1 Samuel 12:13
1 Samuel 12:13 in Multiple Translations
Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.
Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.
Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have asked for: and, behold, Jehovah hath set a king over you.
Here, then, is the king marked out by you: the Lord has put a king over you.
So here's the king you have chosen, the one you asked for. Look—the Lord now gives him to you as your king!
Nowe therefore beholde the King whome yee haue chosen, and whome yee haue desired: loe therefore, the Lord hath set a King ouer you.
And, now, lo, the king whom ye have chosen — whom ye have asked! and lo, Jehovah hath placed over you a king.
Now therefore see the king whom you have chosen and whom you have asked for. Behold, the LORD has set a king over you.
Now therefore, behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.
Now therefore your king is here, whom you have chosen and desired: Behold the Lord hath given you a king.
So now, look, here is the king whom you have chosen. You asked for a king, and Yahweh has now appointed a king for you.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 12:13
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 12:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
הִנֵּ֥ה
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בְּחַרְתֶּ֖ם
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
שְׁאֶלְתֶּ֑ם
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
נָתַ֧ן
יְהוָ֛ה
עֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
מֶֽלֶךְ
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּחַרְתֶּ֖ם
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שְׁאֶלְתֶּ֑ם
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
נָתַ֧ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 12:13
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּחַרְתֶּ֖ם
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שְׁאֶלְתֶּ֑ם
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָתַ֧ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
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.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 12:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 12:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 12:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:13
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:13
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:13
Context — Samuel’s Farewell Address
11So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.
12But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.
13Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.
14If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. 15But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 13:11 | So in My anger I gave you a king, and in My wrath I took him away. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 10:24 | Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 8:5 | “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 9:20 | As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?” |
| 5 | Acts 13:21 | Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them forty years under Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin. |
| 6 | Psalms 78:29–31 | So they ate and were well filled, for He gave them what they craved. Yet before they had filled their desire, with the food still in their mouths, God’s anger flared against them, and He put to death their strongest and subdued the young men of Israel. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 11:15 | So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly. |
1 Samuel 12:13 Summary
This verse is saying that the Israelites got the king they asked for, but it's also important to remember that the Lord is the one who really put this king in charge, as stated in 1 Samuel 12:13. This teaches us that even when we make choices or decisions, the Lord is still in control and has a plan, as seen in Proverbs 16:9 and Jeremiah 29:11. We can trust that the Lord knows what's best for us, even if we don't always understand why things happen the way they do, and we can look to verses like Psalm 23:1-4 and Isaiah 40:28 for comfort and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Israelites chose a king for themselves?
The Israelites asked for a king to rule over them, despite the fact that the Lord their God was already their king, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:12, and the Lord granted their request, as stated in 1 Samuel 12:13.
Is having a human king a bad thing?
Having a human king is not inherently bad, as the Lord Himself can appoint and work through human leaders, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:13 and Deuteronomy 17:14-20, but it can become a problem if the people or their leaders start to rely solely on human authority rather than the Lord's guidance.
What is the significance of the phrase 'the Lord has placed a king over you'?
This phrase emphasizes that even though the Israelites chose a king for themselves, it is ultimately the Lord who is in control and has allowed this king to rule over them, as stated in 1 Samuel 12:13, and as seen in other instances where the Lord appoints leaders, such as in Judges 2:16-18 and 1 Samuel 9:15-17.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights the Lord's sovereignty over all things, including the appointment of human leaders, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:13 and other passages like Proverbs 21:1 and Daniel 2:21, demonstrating that even human decisions and actions are under His control and guidance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking human solutions or leaders instead of trusting in the Lord's guidance and sovereignty?
- How can I balance my respect for human authority with my ultimate trust in the Lord's sovereignty, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:13 and Romans 13:1-7?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and submit to the Lord's authority in my life, even when I may not agree with the human leaders or circumstances He has allowed?
- What does it mean for me to 'fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice' in my daily life, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:14, and how can I apply this to my relationships with others and my decisions?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:13
Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired,.... For though God chose their king for them, it was at their request; they chose to have a king, and desired one, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 12:13
Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you. Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen ... the Lord hath set a king over you.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:13
Whom ye have chosen: though God chose him by lot, yet the people are said to choose him; either generally, because they chose that form of government, or particularly, because they approved of God’ s choice, , and confirmed it, . The Lord hath set a king over you; he hath yielded to your inordinate desire.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:13
1 Samuel 12:13 Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, [and] whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.Ver. 13. Behold, the Lord hath set a king over you.] But "in his wrath."
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:13
(13) Now therefore, behold the king whom ye have chosen.—The seer now turns from the story of the past and its sad lessons to the present. “You now have your wish—behold your king. The Eternal has seen fit to grant your petition. His—again pointing to Saul—election rests on the will of the invisible King, whom virtually you have rejected.”
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:13
13. whom ye have desired] Asked, as in 1 Samuel 12:17; 1 Samuel 12:19. The word however is omitted by the Sept., and may possibly be an addition to the original text.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
David - the Fulfiller of God's Will by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unification of the scattered tribes of Israel under the leadership of David. He emphasizes that the people had never been unified in a kin |
|
The Making of a Prophet by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that prophetic ministry is an eternal function rooted in God's divine counsel, not merely a role one can adopt. He illustrates this through the symbolis |
|
Give Us a King! by George Warnock | George Warnock discusses the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy, emphasizing that their desire for a king stemmed from a longing to be like the surrounding nations |
|
The Samuel Company by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson calls for a revival of the 'Samuel Company,' a group of believers who hear God's voice and grieve over the backslidden state of the Church. He emphasizes the need f |
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Los Angeles Conference #4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of the Israelites in the book of Samuel. The Israelites, dissatisfied with Samuel's leadership and the behavior of his sons, demand |
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God's Preparation for Ministry by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of exalting Jesus Christ and proclaiming His message loudly and clearly, without seeking recognition or fame for ourselves or |