1 Samuel 2:9
1 Samuel 2:9 in Multiple Translations
He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
He will keep the feet of his holy ones; But the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; For by strength shall no man prevail.
He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the evil-doers will come to their end in the dark night, for by strength no man will overcome.
He will take care of those who trust him, but the wicked vanish into the darkness, for people don't succeed through their own strength.
Hee will keepe the feete of his Saintes, and the wicked shall keepe silence in darkenes: for in his owne might shall no man be strong.
The feet of His saints He keepeth, And the wicked in darkness are silent, For not by power doth man become mighty.
He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the wicked will be put to silence in darkness; for no man will prevail by strength.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness, because no man shall prevail by his own strength.
You will protect your loyal/faithful people [SYN], but you will cause the wicked to die [EUP] and descend to the dark place where dead people are. We do not defeat our enemies by our own strength;
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 2:9
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 2:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַגְלֵ֤י
חסיד/ו
חֲסִידָי/ו֙
יִשְׁמֹ֔ר
וּ/רְשָׁעִ֖ים
בַּ/חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
יִדָּ֑מּוּ
כִּֽי
לֹ֥א
בְ/כֹ֖חַ
יִגְבַּר
אִֽישׁ
רַגְלֵ֤י
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd
חסיד/ו
châçîyd
H2623
pious
Adj | Suff
חֲסִידָי/ו֙
châçîyd
H2623
pious
Adj | Suff
יִשְׁמֹ֔ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ/רְשָׁעִ֖ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Conj | Adj
בַּ/חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
Prep | N-ms
יִדָּ֑מּוּ
dâmam
H1826
to silence
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בְ/כֹ֖חַ
kôach
H3581
reptile
Prep | N-ms
יִגְבַּר
gâbar
H1396
to prevail
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 2:9
רַגְלֵ֤י
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
חסיד/ו
châçîyd
H2623
"pious"
Adj | Suff
A pious person is someone who is kind and faithful to God, like a saint. In the Bible, it describes people who are holy and merciful, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) faithful, kind, godly, holy one, saint, pious 1a) kind 1b) pious, godly 1c) faithful ones (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: godly (man), good, holy (one), merciful, saint, (un-) godly. See also: Deuteronomy 33:8; Psalms 85:9; Psalms 4:4.
חֲסִידָי/ו֙
châçîyd
H2623
"pious"
Adj | Suff
A pious person is someone who is kind and faithful to God, like a saint. In the Bible, it describes people who are holy and merciful, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) faithful, kind, godly, holy one, saint, pious 1a) kind 1b) pious, godly 1c) faithful ones (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: godly (man), good, holy (one), merciful, saint, (un-) godly. See also: Deuteronomy 33:8; Psalms 85:9; Psalms 4:4.
יִשְׁמֹ֔ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
וּ/רְשָׁעִ֖ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Conj | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
בַּ/חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
יִדָּ֑מּוּ
dâmam
H1826
"to silence"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to wail or mourn, often in response to a tragic event, like in Job 30:31 where Job laments his suffering. It can also mean to be astonished or stop an activity.
Definition: : stationary 1) to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be silent 1a2) to be still, die 1a3) to be struck dumb 1b) (Niphal) to be silenced, be made silent, destroyed 1c) (Poal) to make quiet 1d) (Hiphil) to make silent (cause to die)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait. See also: Exodus 15:16; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 4:5.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בְ/כֹ֖חַ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
Prep | N-ms
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
יִגְבַּר
gâbar
H1396
"to prevail"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be strong or prevail, often implying a sense of power or might. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah, to describe God's strength and human courage.
Definition: 1) to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, be great 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, mighty 1a2) to prevail 1b) (Piel) to make strong, strengthen 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to confirm, give strength 1c2) to confirm (a covenant) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to show oneself mighty 1d2) to act proudly (toward God)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant. See also: Genesis 7:18; Job 36:9; Psalms 12:5.
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 2:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 2:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:9
Context — Hannah’s Prayer of Thanksgiving
7The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.
8He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.
9He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail.
10Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed.” 11Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 121:3 | He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. |
| 2 | Psalms 91:11–12 | For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. |
| 3 | Psalms 33:16–17 | No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 1:5 | who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. |
| 5 | Zechariah 4:6 | So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 6 | Psalms 94:18 | If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me. |
| 7 | Job 5:24 | You will know that your tent is secure, and find nothing amiss when inspecting your home. |
| 8 | Psalms 37:28 | For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. |
| 9 | Psalms 97:10 | Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 33:3 | Surely You love the people; all the holy ones are in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet; each receives Your words— |
1 Samuel 2:9 Summary
[This verse tells us that God takes care of those who love and follow Him, keeping them safe and guiding their paths, just like a good shepherd watches over his sheep. On the other hand, those who don't follow God will face darkness and trouble, because they are trying to live without His help. As it says in Jeremiah 10:23, we need God's guidance to know what to do, because our own strength is not enough to succeed. We must rely on God's power and love to get through life's challenges.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God 'guards the steps' of His faithful ones?
This means that God watches over and protects those who trust in Him, guiding their paths and keeping them from harm, as seen in Psalm 121:3-4, which says He will not let our foot slip.
Why do the wicked perish in darkness?
The wicked perish in darkness because they have rejected God's light and chosen to walk in their own ways, as stated in John 3:19, which says that people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.
What does it mean that 'by his own strength shall no man prevail'?
This means that no person can succeed or be saved by their own power or efforts, but must rely on God's strength and grace, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, which says that salvation is a gift of God, not of works.
How can we be counted among God's 'faithful ones'?
We can be counted among God's faithful ones by putting our trust in Him, following His commands, and seeking to live a life that honors Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, which says to fear God, walk in His ways, and serve Him with all our heart and soul.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I feel like God is guarding my steps, and how can I trust Him more in uncertain times?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be trying to rely on my own strength rather than God's, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
- How can I be a light in the darkness to those around me who may be perishing in their own wickedness, and what role can I play in sharing God's love with them?
- What does it mean for me to 'prevail' in my life, and how can I seek God's strength and guidance to achieve His will for me?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:9
He will keep the feet of his saints,.... Now follow promises and prophecies of future things respecting the Israel of God, either in a literal or spiritual sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:9
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
The feet, i.e. the steps or paths, their counsels and actions, he will keep, i.e. both uphold, that they may not fall, at least, into mischief or utter ruin; and direct and preserve from wandering, and from those fatal mistakes and errors that wicked men daily run into. Shall be silent; shall be put to silence: they who used to open their mouths wide against heaven, and against the saints, shall be so confounded with the unexpected disappointment of all their hopes, and with God’ s glorious appearance and operations for his people, that they shall have their months quite stopped, and sit down in silent amazement and consternation: see 47:5,6. In darkness; both inward, in their own minds, which are wholly in the dark, perplexed by their own choice and counsels, not knowing what to say or do; and outward, in a state of deepest distress and misery. By strength shall no man prevail, to wit, against God, or against his saints, as the wicked were confident they should do, because of their great power, and wealth, and numbers; whereas God’ s people were mean, and impotent, and helpless. And particularly, Peninnah shall not prevail against me by that strength which she hath, or thinks to have, from her numerous offspring. But it is to bc observed, that although Hannah takes the rise of this song from her own condition, yet she extends her thoughts and words further, even to the usual methods of God’ s providence in the government of the world.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
1 Samuel 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.Ver. 9. He will keep the feet of his saints.] This is a lower love and courtesy than to keep their hands. He keepeth them from utter prolapsion, from devoratory evils, as Tertullian speaketh, so as that either they fall not at all, - stumble they may, but they get ground by their stumbling, - or if they fall, they shall arise; for the Lord putteth under his hand. There is still a supporting grace, below which they cannot possibly fall. The wicked shall be silent in darkness.] They may fall whither they will or can, for any care God taketh of them: they shall fall and never rise again. They have been silent in darkness, making no moan, neither humbling themselves in their distress; they "cried not when God bound them," therefore they shall be silent, sore frightened and astonished at their horrible calamities here, and tortures in hell. For by strength shall no man prevail.] Or, Obtain his enterprise. Augustine striving against his headstrong corruptions in his own strength, heard a voice saying, In te stas, et non stas. Thou wouldst stand by thyself, and therefore fallest. See thyself weak as water, and run to Christ: rely on him alone; for God "hath laid help on One that is mighty"; he hath given "strength unto his King, and exalted the horn of his Messiah," as it is in the next verse.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
(9) He will keep the feet.—This was the comforting deduction Hannah drew from the circumstances of her life: this the grave moral reflection the Spirit of the Lord bade her put down for the support and solace of all true servants of the Eternal in coming ages. Seeing that Jehovah of Israel governs the world, the righteous have nothing really to fear; it is only the wicked and rebellious who have reason to be afraid. The Babylonian Talmud has the following comment on these words:—“If any man has passed the greater part of his years without sin, he will sin no more. If a man has been able to resist the same temptation once or twice, he will sin no more; for it is said (1 Samuel 2:9), ‘He will keep the feet of his saints.’”—Treatise Yoma, fol. 38, Colossians 2. By strength shall no man prevail.—The same thought is expressed very grandly by the prophet, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). The Holy Ghost, in one of the sublime visions of St. Paul, taught the suffering apostle the same great truth, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
Verse 9. He will keep the feet of his saints] He will order and direct all their goings, and keep them from every evil way. The wicked shall be silent in darkness] The Targum understands this of their being sent to the darkness of hell; they shall be slain. By strength shall no man prevail.] Because God is omnipotent, and no power can be successfully exerted against him.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:9
9. It is Jehovah who guards His chosen ones from stumbling in their walk through life (Psalms 56:13; Psalms 91:12); It is He who leaves the wicked to languish in adversity (Job 5:14) or perish miserably (Psalms 31:17; Psalms 55:23); for apart from Him or in opposition to Him human strength is impotence (Zechariah 4:6). his saints] Rather, His beloved, or, His chosen. The Heb. word means (a) one who is the object of mercy, and does not in itself imply holiness of character, but is used of Israel as the covenant people, the objects of Jehovah’s lovingkindness: (b) in an active sense, merciful, of God (Jeremiah 3:12): of men (2 Samuel 22:26). shall be silent] “Shall be silenced,” or, “perish.”
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:9
9. The feet of his pious ones he will guard — That they may not wander into fatal errors. Shall be dumb — Filled with confusion of face, confounded, and destroyed.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Care of Our Feet by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine promise that God will keep the feet of His saints, ensuring their safety and guidance through life's slippery paths. He reassures believers that |
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Matthew 12:9-13. Christ Heals the Man With the Withered Hand. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about Jesus' compassion and mercy, highlighting how He honored public worship, taught at the synagogue, and showed mercy to a man with a withered hand |
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I Samuel 2:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the themes of divine protection and strength in his sermon based on I Samuel 2:9. He explains that God keeps the feet of His saints from straying and falling |
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God's Keeping by Aaron Hills | Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of God's keeping power and our responsibility to guard ourselves against backsliding. He emphasizes the need for constant trust, dependence o |
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Studies in Esther-03 Esther 5-7 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners to put their money to work for the Lord and engage in various acts of service and hospitality. The story of Esther is used as an ex |
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Surefootedness by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the strength and surefootedness that God provides to His people, as illustrated in Habakkuk 3:19. He explains that faith in God's promises allows believers |
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One Wrong Step—and Down We Go! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the precarious nature of the Christian journey, illustrating how the path to life is both safe and fraught with dangers. He reflects on the ease with which |