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1 Samuel 11:4

1 Samuel 11:4 in Multiple Translations

When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud.

¶ Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and spake these words in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

So they sent representatives to Saul's town Gibeah, and these gave the news to the people: and all the people gave themselves to weeping.

When the messengers arrived in the town called Gibeah of Saul and gave the message as the people listened, they all wept out loud.

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and tolde these tidings in the eares of the people: and all the people lift vp their voices and wept.

And the messengers come to Gibeah of Saul, and speak the words in the ears of the people, and all the people lift up their voice and weep;

Then the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul, and spoke these words in the ears of the people, then all the people lifted up their voice and wept.

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people; and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.

The messengers therefore came to Gabaa of Saul: and they spoke these words in the hearing of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.

Being very confident that his army was very superior, Nahash agreed. So the leaders of Jabesh sent messengers throughout Israel. When the messengers came to Gibeah, which was the city where Saul lived, and they told the people there about the situation, everyone started to cry.

So the messengers went around to every place in Israel. They arrived at Saul’s camp at Gibeah with the bad news. The people there heard it, and they cried out loud.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 11:4

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 Samuel 11:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֤אוּ הַ/מַּלְאָכִים֙ גִּבְעַ֣ת שָׁא֔וּל וַ/יְדַבְּר֥וּ הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י הָ/עָ֑ם וַ/יִּשְׂא֧וּ כָל הָ/עָ֛ם אֶת קוֹלָ֖/ם וַ/יִּבְכּֽוּ
וַ/יָּבֹ֤אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/מַּלְאָכִים֙ mălʼâk H4397 messenger Art | N-mp
גִּבְעַ֣ת Gibʻâh H1390 Gibeah N-proper
שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
וַ/יְדַבְּר֥וּ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-mp
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י ʼôzen H241 ear Prep | N-fd
הָ/עָ֑ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּשְׂא֧וּ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הָ/עָ֛ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
קוֹלָ֖/ם qôwl H6963 voice N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּבְכּֽוּ bâkâh H1058 to weep Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 11:4

וַ/יָּבֹ֤אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
הַ/מַּלְאָכִים֙ mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" Art | N-mp
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
גִּבְעַ֣ת Gibʻâh H1390 "Gibeah" N-proper
Gibeah was a city in Palestine, specifically in the region of Benjamin, and was the birthplace of King Saul. The name means hill, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeah or the hill.
Definition: § Gibeah = "hill" a city of Benjamin, birthplace of king Saul
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: Gibeah, the hill. See also: Joshua 15:57; Judges 20:36; Isaiah 10:29.
שָׁא֔וּל 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.
וַ/יְדַבְּר֥וּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י ʼôzen H241 "ear" Prep | N-fd
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
הָ/עָ֑ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַ/יִּשְׂא֧וּ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֛ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
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.
קוֹלָ֖/ם qôwl H6963 "voice" N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
וַ/יִּבְכּֽוּ bâkâh H1058 "to weep" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.
Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 11:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 2:4 When the angel of the LORD had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people lifted up their voices and wept.
2 1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him.
3 1 Samuel 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul.
4 1 Samuel 30:4 So David and the troops with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no strength left to weep.
5 Judges 21:2 So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly.
6 Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
7 Hebrews 13:3 Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.
8 1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
9 Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
10 2 Samuel 21:6 let seven of his male descendants be delivered to us so that we may hang them before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD.” “I will give them to you,” said the king.

1 Samuel 11:4 Summary

In 1 Samuel 11:4, the people wept aloud when they heard the disturbing news from Jabesh, showing their deep concern and empathy for their fellow Israelites. This emotional response demonstrates the strong sense of community among the Israelites, as they shared in each other's joys and sorrows, similar to the concept found in Romans 12:15. When we face difficult news or situations, we can learn from the people's example by allowing ourselves to feel and express emotions, and by coming together as a community to support one another, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2. By doing so, we can demonstrate our love and care for one another, just as God loves and cares for us, as seen in Psalm 34:17-18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the people weep aloud when they heard the words of the messengers?

The people wept aloud because they were deeply troubled by the news of Nahash's cruel condition for a treaty, which would have brought great suffering and shame upon Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 11:2. This emotional response shows the people's empathy and concern for their fellow Israelites in Jabesh.

What role did the messengers play in this scene?

The messengers played a crucial role in relaying the urgent and disturbing news from Jabesh to Gibeah of Saul, which prompted the people's emotional response and ultimately led to Saul's involvement, as described in 1 Samuel 11:5.

How does this verse relate to the concept of community and shared suffering in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the strong sense of community and shared suffering among the Israelites, as they wept together in response to the news, demonstrating a deep emotional connection and empathy for one another, similar to the concept found in Romans 12:15, where believers are called to 'rejoice with those who rejoice' and 'mourn with those who mourn'.

What can we learn from the people's reaction in this verse about responding to bad news?

The people's reaction teaches us that it is okay to express emotions and empathize with others in times of distress, as seen in Psalm 34:17-18, where the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways we can demonstrate empathy and concern for others in our community who may be suffering or facing difficult circumstances?
  2. How can we, like the people in this verse, allow ourselves to feel and express emotions in response to the needs and struggles of those around us?
  3. In what ways can we, as believers, come together as a community to support and comfort one another in times of distress, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2?
  4. What role can prayer and seeking God's guidance play in our response to bad news or difficult situations, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 11:4

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul,.... Where he was born, and brought up, and now dwelt; and he being elected king, it brought an honour to the place; and from hence had this name, to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 11:4

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:4

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul; partly, because it was not far from them; and partly, because it belonged to the Benjamites, who had a special obligation to take more care of that place, from whence they had their wives, , &c.; and partly, because Saul, their new-chosen king, was there. The people lifted up their voices, and wept, both in compassion towards them, and for fear of themselves, lest it should shortly be their own lot.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:4

1 Samuel 11:4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.Ver. 4. And all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.] This was to "weep with those that weep." And if in addition they "turned again unto the Lord, that their" distressed "brethren might" the sooner "find compassion," as 2 Chronicles 30:9, they did best of all. God, in such a case, "will restore comforts unto his mourners."

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:4

(4) Then came the messengers to Gibeah.—In the preceding verse we read that it was resolved by the beleaguered city to send messengers to all the coasts of Israel, but we only hear of the action taken by Saul in Gibeah. It therefore may be assumed that this was the first city they sent to, not only on account of their ancient friendship with Benjamin, but because Gibeah was the residence of the newly-elected sovereign, Saul. And all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.—This is exactly what might have been expected from Benjamites hearing of the terrible straits into which the city they all loved so well, and which was united to them by such close bonds of friendship and alliance, was reduced; but though they grieved so deeply, they do not seem of themselves to have been able to devise any plan for its relief, until their great fellow-citizen took the matter in hand.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:4

Verse 4. Then came the messengers to Gibeah] It does not appear that the people of Jabesh-gilead knew any thing of Saul's appointment to the kingdom, for the message is not directed to him but to the people. The people lifted up their voices and wept.] They saw no hope of deliverance, and they expected that their reproach would be laid on all Israel.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 11:4

4. lift up their voices and wept] Oriental nations naturally display their feelings in tears accompanied by loud wailings. Cp. ch. 1 Samuel 30:4; Genesis 27:38; Judges 2:4; Judges 21:2, &c. Achilles, Patroclus and other Homeric heroes shed tears in a way which western nations account utterly unmanly.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 11:4

They came to Gibeah on account of the connection between the Benjamites and the people of Jabesh Judg. 21. In the ears of the people - They did not even inquire for Saul, so little was he looked upon as king.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 11:4

4. Messengers to Gibeah — Gibeah was nearly sixty miles southwest of Jabesh, and it would have taken a day and a night for the messengers to reach it. But why were these messengers sent to Gibeah?

Sermons on 1 Samuel 11:4

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson God’s Special Forces by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is assembling a spiritual elite unit, akin to the U.S. Army's Special Forces, made up of dedicated volunteers who have been called and touched b
Chuck Smith I Samuel 26:21 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith explores the life of Saul, emphasizing how despite his physical advantages and opportunities to lead God's people, he ultimately played the fool by failing to submit fu
William Booth Don't Forget by William Booth In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively helping those in need, rather than simply offering prayers or advice. The speaker encourages the audience to take
David Wilkerson (Israel) the Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the pastor shares about the burdens and challenges faced by individuals and families. He mentions a man who lost his wife in a car accident and had sons who ended u
Jackie Pullinger Testimony - Part 7 by Jackie Pullinger Jackie Pullinger shares her testimony of faith and sacrifice, illustrating the profound impact of unconditional love and service to others, particularly the needy. She recounts her
Compilations A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson by Compilations This sermon emphasizes the importance of anguish in the church and in individual believers' lives, highlighting the need for deep sorrow and distress over the spiritual condition o
William Booth William Booth Preaching - Actual Voice by William Booth This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord with gladness and reaching out to those in need, highlighting the call to help the poor, the wretched, the innocent childr

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