063
garment
N-mp | Suff
בַּ/חֵ֖צִי
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Prep | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/מִּפְשָׂעָ֑ה
miphsâʻâh
H4667
hip
Art | N-fs
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵֽ/ם
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 19:4
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
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.
חָנ֜וּן
Chânûwn
H2586
"Hanun"
N-proper
Hanun means gracious and is the name of an Ammonite king who fought against David, as well as an Israelite who helped repair Jerusalem's wall, as mentioned in Nehemiah 3:30.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.3.30; son of: Zalaph (H6764) § Hanun = "gracious" 1) son of Nahash and king of Ammon who dishonoured David's ambassadors and lost the subsequent war with David 2) a man who, with the people of Zanoah, repaired the ravine gate in the wall of Jerusalem 3) the 6th son of Zalaph, who also assisted in the repair of the wall of Jerusalem, apparently on the east side
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Hanun. See also: 2 Samuel 10:1; 1 Chronicles 19:3; Nehemiah 3:30.
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.
עַבְדֵ֤י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
דָוִיד֙
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וַֽ/יְגַלְּחֵ֔/ם
gâlach
H1548
"to shave"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to shave or be bald, and can also mean to lay waste or destroy something. It is used in Leviticus to describe the shaving of priests and in Isaiah to describe the devastation of a city.
Definition: 1) to poll, shave, shave off, be bald 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to shave 1a2) to shave off 1a3) (fig. of devastation) 1b)(Pual) to be shaven 1c) (Hithpael) to shave oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: poll, shave (off). See also: Genesis 41:14; Judges 16:17; Isaiah 7:20.
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֧ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
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.
מַדְוֵי/הֶ֛ם
medev
H4063
"garment"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a garment or piece of clothing. It is related to the idea of something being measured or fitted. The word is used to describe the clothes people wore in ancient times.
Definition: garment
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: garment. See also: 2 Samuel 10:4; 1 Chronicles 19:4.
בַּ/חֵ֖צִי
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Prep | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/מִּפְשָׂעָ֑ה
miphsâʻâh
H4667
"hip"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for hip or buttock, it refers to the lower part of the body. It is used in the Bible to describe the stepping region of the body.
Definition: hip, buttock, stepping region of body
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: buttocks. See also: 1 Chronicles 19:4.
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵֽ/ם
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 19:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 19:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 19:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 19:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 19:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 19:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 19:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 19:4
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 19:4
Context — David’s Messengers Disgraced
2And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him,
3the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Have not his servants come to you to explore the land, spy it out, and overthrow it?”
4So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved their beards, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away.
5When someone came and told David about his men, he sent messengers to meet them, since the men had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.” 6When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for themselves chariots and horsemen from Aram-naharaim, Aram-maacah, and Zobah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 10:4–5 | So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away. When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 15:2 | Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. |
| 3 | Mark 12:4 | Then he sent them another servant, and they struck him over the head and treated him shamefully. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 48:37 | For every head is shaved and every beard is clipped; on every hand is a gash, and around every waist is sackcloth. |
| 5 | Psalms 35:12 | They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. |
| 6 | Isaiah 47:2–3 | Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil; strip off your skirt, bare your thigh, and wade through the streams. Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.” |
| 7 | Luke 20:10–11 | At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. So he sent another servant, but they beat him and treated him shamefully, sending him away empty-handed. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 36:16 | But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. |
| 9 | Leviticus 19:27 | You must not cut off the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 41:5 | eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their garments, and cut themselves came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, carrying grain offerings and frankincense for the house of the LORD. |
1 Chronicles 19:4 Summary
In this verse, we see Hanun, the king of the Ammonites, treating David's servants very badly, by shaving their beards and cutting their garments, as a way of insulting and humiliating them. This was a very hurtful and shameful thing to do, as beards were a symbol of dignity and honor in those days, as seen in 2 Samuel 10:4-5. David's response to this situation shows that he is a wise and compassionate leader, who cares for his people and seeks to protect them, and his decision to have them stay in Jericho until their beards have grown back demonstrates his understanding of the cultural significance of their humiliation, and the need for restoration and healing, as encouraged in Psalm 23:3-4. This story teaches us about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, even if they have wronged us, and the need to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our interactions with others, as seen in Proverbs 26:24-26 and Matthew 5:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hanun, the king of the Ammonites, treat David's servants so harshly?
Hanun was misled by his princes, who believed David's servants were spies, as stated in 1 Chronicles 19:3, and this led to his actions against them, as seen in 1 Chronicles 19:4.
What was the significance of shaving the beards and cutting the garments of David's servants?
In ancient cultures, beards were a symbol of dignity and honor, so shaving them was a great humiliation, as seen in 2 Samuel 10:4-5, and cutting their garments was a further insult, leaving them feeling vulnerable and ashamed.
How does this verse relate to the concept of hospitality and diplomacy in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of understanding cultural norms and the potential consequences of misinterpreting intentions, as seen in the story of David and Hanun, and the need for wise and respectful diplomacy, as encouraged in Proverbs 26:24-26 and Matthew 5:9.
What can we learn from David's response to the humiliation of his servants?
David's reaction, as seen in 1 Chronicles 19:5, shows that he is a wise and compassionate leader, who cares for his people and seeks to protect them, and his decision to have them stay in Jericho until their beards have grown back demonstrates his understanding of the cultural significance of their humiliation, and the need for restoration and healing, as seen in Psalm 23:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I or someone I care about is humiliated or mistreated, and what can I learn from David's example in this situation?
- In what ways can I show kindness and respect to those around me, even if they have wronged me or my friends, and how can I demonstrate the love and forgiveness of Christ in those situations?
- What are some cultural or social norms that I need to be aware of in my interactions with others, in order to avoid unintentionally offending or hurting them, and how can I be more sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around me?
- How can I balance the need to stand up for myself and my values with the need to show humility and forgiveness, as seen in the example of David and his servants, and what role does prayer and seeking God's guidance play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 19:4
See Gill "1 Chronicles 19:1".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 19:4
Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away. Shaved them - not completely, but only the half of their face.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 19:4
1 Chronicles 19:4 Wherefore Hanun took David’ s servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.Ver. 4. And shaved them.] Sic legatos Davidis deturpans illudit, Popish priests say they do therefore shave their beards, lest while they drink Christ’ s blood out of the chalice, any drop thereof should hang upon their beards. Oh, shameful superstition! Hard by their buttocks.] This is check to the fashion mongers of our time, saith Piscator; who wear their clothes so close, and cloaks so short, that they cover not their buttocks. Piscator.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 19:4
(4) Shaved them—i.e., the half of their beards (Samuel). Hard by their buttocks.—Literally, unto the extremities. The chronicler has substituted a more decorous term for the one which appears in Samuel. Cut off their garments.—To look like captives (Isaiah 20:4).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 19:4
Verse 4. And cut off their garments in the midst] Usque ad eorum, pudenda. So the Targum, Jarchi, and others; leaving exposed what nature and decency require to be concealed. See on 2 Samuel 10:4.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 19:4
4. shaved them] 2 Samuel 10:4, shaved off the one half of iheir beards. Of course a great insult; cp. Isaiah 50:6. cut off their garments] Jewish ambassadors are represented on the Black Obelisk (a monument of Shalmaneser II, king of Assyria, now preserved in the British Museum) as wearing robes reaching to the feet; Hanun reduced ambassadors to the level of captives; cp. Isaiah 20:4.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 19:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Haggai) Pointed Powerful Paralysing Preaching by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges faced by the people of Judah and Benjamin as they built the temple of the Lord. He emphasizes that when God calls us to do His |
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His Manifest Presence - Part 1 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a harrowing experience of witnessing a violent attack on a bus. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's presence as a shield |
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Anarchy in Worship or Recent Innovation Contrasted W/ Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (1875) by James Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the objection to symbolism in worship. He refers to Deuteronomy 4, where it is stated that God spoke to the people without any similitude or |
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The Captivity of Judah by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of rejecting God's remedy, as seen in the wickedness of the king, priests, and people of Judah. Despite warnings from p |
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Crusading On--Our Responsibility by Beryl Amos | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'mukterizo,' which signifies mocking, deriding, and treating with contempt. The concept of sowing and reaping is emphasized, highlighting th |
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Jeremiah 52:4 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the fall of Jerusalem as recorded in Jeremiah 52, emphasizing the long ministry of Jeremiah who warned the people for forty years about the impending doom due |