1 Samuel 13:20
1 Samuel 13:20 in Multiple Translations
Instead, all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles.
But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.
but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock;
But all the Israelites had to go to the Philistines to get their ploughs and blades and axes and hooks made sharp;
All the Israelites had to go to the Philistines to sharpen their iron plowshares, pickaxes, axes, and sickles.
Wherefore all ye Israelites went downe to the Philistims, to sharpen euery man his share, his mattocke, and his axe, and his weeding hooke.
and all Israel go down to the Philistines, to sharpen each his ploughshare, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock;
but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, each man to sharpen his own plowshare, mattock, ax, and sickle.
But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his colter, and his ax, and his mattock.
So all Israel went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his ploughshare, and his spade, and his axe, and his rake.
So whenever the Israelis needed to sharpen the blades of their plows, or picks, or axes, or sickles, they were forced to take those things to a Philistia man who could sharpen those things.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 13:20
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 13:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּרְד֥וּ
כָל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
לִ֠/לְטוֹשׁ
אִ֣ישׁ
אֶת
מַחֲרַשְׁתּ֤/וֹ
וְ/אֶת
אֵת/וֹ֙
וְ/אֶת
קַרְדֻּמּ֔/וֹ
וְ/אֵ֖ת
מַחֲרֵשָׁתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֵּרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Art | Ngmpa
לִ֠/לְטוֹשׁ
lâṭash
H3913
to sharpen
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַחֲרַשְׁתּ֤/וֹ
machăresheth
H4282
share
N-fs | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אֵת/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H855
plowshare
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
קַרְדֻּמּ֔/וֹ
qardôm
H7134
axe
N-cs | Suff
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מַחֲרֵשָׁתֽ/וֹ
machărêshâh
H4281
plowshare
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 13:20
וַ/יֵּרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Art | Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
לִ֠/לְטוֹשׁ
lâṭash
H3913
"to sharpen"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To sharpen means to hammer out an edge, making something sharper or more effective, as seen in the whetting of a sword. This concept appears in various forms, including instruction and refinement.
Definition: 1) to sharpen, hammer, whet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hammer 1a2) to sharpen (sword) 1a3) hammerer (participle) 1b) (Pual) to be sharpened
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: instructer, sharp(-en), whet. See also: Genesis 4:22; Job 16:9; Psalms 7:13.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
מַחֲרַשְׁתּ֤/וֹ
machăresheth
H4282
"share"
N-fs | Suff
This word means a share or part of something, like a portion of land or a tool. It is related to farming and agriculture, similar to the previous word. The word is used in a few places in the Bible, including 1 Samuel 13:20 and 1 Samuel 13:21.
Definition: plough share
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: share. See also: 1 Samuel 13:20.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
אֵת/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H855
"plowshare"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a plowshare, a tool used for digging and farming. It is used in books like 1 Samuel and Isaiah to describe farming and agriculture.
Definition: ploughshare
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: coulter, plowshare. See also: 1 Samuel 13:20; Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
קַרְדֻּמּ֔/וֹ
qardôm
H7134
"axe"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means an axe, a tool used for chopping. It is mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy. The word is used to describe a common object.
Definition: axe
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: ax. See also: Judges 9:48; 1 Samuel 13:21; Psalms 74:5.
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
מַחֲרֵשָׁתֽ/וֹ
machărêshâh
H4281
"plowshare"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a farming tool like a pick-axe or plowshare, used to break up the soil. It appears in 1 Kings 19:21 and Luke 9:62, where Elisha and a would-be follower of Jesus leave their farming work. The word is associated with manual labor and everyday life.
Definition: plowshare
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: mattock. See also: 1 Samuel 13:20; 1 Samuel 13:21.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 13:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 13:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:20
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
Context — Israel without Weapons
18another toward Beth-horon, and the third down the border road overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the wilderness.
19And no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “The Hebrews must not be allowed to make swords or spears.”
20Instead, all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles.
21The charge was a pim for sharpening a plowshare or mattock, a third of a shekel for sharpening a pitchfork or an axe, and a third of a shekel for repointing an oxgoad. 22So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.1 Samuel 13:20 Summary
This verse means that the Israelites had to go to their enemies, the Philistines, just to sharpen their tools like plowshares and axes, because the Philistines had taken away their ability to make or fix their own tools, as stated in 1 Samuel 13:19. This shows how much the Israelites were under the control of the Philistines, and it reminds us that we should always trust in God to provide for our needs, rather than relying on others, as seen in Psalm 34:10. Just like the Israelites needed sharp tools to work and survive, we need God's help and guidance to navigate our daily lives, and we can find comfort in knowing that God will provide for us, as promised in Matthew 6:33.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites have to go to the Philistines to sharpen their tools?
The Israelites had to go to the Philistines to sharpen their tools because the Philistines had taken control of the blacksmiths in the land, as stated in 1 Samuel 13:19, in an effort to prevent the Israelites from making swords or spears, and as a result, there were no blacksmiths left in Israel to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles.
What does this verse reveal about the relationship between the Israelites and the Philistines?
This verse reveals that the Israelites were under the control and oppression of the Philistines, as they had to rely on them for even the simplest of tasks like sharpening their tools, similar to the situation described in Judges 3:1-2 where the Israelites were oppressed by their enemies.
How does this verse relate to the idea of being dependent on others for survival?
This verse highlights the Israelites' dependence on the Philistines for their daily needs, which is reminiscent of the Israelites' dependence on God for their survival in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 16:1-36, and serves as a reminder that our ultimate dependence should be on God, as stated in Psalm 121:2.
What can we learn from the Israelites' situation in this verse?
We can learn that when we are under oppression or faced with difficulties, we should turn to God for help and guidance, rather than relying solely on our own strength or the help of others, as seen in Psalm 50:15, which says to call upon God in the day of trouble.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am relying on others for survival, and how can I shift my dependence to God?
- How can I apply the principle of dependence on God in my daily life, just as the Israelites were supposed to depend on Him for their survival?
- What are some 'tools' in my life that need 'sharpening', and how can I seek God's help in sharpening them?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for my needs, even when it seems like I am under oppression or faced with difficulties?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:20
But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines,.... Were obliged to go into Palestine, into some one or other of the cities of the Philistines, or to their garrisons, where the trade of a smith
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:20
But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
To the Philistines; not to the land of the Philistines, for it is not said so, and that was too remote; but to the stations and garrisons which the Philistines yet retained in several parts of Israel’ s land, though Samuel’ s authority had so far overawed them, that they durst not give the Israelites much disturbance. In these, therefore, the Philistines kept all the smiths, and here they allowed them the exercise of their art for the uses here following.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
1 Samuel 13:20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.Ver. 20. But all the Israelites went down.] Which many of them could not do, without much trouble and expense of time. See into what straits sinful people plunge themselves!
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
(20) To sharpen every man his share, and his coulter.—Porsenna, we read, in the time of the wars of the Republic, allowed the Romans iron implements for agriculture only. Coulter.—In Isaiah 2:4, Joe 3:10, this word is rendered “ploughshares “; so most of the older versions. We cannot now with any precision distinguish between these two implements of tillage. And his mattock.—Jerome renders the Hebrew word here by “hoe” (sarculum). It was probably a kind of heavy hoe, used for turning up the ground.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
Verse 20. But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines] We find from this that they did not grant them as much as Porsenna did to the Romans; he permitted the people to manufacture the implements of husbandry.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:20
20. to sharpen] The word signifies “to sharpen by forging.” his share, &c.] The agricultural implements mentioned cannot be identified with any certainty. The words rendered “share” and “mattock” are derived from the same root meaning to cut, and are almost identical in form. That rendered “coulter” is elsewhere translated “plow-share” (Isaiah 2:4, &c.).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:20
The best rendering of the passage is perhaps as follows: “But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen etc.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:20
20. Share… mattock — It is hardly possible to determine the real meaning of the Hebrew words thus translated here.