1 Samuel 16:15
1 Samuel 16:15 in Multiple Translations
Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely a spirit of distress from God is tormenting you.
And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
And Saul's servants said to him, See now, an evil spirit from God is troubling you.
Saul's servants told him, “It's definitely an evil spirit from God that's tormenting you.
And Sauls seruants said vnto him, Beholde nowe, the euill spirite of God vexeth thee.
and the servants of Saul say unto him, 'Lo, we pray thee, a spirit of sadness [from] God is terrifying thee;
Saul’s servants said to him, “See now, an evil spirit from God troubles you.
And Saul's servants said to him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
And the servants of Saul said to him: Behold now an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
One of his servants said to him, “It is evident that an evil spirit sent by God is terrifying you.
His workers said to him, “Boss. We can see that God has sent a bad spirit to make you frightened.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 16:15
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 16:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
עַבְדֵֽי
שָׁא֖וּל
אֵלָ֑י/ו
הִנֵּה
נָ֧א
רֽוּחַ
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
רָעָ֖ה
מְבַעִתֶּֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַבְדֵֽי
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
נָ֧א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
מְבַעִתֶּֽ/ךָ
bâʻath
H1204
to terrify
V-Piel | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 16:15
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
עַבְדֵֽי
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
שָׁא֖וּל
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.
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָ֧א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
מְבַעִתֶּֽ/ךָ
bâʻath
H1204
"to terrify"
V-Piel | Suff
This Hebrew word means to terrify or startle someone, causing them to be overtaken by sudden fear or panic. It is used to describe a strong emotional response to a situation.
Definition: 1) to terrify, startle, fall upon, dismay, be overtaken by sudden terror 1a) (Niphal) to be terrified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to fall upon, overwhelm 1b2) to terrify
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, terrify, trouble. See also: 1 Samuel 16:14; Job 13:11; Psalms 18:5.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 16:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 16:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:15
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 16:15
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:15
Context — David Serves Saul
13So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
14Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.
15Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely a spirit of distress from God is tormenting you.
16Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.” 17And Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him to me.”1 Samuel 16:15 Summary
This verse, 1 Samuel 16:15, shows that Saul's servants recognized that he was being tormented by a spirit of distress from God. This means that God was allowing Saul to experience emotional pain and turmoil, likely as a form of discipline or correction, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:14. We can learn from this that God sometimes allows us to experience difficult emotions to draw us back to Him, as seen in Psalm 119:67 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can find comfort and relief from emotional turmoil, just like David did when he played the harp for Saul, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:16-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spirit of distress from God?
A spirit of distress from God, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:15, refers to a state of emotional or mental turmoil that God allows or sends, often as a form of discipline or correction, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:14 and 1 Kings 22:22-23.
Why did Saul's servants think a spirit of distress from God was tormenting him?
Saul's servants recognized the change in his behavior and emotional state, likely due to the departure of the Spirit of the LORD from him, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:14, and attributed it to a spirit of distress from God.
Is it common for God to send spirits of distress to people?
While God does allow or send spirits of distress, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:15 and Judges 9:23, it is not a common occurrence and is usually a form of correction or discipline, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:5-11.
How can we distinguish between a spirit of distress from God and other forms of emotional turmoil?
Distinguishing between a spirit of distress from God and other forms of emotional turmoil requires spiritual discernment, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10, and a deep understanding of God's character and ways, as seen in Psalm 119:68 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel like I'm being tormented by a spirit of distress, and what can I learn from Saul's experience?
- In what ways can I seek comfort and relief from emotional turmoil, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness?
- How can I distinguish between God's discipline and other forms of suffering, and what role does faith and trust play in navigating these situations?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper understanding of God's character and ways, and how can this help me in times of emotional turmoil?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:15
And Saul's servants said unto him,.... His courtiers, who observing him to act in a frantic manner, to be dull and melancholy, timorous, and irresolute, unsteady, divided, and distressed; or his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:15
And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Saul's servants said unto him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:15
1 Samuel 16:15 And Saul’ s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Ver. 15. And Saul’ s servants.] That is, His physicians. "And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians." Yεραπονταςθεραπευοντας.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:15
(15) An evil spirit from God.—The form in which the evil spirit manifested itself in Saul was apparently an incurable melancholy, which at times blazed forth in fits of uncontrollable jealous anger. When Saul’s attendants, his officers, and those about his person, perceived the mental malady under which their king was evidently suffering, they counselled that he should try whether the evil influence which troubled him could not be charmed away by music. There is no doubt but that King Saul’s nervous, excitable temperament was peculiarly subject to such influences. We have some striking instances of this power exercised by sacred music over the king in the incidents related in 1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Samuel 19:23-24, where the songs and chaunts of the pupils of the prophetic schools had so powerful an influence over Saul. The solemn declaration of God through his prophet Samuel, that the kingdom was taken away from him and his house, weighed upon his naturally nervous and excitable mind. He became gloomy, and suspicious of his dearest friends, and, as we know, at times sought to take their lives; at times would command terrible massacres, such as that of the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22:17-19). As the sad life advanced, we see the nobler traits in his character growing fainter, and the evil becoming more and more obvious. It was a species of insanity, fatal alike to the poor victim of the malady and to the prosperity of the kingdom over which he ruled. History gives us not a few similar instances of monarchs given up to the “evil spirit from God,” and who, in consequence, became a prey to insanity in one form or other.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 16:15
The “evil” or “melancholy” spirit here spoken of was “the Spirit of God,” or “of Jehovah,” as being God’s messenger and minister, sent by Him to execute His righteous purpose upon Saul (see 1 Kings 22:19-22 note).
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:15
15. An evil spirit… troubleth thee — A demon like those mentioned so frequently in the New Testament, sent by permission of the Lord, as Satan in the case of Job. Job 2:7. See notes on Matthew 4:24, and Mark 5:2.