1 Samuel 23:1
1 Samuel 23:1 in Multiple Translations
Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.”
Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
And they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing-floors.
And they sent word to David, saying, The Philistines are fighting against Keilah and taking the grain from the grain-floors.
One day David heard the news, “The Philistines are attacking Keilah and stealing the grain from the threshing floors.”
Then they tolde Dauid, saying, Beholde, the Philistims fight against Keilah, and spoyle the barnes.
And they declare to David, saying, 'Lo, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are spoiling the threshing-floors.'
David was told, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing floors.”
Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshing-floors.
And they told David, saying: Behold the Philistines fight against Ceila, and they rob the barns.
One day someone told David, “You need to know that the Philistia army is attacking Keilah town and they are stealing grain from where men are threshing it.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:1
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 23:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּגִּ֥דוּ
לְ/דָוִ֖ד
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
הִנֵּ֤ה
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
נִלְחָמִ֣ים
בִּ/קְעִילָ֔ה
וְ/הֵ֖מָּה
שֹׁסִ֥ים
אֶת
הַ/גֳּרָנֽוֹת
וַ/יַּגִּ֥דוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
נִלְחָמִ֣ים
lâcham
H3898
to fight
V-Niphal
בִּ/קְעִילָ֔ה
Qᵉʻîylâh
H7084
Keilah
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
שֹׁסִ֥ים
shâçâh
H8154
to plunder
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/גֳּרָנֽוֹת
gôren
H1637
threshing floor
Art | N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:1
וַ/יַּגִּ֥דוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הִנֵּ֤ה
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.
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
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.
נִלְחָמִ֣ים
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
V-Niphal
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.
בִּ/קְעִילָ֔ה
Qᵉʻîylâh
H7084
"Keilah"
Prep | N-proper
Keilah was a city in ancient Judah, mentioned in the Bible as a place where David fought the Philistines. It was a fortified town, located northwest of Hebron. The city plays a significant role in the story of David's life, as recorded in 1 Samuel.
Definition: § Keilah = "fortress" a city in the lowlands of Judah northwest of Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Keilah. See also: Joshua 15:44; 1 Samuel 23:8; Nehemiah 3:18.
וְ/הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
שֹׁסִ֥ים
shâçâh
H8154
"to plunder"
V-Qal
To plunder means to take things by force, like in war, and this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe the actions of enemies. It appears in Isaiah 42:22 and Jeremiah 30:16. Plundering is a serious offense.
Definition: 1) to spoil, plunder, take spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to plunder 1a2) plunderers (participle) 1b) (Poel) to plunder
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: destroyer, rob, spoil(-er). See also: Judges 2:14; Psalms 44:11; Isaiah 10:13.
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.
הַ/גֳּרָנֽוֹת
gôren
H1637
"threshing floor"
Art | N-cp
A threshing floor is an open area where grain is separated from chaff, as seen in the book of Ruth. This word can also refer to a barn or empty space. The KJV Bible translates it as floor or place.
Definition: 1) threshing-floor 2) (TWOT) barn, barn floor, corn floor, void place
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (barn, corn, threshing-) floor, (threshing-, void) place. See also: Genesis 50:10; 1 Kings 22:10; Isaiah 21:10.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 23:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:1
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:1
Context — David Delivers Keilah
1Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.”
2So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 3But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 15:44 | Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah—nine cities, along with their villages. |
| 2 | Micah 6:15 | You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourselves with oil; you will tread grapes but not drink the wine. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 3:17–18 | Next to him, the Levites made repairs under Rehum son of Bani, and next to him, Hashabiah, ruler of a half-district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. Next to him, their countrymen made repairs under Binnui son of Henadad, ruler of the other half-district of Keilah. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 28:33 | A people you do not know will eat the produce of your land and of all your toil. All your days you will be oppressed and crushed. |
| 5 | Leviticus 26:16 | then this is what I will do to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever that will destroy your sight and drain your life. You will sow your seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 28:51 | They will eat the offspring of your livestock and the produce of your land until you are destroyed. They will leave you no grain or new wine or oil, no calves of your herds or lambs of your flocks, until they have caused you to perish. |
| 7 | Judges 6:4 | encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. |
| 8 | Judges 6:11 | Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. |
1 Samuel 23:1 Summary
This verse tells us that the Philistines were attacking the city of Keilah and stealing their food, which was a big problem for the people living there (1 Samuel 23:1). It's like if someone was breaking into your house and taking all your food, you would want someone to help you, right? That's what David was about to do, with God's help (see Psalm 121:1-2). The Philistines were a powerful enemy, but David trusted God to give him the victory, just like God had promised to be with Him in other battles (1 Samuel 17:45-47, 2 Samuel 5:17-25).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines attack Keilah?
The Bible doesn't explicitly state why the Philistines attacked Keilah, but it's possible that they were trying to plunder the city's wealth, as they were looting the threshing floors, which were likely filled with grain and other valuable resources (1 Samuel 23:1, see also Judges 3:1-3).
How did David find out about the Philistines' attack on Keilah?
The verse states that it was reported to David, but it doesn't specify who reported it or how David received the news (1 Samuel 23:1).
What can we learn from the Philistines' actions in this verse?
The Philistines' actions demonstrate their disregard for God's people and their desire to harm and exploit them, which is a common theme throughout the Bible (see Psalm 83:1-4, Ezekiel 25:15-17).
How does this verse relate to the rest of 1 Samuel?
This verse sets the stage for David's interaction with the Lord and his decision to attack the Philistines, which is a key part of the narrative in 1 Samuel, highlighting David's trust in God and his willingness to obey Him (1 Samuel 23:1-12, see also 1 Samuel 30:1-31).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be more aware of the needs of those around me, just like David was aware of the Philistines' attack on Keilah?
- How can I trust God to guide me in difficult situations, just like David did when he inquired of the Lord about attacking the Philistines?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to fight on my behalf, just like He fought on behalf of the people of Keilah?
- How can I be more like David, who was willing to take risks and trust God to defend him, even when the odds seemed against him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:1
Then they told David,.... Either the men of Keilah sent to him, being near them, or some well wishers of theirs, and of their country, acquainted him with their case: saying, behold, the Philistines
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:1
Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
1 SAMUEL CHAPTER 23 David, inquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescueth Keilah, and goeth into it, . God showing him the coming of Saul, and treachery of the Kennites, , he flieth thence to the wilderness of Ziph, with his six hundred men, . Here Jonathan cometh to him, and reneweth the covenant of friendship with him, . The Ziphites discover him to Saul, ; who pursueth him into the wilderness of Maon, . He is called away by a message that the Philistines had invaded the land, ,28. David dwelleth at En-gedi, . Then they told David; or, Now they had told David, to wit, before he heard of the slaughter of the priests. Keilah; a city in the tribe of Judah, , not far from the forest of Hareth, where David now was, . The threshing-floors usually were without the cities, in places open to the wind. See , &c.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
1 Samuel 23:1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.Ver. 1. Then they told David.] The men of Keilah in the land of Judah seek help of David their countryman; but having served themselves of him, they soon proved false hearted to him, and would have made him an ill requital. In trust I have found treason, said Queen Elizabeth. And they rob the threshingfloors.] Vatablus hath it, Horrea, the barns. Horreum ab hauriendo, barns and threshingfloors were without the city, as Judges 6:11, but necessary appendages to it. Camden.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
(1) Then they told David. . . .—For this and like duties the prophet Gad (1 Samuel 22:5) had summoned David to return with his armed band to Judah. There was a great work ready to his hand in his own country at that juncture. Saul was becoming more and more neglectful of his higher duty—that of protecting his people; as time went on and his malady increased, his whole thoughts were concentrated on David’s imaginary crimes, and the history of the latter part of his reign is little more than a recital of his sad, bewildered efforts to compass the young hero’s destruction. The task of protecting the people from the constant marauding expeditions of the Philistines, and probably of the neighbouring nations, then was entrusted to David. To point this out to the son of Jesse was evidently the first great mission of Gad the seer. Samuel’s mind was, no doubt, busied in this matter. It is more than probable that Gad was first dispatched to join David at the instigation of the aged, but still mentally vigorous, prophet. Keilah.—“This town lay in the lowlands of Judah, not far from the Philistine frontier, some miles south of Adullam, being perched on a steep hill overlooking the valley of Elah, not far from the thickets of Hareth” (Conder; Tent Life in Palestine).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
CHAPTER XXIII David succours Keilah, besieged by the Philistines; defeats them, and delivers the city, 1-6. Saul, hearing that David was at Keilah, determines to come and seize him, 7, 8. David inquires of the Lord concerning the fidelity of the men of Keilah towards him; is informed that if he stays in the city, the men of Keilah will betray him to Saul, 9-12. David and his men escape from the city, and come to the wilderness of Ziph, 13-15. Jonathan meets David in the wood of Ziph, strengthens his hand in God, and they renew their covenant, 16-18. The Ziphites endeavour to betray David to Saul, but he and his men escape to Maon, 19-22. Saul comes to Maon; and having surrounded the mountain on which David and his men were, they must inevitably have fallen into his hands, had not a messenger come to call Saul to the succour of Judah, then invaded by the Philistines, 25-27. Saul leaves the pursuit of David, and goes to succour the land; and David escapes to En-gedi, 28, 29. NOTES ON CHAP. XXIII Verse 1.
The Philistines fight against Keilah] Keilah was a fortified town in the tribe of Judah near to Eleutheropolis, on the road to Hebron. Rob the threshing-floors.] This was an ancient custom of the Philistines, Midianites, and others. See Judges 6:4. When the corn was ripe and fit to be threshed, and they had collected it at the threshing-floors, which were always in the open field, then their enemies came upon them and spoiled them of the fruits of their harvest.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:1
1 Samuel 23:1-6. The rescue of Keilah 1. Then they told David] Simply, And they told. There is no mark of time. The appeal to David shews that he was growing to be regarded as the champion of Israel. Keilah] A fortified city (v, 7), named in Joshua 15:44 as one of a group of cities in the Shephêlah or “Lowland,” which included the low limestone hills bordering on the Philistine plain. It was perched on a steep hill above the valley of Elah, about three miles south of Adullam, where the name Kila still survives to mark the site. they rob the threshing floors] This indicates that the raid took place immediately after harvest, when the corn was stacked by the floors ready for threshing.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:1
David’s growing importance, fugitive as he was, is marked by this appeal to him for deliverance from the Philistines. The “threshing floors” were the natural objects of plunder Judges 6:11.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1
DAVID AT KEILAH, 1 Samuel 23:1-13. 1. Keilah — The modern Kila, situated about four miles northwest of Hebron on a projecting cliff on the right bank of Wady el-Feranj. See on Joshua 15:44.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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David's Fight With the Philistines by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David's fight with the Philistines as described in 1 Samuel chapter 23. The Philistines were attacking the people of Kaila |
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Snares, Traps, Scourges, and Thorns by Carter Conlon | In this sermon on Judges chapter 6, the preacher highlights the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God. The nation of Midian oppresses them and steals their crops, lea |
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The Eternal Spirit in Old Testament Times by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of being inspired by the Holy Spirit and dedicating oneself to God. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Jacob and Gideon, |
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Answers by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a strong foundation in the word of God for a successful life. He shares his experience of visiting troubled churches |
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Standing Courageously in Your Home, Church, and Community by Paige Patterson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering mean-spirited individuals at a meeting. However, he witnesses a transformation in some of these people as t |
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Gideon by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon and his men were facing a formidable enemy, but God instructed them to use unconventional methods t |
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A Wake Up Call to the Church by Bob Taylor | In this sermon, the speaker describes a vision of a dim light illuminating the grass and gradually getting brighter. As the light intensifies, the speaker can see deeper into the g |