1 Samuel 12:22
1 Samuel 12:22 in Multiple Translations
Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.
For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
For Jehovah will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake, because it hath pleased Jehovah to make you a people unto himself.
For the Lord will not give his people up, because of the honour of his name; for it was the Lord's pleasure to make of you a people for himself.
The fact is because of the kind of person the Lord is, he won't give up on his people, because he was happy to claim you as his own.
For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great Names sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.
for Jehovah doth not leave His people, on account of His great name; for Jehovah hath been pleased to make you to Him for a people.
For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself.
For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
And the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because the Lord hath sworn to make you his people.
Yahweh decided to make us his people. So he will not abandon us people whom he has chosen, because he would injure his own reputation of being completely faithful if he did that.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 12:22
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 12:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֠י
לֹֽא
יִטֹּ֤שׁ
יְהוָה֙
אֶת
עַמּ֔/וֹ
בַּ/עֲב֖וּר
שְׁמ֣/וֹ
הַ/גָּד֑וֹל
כִּ֚י
הוֹאִ֣יל
יְהוָ֔ה
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
אֶתְ/כֶ֛ם
ל֖/וֹ
לְ/עָֽם
כִּ֠י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִטֹּ֤שׁ
nâṭash
H5203
to leave
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַמּ֔/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
בַּ/עֲב֖וּר
ʻâbûwr
H5668
for the sake of
Prep | N-ms
שְׁמ֣/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
הַ/גָּד֑וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הוֹאִ֣יל
yâʼal
H2974
be willing
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶתְ/כֶ֛ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לְ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 12:22
כִּ֠י
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.
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.
יִטֹּ֤שׁ
nâṭash
H5203
"to leave"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To leave or forsake something, like God forsaking his people in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to permit or let something happen. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's relationship with his people.
Definition: 1) to leave, permit, forsake, cast off or away, reject, suffer, join, spread out or abroad, be loosed, cease, abandon, quit, hang loose, cast down, make a raid, lie fallow, let fall, forgo, draw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to leave, let alone, lie fallow, entrust to 1a2) to forsake, abandon 1a3) to permit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be forsaken 1b2) to be loosened, be loose 1b3) to be let go, spread abroad 1c) (Pual) to be abandoned, be deserted
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: cast off, drawn, let fall, forsake, join (battle), leave (off), lie still, loose, spread (self) abroad, stretch out, suffer. See also: Genesis 31:28; Psalms 78:60; Psalms 27:9.
יְהוָה֙
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.
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.
עַמּ֔/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
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.
בַּ/עֲב֖וּר
ʻâbûwr
H5668
"for the sake of"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means for the sake of or because of something, like in Genesis when God acts on account of his people's needs. It shows a reason or purpose behind an action. The KJV often translates it as because of or for someone's sake.
Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.
שְׁמ֣/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הַ/גָּד֑וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
כִּ֚י
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.
הוֹאִ֣יל
yâʼal
H2974
"be willing"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To be willing or undertake something is the meaning of this word. It involves agreeing to or showing willingness to do something, like accepting an invitation or resolving to take action.
Definition: 1) to begin, make a beginning, show willingness, undertake to do, be pleased, be determined 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to agree to, show willingness, acquiesce, accept an invitation, be willing 1a2) to undertake 1a3) to resolve, be pleased, be determined
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: assay, begin, be content, please, take upon, [idiom] willingly, would. See also: Genesis 18:27; Judges 19:6; Hosea 5:11.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֶתְ/כֶ֛ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 12:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 12:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:22
Context — Samuel’s Farewell Address
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. 24Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 7:7–8 | The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 14:2 | for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. |
| 3 | Psalms 106:8 | Yet He saved them for the sake of His name, to make His power known. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 6:13 | And I will dwell among the Israelites and will not abandon My people Israel.” |
| 5 | Philippians 1:6 | being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 14:21 | For the sake of Your name do not despise us; do not disgrace Your glorious throne. Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it. |
| 7 | Romans 11:29 | For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. |
| 8 | Joshua 7:9 | When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?” |
| 9 | Lamentations 3:31–32 | For the Lord will not cast us off forever. Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion. |
| 10 | Ephesians 1:12 | in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory. |
1 Samuel 12:22 Summary
This verse means that God will always take care of His people because it's important to Him and His reputation. He chose us to be His own and will not leave us, even when we make mistakes. This is because God loves us and wants to have a special relationship with us, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8. We can trust in God's faithfulness and love for us, and remember that He will always be with us and work for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God will not abandon His people for the sake of His great name?
This means that God's reputation and character are at stake in His relationship with His people, and He will not abandon them because it would reflect poorly on His name, as seen in Ezekiel 36:22-23, where God says He will act for the sake of His holy name.
Why did God make the Israelites His own people?
God chose the Israelites to be His own people because He loved them and wanted to have a special relationship with them, as stated in Deuteronomy 7:6-8, where it says God set His love on them and chose them to be His treasured possession.
Does this verse mean that God will never judge or discipline His people?
No, this verse does not mean that God will never judge or discipline His people, but rather that He will not completely abandon them, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11, where it talks about God disciplining those He loves.
How can we apply this verse to our lives today?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's faithfulness and love for us, and by remembering that He will always be with us and work for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28, where it says God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to me that God will not abandon me for the sake of His great name?
- How can I trust in God's faithfulness and love for me, even when I feel like I've failed or made mistakes?
- What are some ways that I can reflect God's great name in my own life and relationships?
- How can I remember and celebrate the fact that God has made me His own, and what are the implications of this for my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:22
For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
For his great name’ s sake, i.e. for his own honour, which would seem to suffer much among men, if he should not preserve and deliver people in eminent dangers; as if he were grown feeble, or forgetful, or inconstant, or unfaithful, or regardless of human affairs, or unkind to those who own and worship him, when all the rest of the world forsake him. Hence this argument hath been oft pleaded with God, not without good success, as , &c. And this reason God here allegeth to take them off from all conceit of their own merit; and to assure them, that if they did truly repent of all their sins, and served God with all their heart, which is here supposed, yet even in that case their salvation would not be due to their merits, but only the effect of God’ s free mercy. It hath pleased the Lord, to wit, out of his own free grace, without any desert of yours, as he saith, 9:5; and therefore he will not easily forsake you, except you thrust him away.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
1 Samuel 12:22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’ s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.Ver. 22. For the Lord will not forsake his people.] Whatever the devil and your own misgiving hearts may suggest to the contrary: as it is ordinary with men to measure God according to their own models, and to think that he should deal by them, as they have done by him. But he is God and not man, yea, there is no God like him for pardoning of sins of all sorts and sizes. For his great name’ s sake,] i.e., For his honour’ s sake, which he mainly respecteth in all his actions: there being none higher than himself to whom to have respect. Because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.] He chose you for his love; and he still loveth you for his choice. Go home to him, therefore, again, and he will receive you. As when man and wife drop out, they consider they must live together, and therefore they piece again: so should it be betwixt God and his people.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
(22) It hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.—The simple doctrine of election—as far as we can see, based alone on the arbitrary will of God (though, no doubt, unseen by us, deep reasons exist for every seemingly arbitrary choice)—is here enunciated. The analogy of every-day life teaches the same truth. “He maketh one vessel to honour and another to dishonour.” These things are to us inscrutable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
Verse 22. The Lord will not forsake his people] He will not as yet cast you off, though you have deserved it. His purpose in preserving them in their land and religion was not yet accomplished. It was not however for their sake that he would not cast them off, but for his own great name's sake. He drew his reasons from himself.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:22
22. for his great name’s sake] Lest He should seem in the eyes of the heathen not to be such as He declares Himself to be, Almighty, True, Faithful. Compare the use of this plea by Moses (Exodus 32:12; Numbers 14:13 ff.), and Joshua (Joshua 7:9). See also Romans 11:1-2. it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people] God’s free choice of Israel to be his people is dwelt upon at length in Deuteronomy 7:6-11.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:22
22. For his great name’s sake — Jehovah is jealous of his glory; and all its sublime manifestations in defence of his people he could not well forget.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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I Samuel 12:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the sin of prayerlessness, highlighting how it is a reproach to God who invites us to fellowship with Him. He explains that neglecting prayer hinders God's w |
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He Constantly Abides by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God's unwavering commitment to His people is rooted in His choice and love for them, as stated in 1 Samuel 12:22. He explains that God's election is n |
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The Lord Will Not Forsake His People by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God's unwavering commitment to His people is rooted in His character and great Name. He argues that God's decision to save us was made with full knowledg |
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Our Daily Homily - 1 Samuel by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative power of pouring out one's soul to God, as exemplified by Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel. He illustrates how this act of surrender leads to di |
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Humility and the Fear of the Lord by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of humility and the fear of the Lord, emphasizing that these qualities lead to riches, honor, life, and wisdom. Humility is acknowledging ou |
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Continue by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of abiding in the love of Christ, emphasizing that continuing in His love is different from focusing on our love for Him. The Spirit encourages |
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Amos 3:2 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that God chose Israel not for their merit but out of love, establishing a unique relationship with them to reveal His plan of redemption. He explains that tr |