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1 Samuel 15:18

1 Samuel 15:18 in Multiple Translations

and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’

And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.

and Jehovah sent thee on a journey, and said, Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.

And the Lord sent you on a journey and said, Go and put to the curse those sinners, the Amalekites, fighting against them till every one is dead.

Then he sent you out to do something, telling you, ‘Go and exterminate those sinners, the Amalekites. Attack them until they're all destroyed.’

And the Lord sent thee on a iourney, and saide, Goe, and destroy those sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them, vntill thou destroy them.

and Jehovah sendeth thee in the way, and saith, Go, and thou hast devoted the sinners, the Amalekite, and fought against them till they are consumed;

and the LORD sent you on a journey, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’

And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.

And the Lord sent thee on the way, and said: Go, and kill the sinners of Amalec, and thou shalt fight against them until thou hast utterly destroyed them.

And Yahweh sent you to do something for him. He said to you, ‘Go and get rid of all those sinful people, the Amalek people-group. Attack them and kill all of them.’

And then he told you to kill all those bad Amalek people. He told you to finish them up properly.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:18

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 15:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּשְׁלָחֲ/ךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה בְּ/דָ֑רֶךְ וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר לֵ֣ךְ וְ/הַחֲרַמְתָּ֞ה אֶת הַֽ/חַטָּאִים֙ אֶת עֲמָלֵ֔ק וְ/נִלְחַמְתָּ֣ ב֔/וֹ עַ֥ד כַּלּוֹתָ֖/ם אֹתָֽ/ם
וַ/יִּשְׁלָחֲ/ךָ֥ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
בְּ/דָ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וְ/הַחֲרַמְתָּ֞ה châram H2763 to devote/destroy Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַֽ/חַטָּאִים֙ chaṭṭâʼ H2400 sinner Art | Adj
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עֲמָלֵ֔ק ʻĂmâlêq H6002 Amalek N-proper
וְ/נִלְחַמְתָּ֣ lâcham H3898 to fight Conj | V-Niphal-2ms
ב֔/וֹ Prep | Suff
עַ֥ד ʻad H5704 till Prep
כַּלּוֹתָ֖/ם kâlâh H3615 to end V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתָֽ/ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 15:18

וַ/יִּשְׁלָחֲ/ךָ֥ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" 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.
בְּ/דָ֑רֶךְ 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.
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר 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.
לֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/הַחֲרַמְתָּ֞ה châram H2763 "to devote/destroy" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
To devote or destroy something, like the objects the Israelites were told to destroy in Deuteronomy 7:26.
Definition: 1) to ban, devote, destroy utterly, completely destroy, dedicate for destruction, exterminate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to prohibit (for common use), ban 1a2) to consecrate, devote, dedicate for destruction 1a3) to exterminate, completely destroy 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be put under the ban, be devoted to destruction 1b2) to be devoted, be forfeited 1b3) to be completely destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: make accursed, consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose, utterly (slay, make away). See also: Exodus 22:19; Joshua 11:21; Isaiah 11:15.
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.
הַֽ/חַטָּאִים֙ chaṭṭâʼ H2400 "sinner" Art | Adj
This word describes someone who has committed a crime or sin, making them guilty. It is used to describe those who have broken God's laws. The KJV translates it as 'offender' or 'sinner'.
Definition: 1) sinners adj 2) sinful 3) exposed to condemnation, reckoned as offenders
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: offender, sinful, sinner. See also: Genesis 13:13; Psalms 51:15; Psalms 1:1.
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.
עֲמָלֵ֔ק ʻĂmâlêq H6002 "Amalek" N-proper
Amalek was a descendant of Esau and the ancestor of a tribe in southern Canaan. The Amalekites were enemies of the Israelites, as seen in the story of Exodus and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the Edomites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.12; son of: Eliphaz (H0464) and Timna (H8555); brother of: Teman (H8487), Omar (H0201), Zepho (H6825), Gatam (H1609), Kenaz (H7073) and Korah (H7141H) § Amalek = "dweller in a valley" 1) son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan 2) descendants of Amalek
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Amalek. See also: Genesis 36:12; Judges 10:12; Psalms 83:8.
וְ/נִלְחַמְתָּ֣ lâcham H3898 "to fight" Conj | V-Niphal-2ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
ב֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
עַ֥ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
כַּלּוֹתָ֖/ם kâlâh H3615 "to end" V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
אֹתָֽ/ם 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.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 10:29 The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.
2 Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD.
3 Genesis 15:16 In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
4 Numbers 16:38 As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. They will serve as a sign to the Israelites.”
5 Job 31:3 Does not disaster come to the unjust and calamity to the workers of iniquity?
6 Proverbs 13:21 Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

1 Samuel 15:18 Summary

[In 1 Samuel 15:18, God gives Saul a clear command to destroy the sinful Amalekites, which is a demonstration of God's justice and holiness, as seen in Exodus 17:8-16. This command is also a test of Saul's obedience to God's will, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 15:18. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of obeying God's commands fully and promptly, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:18-19, and the consequences of disobedience, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 15:23, which references rebellion against God as witchcraft and stubbornness as idolatry. By following God's commands, we can demonstrate His justice and mercy in our own lives, as seen in Micah 6:8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of God's command to destroy the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:18?

God's command to destroy the Amalekites was a judgment on their sinful actions, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:17-19, and a test of Saul's obedience to God's will, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 15:18.

Why did God instruct Saul to fight against the Amalekites until they were wiped out?

God instructed Saul to fight against the Amalekites until they were wiped out because of their persistent sin and rebellion against God, as seen in Exodus 17:8-16 and Deuteronomy 25:17-19, and to demonstrate His holy and just character.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's justice and mercy?

This verse highlights God's justice in punishing the sinful Amalekites, while also demonstrating His mercy in giving them opportunity to repent, as seen in Romans 11:22, which contrasts God's kindness and severity.

What can we learn from Saul's mission to destroy the Amalekites in terms of our own obedience to God?

We can learn the importance of obeying God's commands fully and promptly, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:18-19, and the consequences of disobedience, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 15:23, which references rebellion against God as witchcraft and stubbornness as idolatry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am being called to obey God's commands, even if they seem difficult or challenging?
  2. How can I ensure that I am fully obeying God's will, rather than selectively following His commands?
  3. What are some ways that I can demonstrate God's justice and mercy in my own life, as seen in this verse?
  4. How can I balance God's call to justice and mercy in my interactions with others, as seen in Micah 6:8?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:18

And the Lord sent thee on a journey,.... And therefore he ought to have attended to the errand sent upon, and executed the orders given; in vain, therefore, was it to lay the blame on the people: and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:18

And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:18

The sinners; so called by way of eminency, as that word is used, ,31.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:18

1 Samuel 15:18 And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.Ver. 18. Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites.] Those sinners with an accent, those wicked with a witness; qui noluerant solita peccare, - as Seneca said of some in his time, - who strove to out sin others.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:18

(18) The sinners the Amalekites.—This briefly rehearses the charge of the Most High, which Saul had deliberately disobeyed. It is noticeable that the Amalekites are expressly called “sinners,” thus indicating the reason of the Divine wrath against them. The men of Sodom (Genesis 13:13) were styled “sinners before the Lord.”

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:18

18. the sinners the Amalekites] Sin was the ground of their doom. The special sin which singled them out for punishment was their opposition to the will of God as regards the destiny of his people Israel.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:18

The sinners - As though God would justify His commission to destroy them. (Compare Genesis 13:13.)

Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:18

SermonDescription
Elisabeth Elliot Do You Want an Answer? by Elisabeth Elliot Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the importance of seeking honest solutions to our problems by turning to the Word of God rather than seeking mere audience for our grievances and excuse
W.F. Anderson The Life of Abraham - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. He emphasizes the theme of restoration and how God can bring us out of the mess we create for o
John Calvin Genesis 13:1-20 by John Calvin John Calvin preaches about Abram's journey out of Egypt, highlighting God's protection and the wealth he acquired, showing how riches did not hinder him from seeking the land of Ca
Steve Gallagher Widespread Corruption by Steve Gallagher Steve Gallagher preaches about the corruption and spiritual pollution that will prevail in the Last Days, likening it to the wickedness of Noah's time and Sodom and Gomorrah. He em
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 15:11-21 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and God's covenant with him. The preacher highlights the unusual nature of this covenant, where God promises something w
Jonathan Edwards When the Wicked Shall Have Filled Up the Measure of Their Sin, Wrath Will Come Upon Them to the Uttermost by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches about the consequences of continuing in sin and filling up the measure of one's sins, leading to the ultimate wrath of God coming upon them to the uttermo
Jack Hyles Russian Roulette by Jack Hyles Jack Hyles preaches about the spiritual Russian Roulette many play, more dangerous than any man-made game, highlighting the certainty of facing three set dates in life: the coming

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