1 Samuel 12:21
1 Samuel 12:21 in Multiple Translations
Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty.
And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
and turn ye not aside; for then would ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain.
And do not go from the right way turning to those false gods in which there is no profit and no salvation, for they are false.
Don't worship worthless idols that can't help you or save you, for they are nothing.
Neither turne yee backe: for that shoulde be after vaine things which cannot profite you, nor deliuer you, for they are but vanitie)
and ye do not turn aside after the vain things which do not profit nor deliver, for they [are] vain,
Don’t turn away to go after vain things which can’t profit or deliver, for they are vain.
And turn ye not aside: for then would ye go after vain things , which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
And turn not aside after vain things which shall never profit you, nor deliver you, because they are vain.
Do not abandon Yahweh and worship useless idols. They cannot help you or save you from your enemies, because they are truly useless.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 12:21
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 12:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹ֖א
תָּס֑וּרוּ
כִּ֣י
אַחֲרֵ֣י
הַ/תֹּ֗הוּ
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
לֹֽא
יוֹעִ֛ילוּ
וְ/לֹ֥א
יַצִּ֖ילוּ
כִּי
תֹ֥הוּ
הֵֽמָּה
וְ/לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תָּס֑וּרוּ
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
הַ/תֹּ֗הוּ
tôhûw
H8414
formlessness
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יוֹעִ֛ילוּ
yaʻal
H3276
to gain
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יַצִּ֖ילוּ
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תֹ֥הוּ
tôhûw
H8414
formlessness
N-ms
הֵֽמָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 12:21
וְ/לֹ֖א
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.
תָּס֑וּרוּ
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
כִּ֣י
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.
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
הַ/תֹּ֗הוּ
tôhûw
H8414
"formlessness"
Art | N-ms
Tohuw describes a desolate or empty place, like a wilderness or wasteland. It can also mean something is worthless or unreal, like an idol.
Definition: 1) formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness 1a) formlessness (of primeval earth) 1a1) nothingness, empty space 1b) that which is empty or unreal (of idols) (fig) 1c) wasteland, wilderness (of solitary places) 1d) place of chaos 1e) vanity
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: confusion, empty place, without form, nothing, (thing of) nought, vain, vanity, waste, wilderness. See also: Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 107:40.
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
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.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
יוֹעִ֛ילוּ
yaʻal
H3276
"to gain"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to gain or ascend, and can also mean to be valuable or beneficial. It is used in various forms in the Bible to convey the idea of profit or advantage.
Definition: (Hiphil) to gain, profit, benefit, avail
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, set forward, can do good, (be, have) profit, (able). See also: 1 Samuel 12:21; Isaiah 44:10; Proverbs 10:2.
וְ/לֹ֥א
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.
יַצִּ֖ילוּ
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
כִּי
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.
תֹ֥הוּ
tôhûw
H8414
"formlessness"
N-ms
Tohuw describes a desolate or empty place, like a wilderness or wasteland. It can also mean something is worthless or unreal, like an idol.
Definition: 1) formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness 1a) formlessness (of primeval earth) 1a1) nothingness, empty space 1b) that which is empty or unreal (of idols) (fig) 1c) wasteland, wilderness (of solitary places) 1d) place of chaos 1e) vanity
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: confusion, empty place, without form, nothing, (thing of) nought, vain, vanity, waste, wilderness. See also: Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 107:40.
הֵֽמָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 12:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 12:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:21
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:21
Context — Samuel’s Farewell Address
19They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.”
20“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
21Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty.
22Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. 23As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 2:18 | What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 10:15 | They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment they will perish. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 16:19 | O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 11:16 | But be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside to worship and bow down to other gods, |
| 5 | Jeremiah 14:22 | Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things. |
| 6 | Isaiah 46:7 | They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 8:4 | So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. |
| 8 | Isaiah 45:20 | Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save. |
| 9 | Isaiah 44:9–10 | All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? |
| 10 | Jeremiah 2:13 | “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water. |
1 Samuel 12:21 Summary
This verse is warning us not to chase after things that seem important but are actually empty and cannot help us. These 'worthless things' might be idols, bad habits, or unhealthy relationships. We need to remember that only God can truly deliver and fulfill us, as seen in Psalm 34:8-10. By keeping our focus on Him and serving Him with all our heart, we can avoid turning aside after worthless things and find true profit and deliverance (as encouraged in Matthew 6:33 and John 10:10).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 'worthless things' mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:21?
The 'worthless things' refer to idols, false gods, and anything that takes our focus away from the one true God, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 13:6-10.
Why are these 'worthless things' empty?
They are empty because they cannot provide true fulfillment, salvation, or deliverance, as stated in Isaiah 44:9-20 and Jeremiah 2:13, which emphasizes the futility of idol worship.
How can we avoid turning aside after worthless things?
We can avoid turning aside by serving the Lord with all our heart, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:20, and by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:2.
What is the consequence of turning aside after worthless things?
The consequence is that we will not find true profit or deliverance, and we will be left empty and unfulfilled, as warned in Jeremiah 2:13 and Psalm 16:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'worthless things' in my life that I need to turn away from, and how can I replace them with a focus on God?
- In what ways can I serve the Lord with all my heart, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:20, to avoid turning aside after worthless things?
- How can I remind myself daily that idols and false gods are empty and cannot provide true fulfillment, and what scriptures can I use to support this truth?
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking deliverance or profit from sources other than God, and how can I shift my focus to Him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:21
And turn ye not aside,.... From his worship: for then; if they turned aside from that: should ye go after vain things; idols, which are vanity, and less than vanity: which cannot profit nor deliver;
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:21
Turn ye not aside, to wit, after idols; as they had often done before; and, notwithstanding this warning, did afterwards. Should ye go, or, should ye turn aside; which words are easily to be understood out of the foregoing branch, such ellipses being most frequent in Scripture, as . Vain things; so idols are called, , and so they are, being mere nothings, , having no divinity nor power in them; no influence upon us, nor use or benefit to us. Which cannot profit nor deliver, i.e. which will not only be unprofitable, but highly pernicious to you; the contrary affirmative being understood under the negative, as .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:21
1 Samuel 12:21 And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain.Ver. 21. And turn ye not aside.] To idols, or other of the devil’ s anodynes, as music, merry company, multiplicity of worldly business, or the like. This is but to imitate the wounded deer, which frisketh about, but hath the deadly arrow sticking in his side.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:21
(21) For then should ye go after vain things.—The passage is more forcible without the “for” and the words in italics supplied in the English translation. The verse without it would run thus: “Turn ye not aside after vain things which cannot profit,” &c. Singularly enough, not one of the ancient versions translate the Hebrew ki, “for”: they all omit it. It is therefore clear that this “for” has, through some copyist’s error, got into the text since the versions were made.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:21
Verse 21. After vain things] That is, idols; which he calls here התהו hattohu, the same expression found Genesis 1:2. The earth was תהו tohu; it was waste, empty, and formless: so idols; they are confusion, and things of naught, for an idol is nothing in the world-it is not the representative of any intelligent being.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:21
21. for then should ye go after vain things] The word “for” necessitates the insertion of a verb to complete the sentence. But it is expressed in none of the ancient versions, and the sense gains by its omission. Translate: “And ye shall not turn aside after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver.” “Vain things” are false gods and idols, Heb. tôhû, literally emptiness. The same word is applied to them in Isaiah 41:29 (E. V. confusion), and to idol-makers in Isaiah 44:9. Cp. 1 Corinthians 8:4.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) Great Things God Has Done for Us by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who calls the police after seeing a car in the surf through his telescope. The police rush to the scene but find nothing. The |
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Vision #2 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking God's word seriously and living out the visions He gives us. The example of Abraham is used to illustrate this poin |
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Epistle 85 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of following the light of Christ to find rest and witness the new covenant, where personal teaching from man is not needed. He urges listeners |
|
Spiritual Deception by Darwin Hostetler | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his rebellious youth and the deception he fell into, thinking that the world had something to offer that God didn't. He warns young people a |
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The Source of Elijah's Strength by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Elijah's strength came not from his surroundings or inherent qualities, but from his unwavering faith in Jehovah, who he recognized as the living God. De |
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Pentecostal Homes by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp preaches about the importance of Pentecostal influences in molding faithful, loving, harmonious, believing, fruitful, obedient, kind, and hospitable homes. He emphasiz |
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Worship and Witness by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the sower from the eighth chapter of the gospel of Luke. He emphasizes the contrast between those who receive the word of God |