1 Samuel 15:14
1 Samuel 15:14 in Multiple Translations
But Samuel replied, “Then what is this bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle that I hear?”
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
And Samuel said, What then is this sound of the crying of sheep and the noise of oxen which comes to my ears?
“So what's this bleating of sheep my ears are picking up? What's this lowing of cattle that I'm hearing?” Samuel asked.
But Samuel saide, What meaneth then the bleating of the sheepe in mine eares, and the lowing of the oxen which I heare?
And Samuel saith, 'And what [is] the noise of this flock in mine ears — and the noise of the herd which I am hearing?'
Samuel said, “Then what does this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?”
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
And Samuel said: What meaneth then this bleating of the flocks, which soundeth in my ears, and the lowing of the herds, which I hear?
But Samuel replied, “If that is true, why is it that I hear cattle mooing and I hear sheep bleating?”
But Samuel said, “Really? So how come I can hear animals crying? I can hear sheep, goats, cows and bulls.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:14
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 15:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל
וּ/מֶ֛ה
קֽוֹל
הַ/צֹּ֥אן
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
בְּ/אָזְנָ֑/י
וְ/ק֣וֹל
הַ/בָּקָ֔ר
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אָנֹכִ֖י
שֹׁמֵֽעַ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
N-proper
וּ/מֶ֛ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
קֽוֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
הַ/צֹּ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
בְּ/אָזְנָ֑/י
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd | Suff
וְ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Conj | N-ms
הַ/בָּקָ֔ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
שֹׁמֵֽעַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 15:14
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
"Shemuel"
N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
וּ/מֶ֛ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
קֽוֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
הַ/צֹּ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
בְּ/אָזְנָ֑/י
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
וְ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Conj | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
הַ/בָּקָ֔ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
Art | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָנֹכִ֖י
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.
שֹׁמֵֽעַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 15:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:14
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:14
Context — Samuel Denounces Saul
12Early in the morning Samuel got up to confront Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel, and behold, he has set up a monument for himself and has turned and gone down to Gilgal.”
13When Samuel reached him, Saul said to him, “May the LORD bless you. I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.”
14But Samuel replied, “Then what is this bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle that I hear?”
15Saul answered, “The troops brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but the rest we devoted to destruction.” 16“Stop!” exclaimed Samuel. “Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.” “Tell me,” Saul replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malachi 3:13–15 | “Your words against Me have been harsh,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:18–19 | Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile ? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates ? Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 2:34–37 | Moreover, your skirts are stained with the blood of the innocent poor, though you did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. Moreover, you will leave that place with your hands on your head, for the LORD has rejected those you trust; you will not prosper by their help.” |
| 4 | Luke 19:22 | His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? |
| 5 | Jeremiah 2:22–23 | Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,” declares the Lord GOD. “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; I have not run after the Baals’? Look at your behavior in the valley; acknowledge what you have done. You are a swift young she-camel galloping here and there, |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 4:5 | Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. |
| 7 | Romans 3:19 | Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. |
| 8 | Psalms 50:16–21 | To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips? For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you. When you see a thief, you befriend him, and throw in your lot with adulterers. You unleash your mouth for evil and unharness your tongue for deceit. You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. |
| 9 | Psalms 36:2 | For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin. |
1 Samuel 15:14 Summary
[This verse shows that Samuel was not afraid to ask tough questions and hold Saul accountable for his actions, which is an important lesson for us today, as we see in 2 Timothy 4:2. Samuel's question about the bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle was a way of saying, 'I know you're not telling me the whole truth, Saul.' We can learn from Samuel's example by being honest with ourselves and others, and by trusting in God's wisdom and guidance, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as seen in 1 John 1:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Samuel ask about the bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle?
Samuel asked about the noise because he knew that God had instructed Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and their livestock, as stated in 1 Samuel 15:3, but the sounds indicated that some animals had been spared, which was a direct disobedience to God's command.
What was the significance of the sheep and cattle in this context?
The sheep and cattle represented the spoils of war that Saul and his army had been instructed to destroy, but instead, they chose to keep the best for themselves, which was a form of rebellion against God's authority, similar to the disobedience seen in Joshua 7:1 when Achan kept some of the spoils for himself.
How did Samuel's question relate to Saul's claim of carrying out the Lord's instructions?
Samuel's question was a gentle but firm way of pointing out the discrepancy between Saul's words and actions, as Saul had claimed to have carried out the Lord's instructions in 1 Samuel 15:13, but the presence of the livestock clearly indicated that this was not the case, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationship with God, as seen in Psalms 51:6.
What can we learn from Samuel's approach to confronting Saul?
We can learn from Samuel's approach that gentle yet firm confrontation can be an effective way to address sin and disobedience, as seen in Matthew 18:15, and that it is essential to trust in God's wisdom and guidance when dealing with difficult situations, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be claiming to obey God but actually disobeying Him?
- How can I, like Samuel, gently yet firmly confront others when I see them straying from God's path?
- What are some 'bleating sheep and lowing cattle' in my own life that may be indicative of my own disobedience or lack of trust in God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's wisdom and guidance, even when it is difficult or challenging, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:14
And Samuel said, what meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears,.... For the orders were to destroy all living creatures belonging to the Amalekites, 1 Samuel 15:3 if therefore Saul had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:14
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:14
How can this evidence of guilt consist with the profession of thy innocency?
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:14
1 Samuel 15:14 And Samuel said, What [meaneth] then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?Ver. 14. What meaneth then this bleating, &c.] Quid verba quaero, facta cum videam? cave ne dicta factis erubescant. Tenue mendacium pellucet: falsehood may be transparently seen through, many times: "but the unjust knoweth no shame."
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:14
(14) What meaneth then this bleating? . . .—“Saul is convicted of falsehood by the voices of the animals which he has spared, contrary to God’s command. Samuel’s mode of citing them against him by the question, ‘What meaneth these voices?’ has an air of holy humour and cutting irony.”—Lange.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Print of His Wounds in Your Life by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the wounds of Christ, urging believers to be examples of purity and faithfulness in a promiscuous world. He hig |
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The Sin That Makes God Cry by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how the people of God had become weary and bored with their worship and service. They doubted God's love for them and questioned where the ev |
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When the Enemy Comes in Like a Flood - Part 2 by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the futility of seeking happiness and peace in worldly pursuits, highlighting the emptiness and temporary nature of such endeavors. It delves into the societ |
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(Through the Bible) Malachi by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of giving and receiving in accordance with a divine spiritual law. He compares it to the natural laws that govern our universe, s |
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Brokenness by Alan Andrews | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three themes: brokenness, integrity, and clarity of vision. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing brokenness in order to effectively mi |
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Malachi 3:13 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses God's controversy with man as depicted in Malachi, emphasizing the people's misguided accusations against God, claiming that serving Him is futile and that th |
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The Complaints of Jehovah by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan addresses the seven complaints of God against His people, emphasizing their formalism and self-satisfaction. He highlights issues such as profanity, sacrilege, g |