1 Samuel 14:35
1 Samuel 14:35 in Multiple Translations
Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD.
And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.
And Saul built an altar unto Jehovah: the same was the first altar that he built unto Jehovah.
And Saul put up an altar to the Lord: this was the first altar which he put up to the Lord.
So Saul built an altar to the Lord. This was the first altar he had built to the Lord.
Then Saul made an altar vnto the Lord, and that was the first altar that he made vnto the Lord.
And Saul buildeth an alter to Jehovah; with it he hath begun to build altars to Jehovah.
Saul built an altar to the LORD. This was the first altar that he built to the LORD.
And Saul built an altar to the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built to the LORD:
And Saul built an altar to the Lord and he then first began to build an altar to the Lord.
That was the first time that he built an altar for Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:35
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 14:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּ֧בֶן
שָׁא֛וּל
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה
אֹת֣/וֹ
הֵחֵ֔ל
לִ/בְנ֥וֹת
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
לַֽ/יהוָֽה
וַ/יִּ֧בֶן
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֛וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֹת֣/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
הֵחֵ֔ל
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לִ/בְנ֥וֹת
bânâh
H1129
to build
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
לַֽ/יהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
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 14:35
וַ/יִּ֧בֶן
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
שָׁא֛וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה
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.
אֹת֣/וֹ
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.
הֵחֵ֔ל
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
לִ/בְנ֥וֹת
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לַֽ/יהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 14:35 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:35
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:35
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:35
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:35
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:35
Context — Jonathan Eats the Honey
33Then someone reported to Saul: “Look, the troops are sinning against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it.” “You have broken faith,” said Saul. “Roll a large stone over here at once.”
34Then he said, “Go among the troops and tell them, ‘Each man must bring me his ox or his sheep, slaughter them in this place, and then eat. Do not sin against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it.’” So that night everyone brought his ox and slaughtered it there.
35Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD.
36And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. But the priest said, “We must consult God here.” 37So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 7:17 | Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 7:12 | Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” |
| 3 | 2 Timothy 3:5 | having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! |
| 4 | Hosea 8:14 | Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has multiplied its fortified cities. But I will send fire upon their cities, and it will consume their citadels. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 7:9 | Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. |
| 6 | Judges 21:4 | The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings. |
1 Samuel 14:35 Summary
[Saul built an altar to the LORD as a way to say thank you and to acknowledge God's help in their victory. This was a big step for Saul because it showed he was trying to follow God and be a good leader. We can learn from Saul's example by finding ways to honor and thank God in our own lives, like praying or reading the Bible, as encouraged in Psalms 95:6 and Matthew 4:4. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and become more like Him, as seen in Ephesians 5:1-2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul build an altar to the LORD in 1 Samuel 14:35?
Saul built an altar to the LORD as an act of worship and to acknowledge God's presence and guidance in their victory over the Philistines, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:23, and to establish a place for future sacrifices and worship, similar to what we see in Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 22:9.
What is the significance of this being the first altar Saul built to the LORD?
This being the first altar Saul built to the LORD indicates that Saul is taking steps to acknowledge and honor God, but it also highlights that up until this point, Saul had not prioritized building a place for worship and sacrifice, which is an important part of the Israelites' relationship with God, as seen in Exodus 20:24-25 and Deuteronomy 12:5-7.
How does this act of building an altar relate to Saul's character and leadership?
Saul's decision to build an altar shows a desire to follow God and lead the people in worship, but it also comes after a series of events where Saul's actions and decisions are questioned, such as in 1 Samuel 14:24 and 1 Samuel 14:31, indicating that Saul is still learning and growing as a leader and a follower of God.
What can we learn from Saul's example in this verse about our own relationship with God?
We can learn from Saul's example the importance of prioritizing worship and acknowledging God's presence and guidance in our lives, as seen in Psalms 100:4 and Hebrews 13:15, and that even in our imperfections and mistakes, we can take steps to honor and follow God, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can acknowledge and honor God in my daily life, just as Saul built an altar to the LORD?
- How can I balance my desire for leadership and recognition with a humble and surrendered heart before God, as Saul is learning to do?
- In what ways am I prioritizing worship and sacrifice in my own life, and what areas can I improve in, just as Saul is taking steps to establish a place for worship?
- What are some times in my life when I have felt the presence and guidance of God, and how can I build on those experiences to deepen my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:35
And Saul built an altar unto the Lord,.... To offer peace offerings upon, in thankfulness for the victory obtained over his enemies, or sin offerings to make atonement for the sin of the people,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:35
And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
Either for a monument of the victory; or rather, for sacrifice, as the next words imply. The same was the first altar, though he had occasion to do so oft ere this time. So this is quoted as another evidence of his neglect of God and his worship. It is true, Saul sacrificed before this, as at Gilgal; but that was upon an old altar, erected by others.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
1 Samuel 14:35 And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.Ver. 35. And Saul built an altar unto the Lord.] That they that would might thereon offer peaceofferings, as Vatablus here noteth. The same was the first altar that he built,] sc., In obedience, saith Jerome: other altars he had built before, but in hypocrisy. Some think that he is here taxed with profaneness and impiety, in that he could never till now find in his heart to testify his thankfulness for any former victory, by building an altar unto the Lord.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
(35) The same was the first altar that he built . . .—More accurately, as in margin, the same he began to build as an altar. The great Jewish commentators are divided as to the precise meaning of the old Hebrew language of this verse. Abarbanel interprets the words, “that King Saul began to build, but did not finish.” The Midrash prefers to understand the statement as telling how “Saul began among the kings of Israel the building of altars.” The more obvious meaning, if we translate as in our English Version, seems to be that this was the first public acknowledgment King Saul made to God for the mercies and goodness vouchsafed to him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
Verse 35. Saul built an altar] And this we are informed was the first he had built; Samuel, as prophet had hitherto erected the altars, and Saul thought he had sufficient authority to erect one himself without the prophet, as he once offered sacrifice without him.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:35
35. the same was the first altar] Lit. “it he began to build as an altar to Jehovah.” The E. V. probably gives the right sense. The altar was erected as a thank-offering for the victory. “The great stone” most likely formed part of it.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 14:35
And Saul built ... - i. e., of the great stone which they had rolled to kill the oxen and sheep upon, he began to build an altar to Yahweh (see the margin); but he did not finish it (compare 1
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:35
35. The same was the first altar that he built — Literally, It he began to build an altar to Jehovah. Compare margin.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:35
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Trumpet Solo by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He begins by describing how the Midianites, Amalekites, and the children of the East gathered t |
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Ebenezer - Part 1 by Ric Vargas | Ric Vargas preaches about the significance of remembering God's help through the concept of Ebenezer, emphasizing the importance of worship and personal revival. He encourages beli |
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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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Hitherto by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about reflecting on the past faithfulness of God with the phrase 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,' acknowledging God's continuous help through various |
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I Samuel 7:12 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith reflects on the past, present, and future in his sermon 'Facing the New Year,' emphasizing that the Lord has helped us thus far. He encourages looking back at God's fai |
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Reflections on the New Year by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade reflects on the commencement of a new year, acknowledging the passage of time and the importance of gratitude for God's help throughout the year. He emphasizes the nee |
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(Basics) 13. Religiosity and Spirituality by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between religious form and spiritual power. He refers to 2 Timothy 3:5, which warns about peo |