1 Samuel 19:16
1 Samuel 19:16 in Multiple Translations
And when the messengers entered, there was the idol in the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair on its head.
And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats’ hair for his bolster.
And when the messengers came in, behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats’ hair at the head thereof.
And when the men came in, there was the image in the bed, with the cushion of goat's hair at its head
But when the messengers went into the bedroom, there was the idol in the bed with the goat hair wig on its head.
And when the messengers were come in, behold, an image was in the bed, with a pillow of goates heare vnder the head of it.
And the messengers come in, and lo, the teraphim [are] on the bed, and the mattress of goats' [hair], [for] his pillows.
When the messengers came in, behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats’ hair at its head.
And when the messengers had come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goat's hair for his bolster.
And when the messengers were come in, they found an image upon the bed, and a goat’s skin at its head.
But when those men entered David’s house, they saw that there was only an idol in the bed, with goat’s hair on its head.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 19:16
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 19:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙
הַ/מַּלְאָכִ֔ים
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
הַ/תְּרָפִ֖ים
אֶל
הַ/מִּטָּ֑ה
וּ/כְבִ֥יר
הָ/עִזִּ֖ים
מְרַאֲשֹׁתָֽי/ו
וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/מַּלְאָכִ֔ים
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
Art | N-mp
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
הַ/תְּרָפִ֖ים
tᵉrâphîym
H8655
teraphim
Art | N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מִּטָּ֑ה
miṭṭâh
H4296
bed
Art | N-fs
וּ/כְבִ֥יר
kᵉbîyr
H3523
quilt
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עִזִּ֖ים
ʻêz
H5795
goat
Art | N-fp
מְרַאֲשֹׁתָֽי/ו
mᵉraʼăshâh
H4763
head
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 19:16
וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/מַּלְאָכִ֔ים
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
Art | N-mp
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | 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.
הַ/תְּרָפִ֖ים
tᵉrâphîym
H8655
"teraphim"
Art | N-mp
Teraphim were idols or images used in worship, often in a household shrine. This Hebrew word refers to a family idol, and is used in the Bible to describe idolatry or false worship. The KJV translates it as idols or images.
Definition: § 1) idolatry, idols, image(s), teraphim, family idol 1a) a kind of idol used in household shrine or worship
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: idols(-atry), images, teraphim. See also: Genesis 31:19; Judges 18:20; Zechariah 10:2.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
הַ/מִּטָּ֑ה
miṭṭâh
H4296
"bed"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to a bed or couch, often used for sleeping or eating. In the Bible, it can also refer to a sofa or a bier for carrying the dead. It is a physical object for rest or relaxation.
Definition: couch, bed, bier
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), bier. See also: Genesis 47:31; 2 Kings 1:16; Psalms 6:7.
וּ/כְבִ֥יר
kᵉbîyr
H3523
"quilt"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a quilt or matrass, made of intertwined materials. It is also used to describe a net or pillow, something used for rest or protection. In the Bible, it is used to convey a sense of comfort or security.
Definition: (something) netted, a quilt, fly net, pillow
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: pillow. See also: 1 Samuel 19:13; 1 Samuel 19:16.
הָ/עִזִּ֖ים
ʻêz
H5795
"goat"
Art | N-fp
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 27:27.
מְרַאֲשֹׁתָֽי/ו
mᵉraʼăshâh
H4763
"head"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for head or headrest, used to describe a place of rest or a position of authority, like a pillow or bolster. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of comfort and support.
Definition: 1) place at the head, dominion, head place adv 2) at head place
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bolster, head, pillow. Compare H4772 (מַרְגְלָה). See also: Genesis 28:11; 1 Samuel 26:7; 1 Kings 19:6.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 19:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Saul Tries to Kill David
14When Saul sent the messengers to seize David, Michal said, “He is ill.”
15But Saul sent the messengers back to see David and told them, “Bring him up to me in his bed so I can kill him.”
16And when the messengers entered, there was the idol in the bed with the goat hair on its head.
17And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away, and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’” 18So David ran away and escaped. And he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there.1 Samuel 19:16 Summary
This verse shows how Michal, David's wife, used a clever trick to save his life by putting an idol in the bed to make it look like David was still there. She did this because King Saul's messengers had come to take David away and kill him, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:15. Michal's actions were guided by her love and concern for David, and they ultimately helped to fulfill God's plan for him, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13 and Psalm 37:23-24. This verse reminds us that God can use anyone and anything to accomplish His will, even in unexpected ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the idol in the bed in 1 Samuel 19:16?
The idol in the bed represents Michal's quick thinking and cunning to deceive King Saul's messengers, similar to the cleverness of the woman in 2 Samuel 17:19 who hid the messengers from King David's son Absalom. This act ultimately saved David's life.
Why did Michal use an idol to deceive the messengers?
Michal used an idol to make it appear as though David was still in the bed, thus deceiving the messengers and giving David time to escape, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:16. This act of deception, although seemingly wrong, was used by God to protect David, much like the actions of the midwives in Exodus 1:17 who disobeyed Pharaoh's orders to kill the Hebrew babies.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty and ability to use any situation, even deception, to accomplish His will, as seen in Proverbs 21:1 and Romans 8:28. God was working behind the scenes to protect David, who was destined to become the king of Israel.
What can we learn from Michal's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Michal's actions that sometimes, in order to protect ourselves or others from harm, we may need to think creatively and take bold action, as seen in Esther 4:14 and 1 Corinthians 16:9. However, we must always ensure that our actions align with God's will and are done in a way that honors Him.
Reflection Questions
- What would I have done if I were in Michal's shoes, and how can I apply that kind of creative thinking to my own life?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with difficult or uncertain situations, like David in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can use my own gifts and abilities to protect and serve others, just as Michal used her cunning to protect David?
- How can I balance the need to take bold action with the need to ensure that my actions are in line with God's will, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:16 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 19:16
And when the messengers were come in,.... To David's house, and into the room where he was supposed to lie: behold, [there was] an image in the bed to their great surprise; they expected to see
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 19:16
And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:16
1 Samuel 19:16 And when the messengers were come in, behold, [there was] an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats’ [hair] for his bolster.Ver. 16. Behold, there was an image.] See 1 Samuel 19:13. So have persecutors been frequently frustrated, as those that sought after Jeremiah and Baruch, Athanasius, Luther, and others whom the Lord hid till the storm was over.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 19:16
16. There was an image, &c.] The teraphim was in the bed, and the quilt of goat’s hair at its head.17 He said unto me, &c.] Michal adds another lie to screen herself from Saul’s anger. In this she was but following her father’s example (1 Samuel 19:6), and with more excuse. Compare the deceit practised by Rahab (Joshua 2:4 ff.); by the woman at Bahurim (2 Samuel 17:20); and in modern times, by Grotius’ wife, who to save her husband represented the box in which he was concealed as a box of theological books. Scripture affirms the universal duty of Truth without any exception (Leviticus 19:11), nor can it he understood to sanction breaches of this general law by recording them without disapproval. It is left to the casuist to discuss whether any necessity is sufficient to justify a falsehood or an act of deception. See Whewell’s Elements of Morality, Chaps. 15, 16.