1 Samuel 12:23
1 Samuel 12:23 in Multiple Translations
As 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.
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
And as for me, never will I go against the orders of the Lord by giving up my prayers for you: but I will go on teaching you the good and right way.
As for me, how could I sin against the Lord by no longer praying for you? I will also continue to teach you the way of goodness and right.
Moreouer God forbid, that I should sinne against the Lord, and cease praying for you, but I will shewe you the good and right way.
'I, also, far be it from me to sin against Jehovah, by ceasing to pray for you, and I have directed you in the good and upright way;
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
Moreover as for me, Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
And far from me be this sin against the Lord, that I should cease to pray for you, and I will teach you the good and right way.
But as for me, I have solemnly promised that I will not sin against Yahweh by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you what things are good and right for you to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 12:23
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 12:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּ֣ם
אָנֹכִ֗י
חָלִ֤ילָ/ה
לִּ/י֙
מֵ/חֲטֹ֣א
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
מֵ/חֲדֹ֖ל
לְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
בַּעַדְ/כֶ֑ם
וְ/הוֹרֵיתִ֣י
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
בְּ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
הַ/טּוֹבָ֖ה
וְ/הַ/יְשָׁרָֽה
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אָנֹכִ֗י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
חָלִ֤ילָ/ה
châlîylâh
H2486
forbid
Part | Suff
לִּ/י֙
Prep | Suff
מֵ/חֲטֹ֣א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
מֵ/חֲדֹ֖ל
châdal
H2308
to cease
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
בַּעַדְ/כֶ֑ם
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep | Suff
וְ/הוֹרֵיתִ֣י
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
הַ/טּוֹבָ֖ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
וְ/הַ/יְשָׁרָֽה
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Conj | Art | Adj
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 12:23
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אָנֹכִ֗י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
חָלִ֤ילָ/ה
châlîylâh
H2486
"forbid"
Part | Suff
This Hebrew word means to forbid or express strong disapproval, like saying 'God forbid' in shock or disgust, as seen in the Bible when someone wants to express a strong negative reaction.
Definition: far be it (from me), God forbid that, let it not be
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: be far, ([idiom] God) forbid. See also: Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 20:9; Job 34:10.
לִּ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
מֵ/חֲטֹ֣א
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
מֵ/חֲדֹ֖ל
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
לְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.
Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.
בַּעַדְ/כֶ֑ם
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep | Suff
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
וְ/הוֹרֵיתִ֣י
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
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.
בְּ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הַ/טּוֹבָ֖ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/הַ/יְשָׁרָֽה
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Conj | Art | Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 12:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 12:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:23
Context — Samuel’s Farewell Address
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. 25But if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 1:9 | For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, |
| 2 | Romans 1:9 | God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you |
| 3 | 2 Timothy 1:3 | I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers. |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 3:10 | Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking from your faith. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 8:36 | then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance. |
| 6 | Acts 12:5 | So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him. |
| 7 | Psalms 34:11 | Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 6:16 | This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ |
| 9 | Colossians 1:28 | We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 6:27 | then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance. |
1 Samuel 12:23 Summary
[This verse, 1 Samuel 12:23, shows us that Samuel, a faithful leader, promised to keep praying for the people and teaching them what is right, because he loved and obeyed God, similar to the example of Jesus in Matthew 9:38. He did not want to sin against God by stopping his prayers for them. We can learn from Samuel's example to always pray for others and seek God's guidance, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6. By doing so, we can trust that God will work in their lives, just as He promised in Jeremiah 29:11, and help them to follow His good and right way.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Samuel saying 'far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD' in this verse?
Samuel is expressing his commitment to obey God and not sin against Him by ceasing to pray for the people, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:23, which reflects his heart of obedience and faithfulness to God, similar to the attitude expressed in Psalm 51:4.
Why is it important for Samuel to continue teaching the people 'the good and right way'?
Samuel's role as a leader and prophet is not only to pray for the people but also to guide them in the ways of the Lord, as instructed in Deuteronomy 4:10, and to teach them the difference between good and evil, as seen in Isaiah 5:20.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership?
This verse highlights the importance of spiritual leaders, like Samuel, who are committed to praying for and teaching their people, as seen in Acts 6:4, where the apostles dedicated themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.
What can we learn from Samuel's example in this verse about our own prayer life?
We can learn the importance of perseverance in prayer and not giving up on praying for others, as encouraged in Luke 18:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17, and to trust in God's faithfulness to answer our prayers, as promised in Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply Samuel's commitment to prayer in my own life, especially when it comes to praying for others?
- How can I, like Samuel, balance the role of praying for others with teaching them the ways of the Lord?
- In what ways can I trust God to work in the lives of those I pray for, just as Samuel trusted God to work in the lives of the Israelites?
- What are some 'worthless things' in my life that I need to turn away from, as warned in 1 Samuel 12:21, in order to focus on praying and seeking God's will?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:23
Moreover, as for me,.... As he had given them reason to believe that God would forgive their sin, by which they had offended him, rejecting him as their King, so he likewise forgave their offence
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
Think not that because you have so highly disobliged and rejected me, that I will revenge myself by neglecting to pray for you, or by praying against you, as I have now done for your conviction and humiliation, and so for your preservation; I am sensible it is my duty, as I am a man, a Israelite, a minister, a prophet, to pray for you. But I will teach you, Heb. and I will, &c., i.e. I will not only pray for you, which is one branch of my duty; but will also teach and instruct you, which is the other branch of it. And though you have cast me off from being your judge and ruler, yet I will not cease to be your instructer and monitor, to keep you from sin and destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Ver. 23. In ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you.] I will faithfully perform the office of a prophet in preaching unto you, and praying for you. See Deuteronomy 33:18 Acts 6:4. Whether a minister shall do more good to others by his prayers or preaching, I will not determine, saith one; but he shall certainly by his prayers reap more comfort to himself. Dr Tho. Taylor’ s Saints’ Progr., p. 172.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
(23) Moreover, as for me.—“In this he sets a glorious example to all rulers, showing them that they should not be led astray by the ingratitude of their subordinates or subjects; and give up on that account all interest in their welfare, but should rather persevere all the more in their anxiety for them.”—Berleb. Bible, quoted in Lange. Moses and Samuel, wrote S. Gregory, are especially brought forward by the Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:1) as having extraordinary power with Him, and why? because they prayed for their enemies. Samuel’s impassioned answer when the Elders asked his prayers, “Pray for you!” God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you.—The old man felt that in the future, although his powers as Judge were not abrogated yet, there would be, comparatively speaking, save on special occasions, but little opportunity for their exercise. In the presence of the regular authority of a king surrounded by armed men, such authority as he had wielded as Judge over the hearts of Israel must fall into abeyance. But one, and that a still higher office, still remained to him untouched by the great constitutional change that had passed over Israel—that of prophet. In this sphere, while he lived, he said he would work ceaselessly on; and the words he used on this solemn occasion tell out to all ages that the true function of the prophet or the preacher of the Eternal is to teach the people the good and the right way; and Samuel’s own life of brave self-denial and noble self-effacement showed men that this teaching must be pressed home by something more than mere words. “Only a Samuel could thus quit office, proudly challenging all to convict him of one single injustice in his past career; and by the act of resignation gaining, not losing, greatness. No longer judge and ruler, but simple prophet, he is able now to discourse with greater freedom of the monarchy about to be introduced, and he seizes the moment to cast a more distant glance into all the past and future of the community.”—Ewald: History of Israel, Book III., 1-3.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
Verse 23. God forbid that I should sin] They had earnestly begged him, 1 Samuel 12:19, to pray to God for them, that they might not die; and he tells them that he should consider himself a sinner, should he cease to be their intercessor. But I will teach you the good and the right way] I will show you, as long as I am with you, what true religion is; it is the way to happiness and heaven. It is right-there is no crookedness in it; it is good - there is no evil in it.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:23
23. God forbid that I should sin… in ceasing to pray for you — What a grandeur and sublime excellency of character and heart is indicated by this declaration!
Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Sin of Prayerlessness by Raymond Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the audience's attention and asks how many couples are present. He emphasizes the need for a strong anchor in the fa |
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Prayer by Hugh Morrison | This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving attention to prayer in ministry, highlighting the example of the early church in Acts chapter 6. It challenges listeners to adjust t |
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Ebenezer - Part 2 by Ric Vargas | Ric Vargas emphasizes the journey of spiritual development and maturity, using the concept of Ebenezer as a reminder that God can lead us from a place of struggle to a place of est |
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The Sin of Not Praying for Others by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical duty of praying for others, illustrating that neglecting this responsibility is a sin against God. He reflects on Samuel's commitment to interce |
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Prayer--Its Possibilities (Continued) 1 by E.M. Bounds | E.M. Bounds emphasizes the immense possibilities of prayer, illustrating its necessity and power through biblical examples, particularly the prayers of Solomon, Samuel, and Jacob. |
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Commentary Notes - I Samuel by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the Book of I Samuel, highlighting the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy through the rise and fall of King Saul. The key theme of the |
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Prayer by W.H. Griffith Thomas | W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of prayer as the pure atmosphere necessary for a healthy spiritual life, just like food is essential for the body. He delves into the |