1 Samuel 13:21
1 Samuel 13:21 in Multiple Translations
The 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.
Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.
yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads.
For they had instruments for putting an edge on their ploughs and blades and forks and axes, and for putting iron points on their ox-driving rods.
The fee was two-thirds of a shekel for plowshares and pickaxes, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and cattle prods.
Yet they had a file for the shares, and for the mattockes, and for the picke forkes, and for the axes, and for to sharpen the goades.
and there hath been the file for mattocks, and for coulters, and for three-pronged rakes, and for the axes, and to set up the goads.
The price was one payim each to sharpen mattocks, plowshares, pitchforks, axes, and goads.
Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the colters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.
So that their shares, and their spades, and their forks, and their axes were blunt, even to the goad, which was to be mended.
They needed to pay ◄one fourth of an ounce/8 grams► of silver for sharpening a plow, and ◄an eighth of an ounce/4 grams► of silver to sharpen an axe, or a sickle, or ◄an ox goad/a pointed rod to jab an ox to make it walk►.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 13:21
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 13:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְֽ/הָיְתָ֞ה
הַ/פְּצִ֣ירָה
פִ֗ים
לַ/מַּֽחֲרֵשֹׁת֙
וְ/לָ֣/אֵתִ֔ים
וְ/לִ/שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
קִלְּשׁ֖וֹן
וּ/לְ/הַ/קַּרְדֻּמִּ֑ים
וּ/לְ/הַצִּ֖יב
הַ/דָּרְבָֽן
וְֽ/הָיְתָ֞ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
הַ/פְּצִ֣ירָה
pᵉtsîyrâh
H6477
bluntness
Art | N-fs
פִ֗ים
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
לַ/מַּֽחֲרֵשֹׁת֙
machărêshâh
H4281
plowshare
Prep | N-fp
וְ/לָ֣/אֵתִ֔ים
ʼêth
H855
plowshare
Conj | Prep | N-mp
וְ/לִ/שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Conj | Prep | Adj
קִלְּשׁ֖וֹן
qillᵉshôwn
H7053
fork
N-ms
וּ/לְ/הַ/קַּרְדֻּמִּ֑ים
qardôm
H7134
axe
Conj | Prep | Art | N-cp
וּ/לְ/הַצִּ֖יב
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
הַ/דָּרְבָֽן
dorbôwn
H1861
goad
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 13:21
וְֽ/הָיְתָ֞ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/פְּצִ֣ירָה
pᵉtsîyrâh
H6477
"bluntness"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word has an uncertain meaning, but may refer to bluntness or dullness, possibly related to a tool or object. It appears in the King James Version in a phrase related to a file or sharpening tool.
Definition: 1) price, charge 1a) meaning uncertain 1b) perhaps (CLBL) sharpening or (BDB) bluntness
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] file. See also: 1 Samuel 13:21.
פִ֗ים
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
לַ/מַּֽחֲרֵשֹׁת֙
machărêshâh
H4281
"plowshare"
Prep | N-fp
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.
וְ/לָ֣/אֵתִ֔ים
ʼêth
H855
"plowshare"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
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/לִ/שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Conj | Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
קִלְּשׁ֖וֹן
qillᵉshôwn
H7053
"fork"
N-ms
A fork is a farming tool with multiple prongs, used to lift or pitch hay. It appears in the Bible as a simple, everyday item. The word is used to describe a common object in ancient Israelite life.
Definition: 1) forks, three-pronged pitchfork, goad 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: fork. See also: 1 Samuel 13:21.
וּ/לְ/הַ/קַּרְדֻּמִּ֑ים
qardôm
H7134
"axe"
Conj | Prep | Art | N-cp
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.
וּ/לְ/הַצִּ֖יב
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
הַ/דָּרְבָֽן
dorbôwn
H1861
"goad"
Art | N-cs
A goad is a sharp stick used to guide animals, and this Hebrew word refers to that tool. In ancient times, it was used to direct or control the movement of animals. The word appears in the Bible as a common farming instrument.
Definition: goad Also means: dar.vo.nah (דָּֽרְבֹנָה "goad" H1861B)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: goad. See also: 1 Samuel 13:21; Ecclesiastes 12:11.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 13:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 13:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
Context — Israel without Weapons
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. 23And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash.1 Samuel 13:21 Summary
This verse, 1 Samuel 13:21, describes how the Israelites had to pay the Philistines to sharpen their tools, like plowshares and axes, because they weren't allowed to have their own blacksmiths. This shows how the Philistines were in control and the Israelites were oppressed, much like the Israelites were in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 1:14. The prices they paid, such as a pim for sharpening, might seem small to us, but they were significant to the Israelites, who were already struggling. This situation reminds us of the importance of trusting in God, even when we feel powerless or oppressed, and looking to examples like Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14:1-15, who trusted God for victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the prices mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:21?
The prices mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:21, such as a pim for sharpening a plowshare or mattock, give us an idea of the economic conditions of the time and how the Philistines were taking advantage of the Israelites by charging them for basic services, much like the Egyptians did in Exodus 1:14. This exploitation is a reminder of the Israelites' oppression and their need for deliverance.
What is a pim, and how much is it worth?
A pim is an ancient unit of currency or weight, and its exact value is not certain, but it is believed to be a small amount, similar to a fraction of a shekel, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:21. For context, in 2 Samuel 14:26, a certain weight of hair is measured in shekels, giving us a sense of the relative value of these units.
Why were the Israelites paying the Philistines to sharpen their tools?
The Israelites were paying the Philistines to sharpen their tools because, as stated in 1 Samuel 13:19-20, the Philistines had prohibited the Israelites from having blacksmiths, thereby controlling their ability to manufacture or repair weapons and essential tools, forcing them to rely on the Philistines for these services.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Israelites and the Philistines?
This verse highlights the Israelites' vulnerability and dependence on the Philistines, which is a key aspect of the story in 1 Samuel 13, and sets the stage for the events that follow, including the bravery of Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14:1-15 and the ultimate defeat of the Philistines with God's help, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:10 and 1 Samuel 14:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being 'charged' or taken advantage of, and how can I seek God's deliverance?
- How can I, like the Israelites, find myself in a situation where I'm forced to rely on others for basic needs, and what does this reveal about my trust in God?
- In what ways am I, like the Philistines, exploiting or taking advantage of others, and what steps can I take to repent and change my behavior?
- How can I use my resources and abilities to serve others, rather than exploiting them, and what biblical examples can guide me in this?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:21
Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes,.... Those that would not go to the Philistines, or were not able, or thought it too much trouble,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:21
Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
So the sense is, They allowed them some small helps to make their mattocks, and in some sort to serve their present use. But these words may be otherwise translated, and are so by some learned, both ancient and modern, translators: thus, Therefore the mouths or edges of the mattocks a coulters, &. were dull or blunt. Or rather thus, When the mouths or edges of the mattocks, &c. were blunt. So this passage very well agrees both with the foregoing and following words; and the whole sense of the place is entirely thus, They went to the Philistines to sharpen their shares, and mattocks, and coulters, and axes, when they were blunt, and (which was more strange, they were forced to go to them even) to sharpen their goads.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
1 Samuel 13:21 Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.Ver. 21. Yet they had a file.] This was all the help they allowed them, "The tender mercies of the wicked are cruelties."
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
(21) Yet they had a file for the mattocks . . .—This translation, the sense of which is not very clear, is supported by the Targum and by many of the great Hebrew commentators—Rashi, for instance. Gesenius and the majority of modern scholars, however, render the word in the original translated “file” (p’tsirah) by “bluntness.” The passage then would run: “And there was bluntness (or dulness) of edge to the mattocks; “or,” so that bluntness of the edges occurred to the mattocks.” “The forks” were probably an instrument with three prongs, like our trident. And to sharpen the goads.—The words from “and there was bluntness,” &c. (English Version, “they had a file”), down to “axes,” form a parenthesis. “This parenthesis indicates that the result of the burthensome necessity of going to the Philistines was that many tools became useless by dulness, so that even these poorer sort of arms did the Israelites not much service at the breaking out of the war.”—Bunsen. The LXX. read this 21st verse with considerable changes: “And the vintage was ready to be gathered, and the tools were three shekels to the tooth to sharpen], and to the axe and to the scythe there was the same rate” (or, as the Greek has been rendered,” tools cost three shekels apiece [to sharpen]”).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
Verse 21. Yet they had a file] The Hebrew פצירה petsirah, from פצר patsar, to rub hard, is translated very differently by the versions and by critics. Our translation may be as likely as any: they permitted them the use of files, (I believe the word means grindstone), to restore the blunted edges of their tridents axes, and goads.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:21
21. Yet they had a file] So the Targum and some Rabbinic commentators. If the rendering is correct, the meaning will be that for the ordinary sharpening of tools they had files, but for any forging work they had to go to the Philistines. But the best rendering appears to be either, “When the edges, &c. were blunt:” or that of the Vulgate, “So the edges of the mattocks … used to be blunt.” The result of the necessity of going so far to get their tools repaired was that they got into a very unserviceable condition. The words, “and to set (i.e. sharpen or point) the goad” must be taken as depending on “the Israelites went down to the Philistines,” the intervening words being regarded as a parenthesis.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:21
21. A file — Or, as the margin, a file with mouths. So the Rabbins and other interpreters have understood the Hebrew words, δτφιψδτιν. But the words can hardly mean a sharpening tool.