1 Samuel 23:20
1 Samuel 23:20 in Multiple Translations
Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.”
Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king’s hand.
Now therefore, O king, come down, according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him up into the king’s hand.
So now, O king, have your soul's desire and come down, and we, for our part, will give him up into the king's hands.
So, Your Majesty, please come whenever you want, and we'll make sure to hand him over to you.”
Nowe therefore, O King, come downe according to all that thine heart can desire, and our part shall be to deliuer him into the Kinges handes.
And, now, by all the desire of thy soul, O king, to come down, come down, and ours [is] to shut him up into the hand of the king.'
Now therefore, O king, come down. According to all the desire of your soul to come down; and our part will be to deliver him up into the king’s hand.”
Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand.
Now therefore come down, as thy soul hath desired to come down: and it shall be our business to deliver him into the king’s hands.
So, O king, come down there any time that you want to. It is our duty to capture him and turn him over to you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:20
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 23:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֠/עַתָּה
לְ/כָל
אַוַּ֨ת
נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֥
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
לָ/רֶ֖דֶת
רֵ֑ד
וְ/לָ֥/נוּ
הַסְגִּיר֖/וֹ
בְּ/יַ֥ד
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וְ֠/עַתָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אַוַּ֨ת
ʼavvâh
H185
desire
N-fs
נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֥
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לָ/רֶ֖דֶת
yârad
H3381
to go down
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רֵ֑ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וְ/לָ֥/נוּ
Conj | Prep | Suff
הַסְגִּיר֖/וֹ
çâgar
H5462
to shut
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
בְּ/יַ֥ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:20
וְ֠/עַתָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
אַוַּ֨ת
ʼavvâh
H185
"desire"
N-fs
Avvah is a strong desire or longing, which can be good or bad. In Genesis 3:6, Eve desired the forbidden fruit, while in Psalm 38:9, David expressed his desire for God's help. This concept is about intense wanting.
Definition: desire, lust, will (not necessarily evil)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: desire, lust after, pleasure. See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Deuteronomy 18:6; Jeremiah 2:24.
נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֥
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לָ/רֶ֖דֶת
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
רֵ֑ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
וְ/לָ֥/נוּ
""
Conj | Prep | Suff
הַסְגִּיר֖/וֹ
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
בְּ/יַ֥ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Saul Pursues David
18So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.
19Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon?
20Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.”
21“May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. 22Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 23:12 | So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:26 | Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. |
| 3 | Proverbs 11:23 | The desire of the righteous leads only to good, but the hope of the wicked brings wrath. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 21:11–14 | So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 3:21 | Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 18:6 | Now if a Levite moves from any town of residence throughout Israel and comes in all earnestness to the place the LORD will choose, |
| 7 | 2 Kings 10:5–7 | So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city. And when the letter arrived, they took the sons of the king and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel. |
| 8 | Psalms 54:3 | For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life— men with no regard for God. Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 112:10 | The wicked man will see and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the desires of the wicked will perish. |
1 Samuel 23:20 Summary
[This verse shows how the Ziphites tried to get on King Saul's good side by offering to help him capture David, who was hiding in their territory. This was a betrayal of David's trust, and it highlights the dangers of seeking to please others at the expense of doing what is right. As we see in Psalm 52:1-9, David trusted in God's deliverance and judgment, rather than trying to please those who were against him. We can learn from David's example to prioritize pleasing God over pleasing others, as taught in Galatians 1:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Ziphites offer to help Saul capture David?
The Ziphites offered to help Saul capture David because they wanted to gain favor with the king, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:20, similar to how the men of Jabesh-gilead sought to please Saul in 1 Samuel 11:1-11.
What does this verse reveal about the character of the Ziphites?
This verse shows that the Ziphites were willing to betray David, who was hiding among them, in order to gain favor with King Saul, indicating a lack of loyalty and integrity, as also seen in their actions in 1 Samuel 26:1.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of David and Saul?
This verse is part of the ongoing narrative of Saul's pursuit of David, which began in 1 Samuel 18:8 and continues throughout 1 Samuel, highlighting the contrast between Saul's jealousy and David's faith in God, as expressed in Psalm 54:1-7.
What can we learn about the dangers of flattery and people-pleasing from this verse?
This verse warns us about the dangers of seeking to please others at the expense of doing what is right, as the Ziphites did, and instead encourages us to seek to please God, as taught in Galatians 1:10 and Proverbs 29:25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be seeking to please others at the expense of following God's will, and how can I change this?
- How can I balance the desire to be liked and accepted by others with the need to stand firm in my faith and values, as David did in this situation?
- What are some times in my life when I have had to choose between pleasing others and following God, and what did I learn from those experiences?
- How can I cultivate the kind of integrity and faith that David demonstrated in the face of persecution and betrayal, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:20 and Psalm 52:1-9?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:20
Now therefore, O king, come down,.... From Gibeah to Ziph, and the wilderness of it, where David was: according to all the desires of thy soul to come down; to seize such a prey which he was greatly
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:20
Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:20
It shall be our care and business to the utmost of our power. Or, we will undertake to deliver him, or betray him to thee.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:20
1 Samuel 23:20 Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part [shall be] to deliver him into the king’ s hand.Ver. 20. And our part shall be to deliver him.] Here is their proditio atque premissio dedendi Davidem. A company of Judases they showed themselves; and David turneth them over to God, that he may take an order with them.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Objects, Grounds, and Evidences of the Hope of the Righteous by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the objects, grounds, and evidences of the hope of the righteous in contrast to the despair of the wicked in death. He emphasizes the importance of hav |
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The Happy Man 07 Expressions-Saved Soul by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus and his ability to see in the dark. He uses the example of Peter walking on water and how Jesus |
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Psalm 54 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the Psalmist's deep distress and his unwavering faith in God's help. David, surrounded by enemies and facing betrayal, turns to God for salvation, invoking Hi |