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1 Samuel 23:3

1 Samuel 23:3 in Multiple Translations

But 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?”

And David’s men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

And David’s men said unto him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

And David's men said to him, Even here in Judah we are full of fear: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

But David's men told him, “Even here in Judah we feel afraid. If we went to Keilah to fight the Philistine armies we'd be absolutely terrified!”

And Dauids men said vnto him, See, we be afrayde here in Iudah, howe much more if we come to Keilah against the hoste of ye Philistims?

And David's men say unto him, 'Lo, we here in Judah are afraid; and how much more when we go to Keilah, unto the ranks of the Philistines?'

David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”

And David's men said to him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

And the men that were with David, said to him: Behold we are in fear here in Judea, how much more if we go to Ceila against the hands of the Philistines?

But David’s men said to him, “We are afraid that Saul will attack us here in Judah. We will be more afraid if we go to Keilah where the Philistia army is!”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:3

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 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ אַנְשֵׁ֤י דָוִד֙ אֵלָ֔י/ו הִנֵּ֨ה אֲנַ֥חְנוּ פֹ֛ה בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֖ה יְרֵאִ֑ים וְ/אַף֙ כִּֽי נֵלֵ֣ךְ קְעִלָ֔ה אֶל מַֽעַרְכ֖וֹת פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַנְשֵׁ֤י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp
דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
הִנֵּ֨ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
אֲנַ֥חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 we Pron
פֹ֛ה pôh H6311 here Adv
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah Prep | N-proper
יְרֵאִ֑ים yârêʼ H3372 to fear Adj
וְ/אַף֙ ʼaph H637 also Conj | Adv
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
נֵלֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
קְעִלָ֔ה Qᵉʻîylâh H7084 Keilah N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
מַֽעַרְכ֖וֹת maʻărâkâh H4634 rank N-fp
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:3

וַ/יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
אַנְשֵׁ֤י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp
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.
דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 "David" 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.
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
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.
הִנֵּ֨ה 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.
אֲנַ֥חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 "we" Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
פֹ֛ה pôh H6311 "here" Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" Prep | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
יְרֵאִ֑ים yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" Adj
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.
וְ/אַף֙ ʼaph H637 "also" Conj | Adv
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
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.
נֵלֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
קְעִלָ֔ה Qᵉʻîylâh H7084 "Keilah" 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.
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.
מַֽעַרְכ֖וֹת maʻărâkâh H4634 "rank" N-fp
It refers to a row or rank, often used for military arrays or armies, as in a battle-line or ordered place.
Definition: 1) row, rank, battle-line 1a) battle-line 1b) rank 1c) row Also means: ma.a.rah (מַעֲרָה "army" H4630)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: army, fight, be set in order, ordered place, rank, row. See also: Exodus 39:37; 1 Samuel 17:21; 1 Chronicles 12:39.
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים 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.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 12:5 “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?
2 Psalms 11:1 In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain!
3 1 Samuel 23:15 While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.
4 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.
5 1 Samuel 23:23 Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.”

1 Samuel 23:3 Summary

In 1 Samuel 23:3, David's men are afraid to go to Keilah because they feel vulnerable and outnumbered by the Philistines. This shows that even in the midst of following God's plan, we can still experience fear and doubt, but as believers, we should seek to trust in God's power and sovereignty, just like David did, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:2. By trusting in God's faithfulness and seeking His guidance, we can overcome our fears and follow His will, as encouraged in Joshua 1:9. We can also remember that God is our rock and our salvation, as seen in Psalms 62:6, and trust in His promise to deliver us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were David's men afraid to go to Keilah against the Philistines?

David's men were afraid because they felt vulnerable in Judah, and going to Keilah would put them in greater danger against a larger and more powerful enemy, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:3, which highlights their fear and lack of faith in God's power to deliver them, unlike David's trust in God as seen in 1 Samuel 23:2.

Did David's men doubt God's ability to deliver them?

Yes, it seems that David's men doubted God's ability to deliver them, as they expressed their fear of going to Keilah, despite God's previous promises to David, such as in 1 Samuel 23:2, where God instructed David to attack the Philistines and save Keilah, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness as seen in Psalms 27:1-3.

How did David respond to his men's fear?

David responded to his men's fear by inquiring of the Lord again, seeking reassurance and guidance, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:4, which shows David's trust in God's sovereignty and his desire to follow God's will, rather than relying on his own strength or the opinions of others, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

What can we learn from David's men's fear and David's response?

We can learn that fear and doubt are natural human emotions, but as believers, we should seek to trust in God's power and sovereignty, rather than our own abilities, and follow David's example of seeking guidance from God, as seen in Psalms 119:105, and trusting in His faithfulness, as seen in Hebrews 11:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am letting fear hold me back from trusting God, and how can I apply the lesson from 1 Samuel 23:3 to those situations?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and sovereignty, like David, and seek guidance from Him in times of uncertainty?
  3. In what ways can I, like David, seek to follow God's will and guidance, even when it seems daunting or uncertain, and trust in His promise to deliver me, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:18?
  4. What are some promises from God's Word that I can cling to when faced with fear or uncertainty, such as 1 Samuel 23:4, and how can I apply those promises to my life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:3

And David's men said unto him, behold, we be afraid here in Judah,.... Of Saul and his army falling upon them, and crushing them, though they were in the tribe of Judah, where they had many friends,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:3

And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:3

Here in Judah, i. e. in this part of Judah, whereas yet we have no army to oppose us; for else Keilah also was in Judah. If we come to Keilah; when we shall have a potent enemy before us, the Philistines, and, it may be, another behind us, even Saul, who probably will come forth, either to resist the Philistines, or to intercept us.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:3

1 Samuel 23:3 And David’ s men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? Ver. 3. And David’ s men said unto him.] See a like discouraging speech of the disciples to our Saviour, and his resolute answer. God may be safely and must be faithfully followed, whithersoever he leads us: neither must we stand casting of perils.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:3

(3) Here in Judah.—This does not imply that Keilah was out of the territory of Judah, but simply that the district in the neighbourhood round Keilah was at that time under Philistine domination. The open country in times of Philistine supremacy first fell under their control; their strong places, like Keilah, would resist for a much longer period.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:3

3. here in Judah] Keilah belonged to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:44): so that Judah must here be used in a limited sense of the highlands of Judah. the armies of the Philistines] David’s men exaggerate the marauding bands of Philistines into a regular army.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:3

3. We be afraid here in Judah — Afraid of Saul’s pursuit and sudden attack. They thought that any engagement against an enemy would expose them to still greater danger.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:3

SermonDescription
Horatius Bonar The Stone of Salvation or Destruction by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar explores the multifaceted significance of the 'stone' in Matthew 21:44, emphasizing its role as a symbol of Christ. He discusses how this stone represents rejection,
William Booth Through Jordan by William Booth William Booth emphasizes the challenges faced in life, comparing them to running with footmen and contending with the swelling of Jordan, symbolizing trials and tribulations. He en
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Jeremiah 11-15 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about three men who find a genie and are granted three wishes each. The first man wishes to be back in London, the second wishes to be ba
Steve Mays Be Strong in the Lord by Steve Mays In this sermon, Steve Mays emphasizes the importance of standing strong in the face of spiritual warfare. He highlights the fact that many believers are walking away from God in th
Ian Paisley Contrasting Picture of Life and Death by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges and struggles of life, comparing them to footmen in a race. He emphasizes that everyone will face disappointments, sickness, s
Arthur John Gossip A Test of Faith by Arthur John Gossip Arthur John Gossip emphasizes the importance of having a steadfast and unwavering faith in God, comparing the challenges faced in life to running with footmen and contending with h
E.A. Adeboye Great Tribulation Travails by E.A. Adeboye E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of not delaying in serving God, especially in the face of increasing corruption and challenges in the world. He warns against compromising on

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