1 Samuel 17:11
1 Samuel 17:11 in Multiple Translations
On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
And Saul and all Israel, hearing those words of the Philistine, were troubled and full of fear.
Saul and all the Israelite soldiers were shattered and absolutely terrified when they heard what the Philistine said.
When Saul and all Israel heard those wordes of the Philistim, they were discouraged, and greatly afraide.
And Saul heareth — and all Israel — these words of the Philistine, and they are broken down and greatly afraid.
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
And Saul and all the Israelites hearing these words of the Philistine were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
When Saul and all the Israeli soldiers heard that, they were extremely terrified [DOU].
Saul and the Israel mob heard that big man’s words, and they got frightened and confused.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:11
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 17:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע
שָׁאוּל֙
וְ/כָל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אֶת
דִּבְרֵ֥י
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
וַ/יֵּחַ֥תּוּ
וַ/יִּֽרְא֖וּ
מְאֹֽד
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Art | Ngmsa
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וַ/יֵּחַ֥תּוּ
châthath
H2865
to to be dismayed
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יִּֽרְא֖וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:11
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
שָׁאוּל֙
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.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
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.
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Art | Ngmsa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וַ/יֵּחַ֥תּוּ
châthath
H2865
"to to be dismayed"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
וַ/יִּֽרְא֖וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 17:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:11
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:11
Context — Goliath’s Challenge
9If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and work for us.”
10Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”
11On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.
12Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons. And in the days of Saul, Jesse was old and well along in years. 13The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 1:9 | Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 31:8 | The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
| 4 | Isaiah 57:11 | Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? |
| 5 | Psalms 27:1 | The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? |
| 6 | Isaiah 51:12–13 | “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor? |
1 Samuel 17:11 Summary
[This verse shows us that even strong and brave people like Saul and the Israelites can be filled with fear and doubt when faced with a big challenge, just like the Israelites in Exodus 14:10. But it also sets the stage for the story of David and Goliath, which shows us that with God on our side, we can overcome even the biggest obstacles, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47. We can learn from this verse that it's normal to feel afraid, but we don't have to let fear control us, and we can trust God to give us the courage and strength we need, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Saul and the Israelites afraid of the Philistine?
Saul and the Israelites were afraid of the Philistine because of his intimidating size and armor, as well as his defiant words, which made them doubt their ability to defeat him, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:10 where the Philistine says, 'I defy the ranks of Israel this day!'
What does it mean to be 'dismayed and greatly afraid'?
To be dismayed and greatly afraid means to be filled with fear and anxiety, losing courage and confidence, similar to what happened to the Israelites in Exodus 14:10 when they saw the Egyptian army approaching, and they cried out to God for help
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of David and Goliath?
This verse sets the stage for the story of David and Goliath, as it shows the fear and lack of faith of Saul and the Israelites, which contrasts with David's trust and courage in God, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47 where David says, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied'
What can we learn from the Israelites' fear in this verse?
We can learn that fear and doubt can be overwhelming, but God is always with us and can give us the courage and strength we need, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 where it says, 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you'
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that make me feel 'dismayed and greatly afraid', and how can I trust God to help me overcome them?
- How does the fear of Saul and the Israelites compare to my own fears and doubts, and what can I learn from their experience?
- What would I do if I were in Saul's shoes, facing a giant like Goliath, and how would I respond to the challenge?
- How can I cultivate the kind of faith and trust that David had, which allowed him to stand up to Goliath despite the odds?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:11
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine,.... For they were delivered with such a tone and strength of voice, as to be heard very generally, at least by many, and which soon was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:11
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:11
Which may seem strange, considering the glorious promises, and their late experiences of Divine assistance. But the truth is, all men do so entirely depend upon God in all things, that when he withdraws his help, the most valiant and resolute persons cannot find their hearts nor hands, as daily experience shows.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:11
1 Samuel 17:11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.Ver. 11. They were dismayed, and greatly afraid.] Even valiant Jonathan also, who both knew the promises, and had lately found the performance in that glorious conquest he had over these Philistines. But it is the Lord who strengtheneth and weakeneth the arm of either party, and he had decreed that David should have the glory of the day.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:11
(11) They were dismayed, and greatly afraid.—Saul the king, perhaps, was restrained from personally accepting the challenge by motives of dignity, but the marked silence on his part, and the utter hopelessness of his army, reads in strange contrast to the former records of Hebrew daring. Where was Jonathan, for instance, ever the bravest of the brave, and his gallant armour-bearer? There had assuredly been a time when neither motives of dignity nor prudence would have restrained Saul and his warriors from accepting the challenge of the uncircumcised enemy. We notice, too, here there is no inquiry of the Urim and Thummim, no mention of prayer to the God of the armies of Israel. An evil spirit was indeed upon the King of Israel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:11
Verse 11. Saul and all Israel - were dismayed] They saw no man able to accept the challenge.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus |
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Fresh Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living according to the revelation God has given to individuals. He encourages listeners to follow God's personal instructi |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Rote, Rut, and Rot! by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to break free from spiritual stagnation and move forward in our relationship with God. He acknowledges that people often prefer spe |
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God Answers Man's Suffering: Companionship by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when we face difficulties in life, it is because God has a glorious purpose to fulfill. He compares our lack of understanding to Job, w |
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You're Changing by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing spiritual decline and the subtle changes that can lead believers away from God. It challenges listeners to examine their hearts |
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Epistle to the Romans by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God to a defeated and bound audience. He uses the example of a young man who realized the ineffectiv |
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Dont Let Discouragement Take Your Strength by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a powerful message about overcoming discouragement by trusting in God's faithfulness and purpose, even in the darkest moments. It emphasizes the importance of waitin |