1 Samuel 23:8
1 Samuel 23:8 in Multiple Translations
Then Saul summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men.
And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
And Saul sent for all the people to come to the fight, and go down to Keilah to make an attack on David and his men.
So Saul called up his whole army to go and attack Keilah and to besiege David and his men.
Then Saul called all the people together to warre, for to go downe to Keilah, and to besiege Dauid and his men.
And Saul summoneth the whole of the people to battle, to go down to Keilah, to lay siege unto David and unto his men.
Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.
And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
And Saul commanded all the people to go down to fight against Ceila, and to besiege David, and his men.
So Saul summoned his army, and they prepared to go down to Keilah to attack David and his men.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:8
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 23:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְשַׁמַּ֥ע
שָׁא֛וּל
אֶת
כָּל
הָ/עָ֖ם
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה
לָ/רֶ֣דֶת
קְעִילָ֔ה
לָ/צ֥וּר
אֶל
דָּוִ֖ד
וְ/אֶל
אֲנָשָֽׁי/ו
וַ/יְשַׁמַּ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֛וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
לָ/רֶ֣דֶת
yârad
H3381
to go down
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
קְעִילָ֔ה
Qᵉʻîylâh
H7084
Keilah
N-proper
לָ/צ֥וּר
tsûwr
H6696
to confine
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
אֲנָשָֽׁי/ו
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:8
וַ/יְשַׁמַּ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
שָׁא֛וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
לָ/רֶ֣דֶת
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.
קְעִילָ֔ה
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.
לָ/צ֥וּר
tsûwr
H6696
"to confine"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
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.
דָּוִ֖ד
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.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | 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.
אֲנָשָֽׁי/ו
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp | Suff
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 23:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Saul Pursues David
6(Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)
7When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.”
8Then Saul summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men.
9When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” 10And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account.1 Samuel 23:8 Summary
This verse shows us that Saul was determined to catch David and his men, and he gathered all his troops to attack them at Keilah. But even in the midst of danger, David sought God's guidance and protection, as we see in 1 Samuel 23:9-10. We can learn from David's example to trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even when faced with challenges, just like we see in Psalm 23:4. By seeking God's guidance and trusting in His protection, we can find peace and confidence, even in the midst of uncertainty, as promised in Isaiah 26:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul want to besiege David and his men at Keilah?
Saul wanted to besiege David and his men at Keilah because he thought God had delivered David into his hands, as David had entered a town with gates and bars, making it easier for Saul to capture him, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:7.
What was Saul's motivation for going to war against David?
Saul's motivation for going to war against David was rooted in his own jealousy and fear, as David had become a threat to his power and position, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:8 and 1 Samuel 22:17.
How did David respond to the news of Saul's plans?
David responded to the news of Saul's plans by seeking God's guidance and protection, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:9-10, where he asks Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod so he can inquire of the Lord.
What can we learn from Saul's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Saul's actions that when we allow jealousy, fear, and pride to control our actions, we can become enemies of God's people, just like Saul, as warned in Proverbs 27:4 and Galatians 5:26.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel threatened or pursued by others, and what can I learn from David's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I seek God's guidance and protection in times of uncertainty or danger, just like David did in this passage?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be allowing jealousy, fear, or pride to control my actions, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, as David did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:8
And Saul called all the people together to war,.... Or "caused [them] to hear" (m) summoned them by an herald, whom he sent into all parts of the kingdom to proclaim war, and require them in his name
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:8
And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. Saul called all the people - not the united tribes of Israel, but the inhabitants of the adjoining districts.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:8
1 Samuel 23:8 And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.Ver. 8. To besiege David and his men.] Rather than to pursue the Philistines. So the Pope publisheth his Croysados against the Protestants; holding them greater enemies than are the Turks: witness his wars against the Waldenses in France, and the Hussites in Germany.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:8
(8) And Saul called all the people together.—Such a summons to war on the part of the sovereign has been always a royal right. The plea, of course, alleged for this “summons” was the necessity of an immediate national effort against the hereditary enemies of the people.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:8
Verse 8. Saul called all the people together] That is, all the people of that region or district, that they might scour the country, and hunt out David from all his haunts.