1 Samuel 30:10
1 Samuel 30:10 in Multiple Translations
because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.
But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.
But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.
And David, with four hundred men, went on: but two hundred of them were overcome with weariness, and not able to go across the stream.
Two hundred of them remained behind there because they were too tired to cross the valley while David continued on with four hundred men.
But Dauid and foure hundreth men followed (for two hundreth abode behinde, being too wearie to goe ouer the riuer Besor)
and David pursueth, he and four hundred men, (and two hundred men stand still who have been too faint to pass over the brook of Besor),
But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so faint that they couldn’t go over the brook Besor.
But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, who were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.
But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred stayed, who being weary could not go over the torrent Besor.
David and 400 men continued to pursue the men who captured their families. The other 200 men stayed there at the ravine, because they were so exhausted that they could not cross the ravine.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 30:10
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 30:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֣ף
דָּוִ֔ד
ה֖וּא
וְ/אַרְבַּע
מֵא֣וֹת
אִ֑ישׁ
וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
מָאתַ֣יִם
אִ֔ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
פִּגְּר֔וּ
מֵ/עֲבֹ֖ר
אֶת
נַ֥חַל
הַ/בְּשֽׂוֹר
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֣ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/אַרְבַּע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Conj | Adj
מֵא֣וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מָאתַ֣יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
פִּגְּר֔וּ
pâgar
H6296
to faint
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
מֵ/עֲבֹ֖ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
הַ/בְּשֽׂוֹר
Bᵉsôwr
H1308
Besor
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 30:10
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֣ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
דָּוִ֔ד
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.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/אַרְבַּע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Conj | Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
מֵא֣וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
אִ֑ישׁ
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.
וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
מָאתַ֣יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
אִ֔ישׁ
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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
פִּגְּר֔וּ
pâgar
H6296
"to faint"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To become exhausted or weak, like the Israelites in the wilderness who were faint and thirsty, as described in Exodus 17:1-7. It means to lose strength or energy.
Definition: (Piel) to be exhausted, be faint
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: be faint. See also: 1 Samuel 30:10; 1 Samuel 30:21.
מֵ/עֲבֹ֖ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
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.
נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
הַ/בְּשֽׂוֹר
Bᵉsôwr
H1308
"Besor"
Art | N-proper
Besor is a stream in southern Palestine, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea, with a name meaning 'cheerful'.
Definition: § Besor = "cheerful" a stream, torrent-bed, or wadi in extreme south of Judah in Philistia; empties into the Mediterranean Sea
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Besor. See also: 1 Samuel 30:9; 1 Samuel 30:10; 1 Samuel 30:21.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 30:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 30:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 30:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 30:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:10
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 30:10
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 30:10
Context — David Destroys the Amalekites
8and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”
9So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind
10because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.
11Now his men found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David. They gave the man water to drink and food to eat— 12a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins. So he ate and was revived, for he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 30:9 | So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 30:21 | When David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him from the Brook of Besor, they came out to meet him and the troops with him. As David approached the men, he greeted them, |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 14:31 | That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, the people were very faint. |
| 4 | Judges 8:4–5 | Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit. So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 14:20 | Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. |
1 Samuel 30:10 Summary
[This verse shows that even when we're feeling tired or exhausted, God can still use us to accomplish great things, as long as we trust in Him and keep moving forward. David and his men were on a mission to rescue their families and possessions, and even though some of them were too tired to continue, David pressed on with the ones who were able, trusting in God's promise to give them victory, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:8. This is a reminder that our strength comes from God, and when we feel weak, we can ask Him for help, as encouraged in Psalm 28:7. By trusting in God and persevering through challenges, we can experience His power and provision in our lives, just like David did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did two hundred men stay behind at the Brook of Besor?
These men were too exhausted to cross the brook, highlighting the physical challenges David and his men faced in their pursuit, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:10. This exhaustion is a reminder that even in our spiritual pursuits, we must consider our physical limitations and trust in God's strength, as stated in Isaiah 40:31.
How did David decide to continue pursuing the raiders despite the exhaustion of some of his men?
David had previously inquired of the Lord and received assurance that he would overtake the raiders and rescue the captives, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:8. This demonstrates David's trust in God's guidance and provision, even in difficult circumstances, similar to the trust expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What can we learn from David's decision to press on with four hundred men?
David's decision shows his determination and faith in God's promise, which is an example to us when we face challenges and need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28. It also highlights the importance of perseverance and not giving up, even when some may lose heart or fall behind, as encouraged in Galatians 6:9.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of David's life and faith?
This verse is part of a larger narrative of David's trust in God and his obedience to God's will, which is a central theme throughout 1 Samuel and into 2 Samuel, reflecting the importance of faith and trust emphasized in Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I feel too exhausted to continue, and how can I seek God's strength and guidance in those moments?
- How do I respond when faced with physical or emotional challenges that make it hard to pursue my goals or spiritual aspirations?
- In what ways can I, like David, trust in God's promises and provision even when the journey ahead seems uncertain or difficult?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of perseverance and not giving up, even when others may lose heart or fall behind?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 30:10
But David pursued, he and four hundred men,.... Not discouraged with being obliged to leave a third part of his little army behind; though it was doubtless a trial of his faith, with these to pursue
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 30:10
But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:10
Four hundred men; a small number for such an attempt; but David was strong in faith, giving God the glory of his power and faithfulness.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:10
1 Samuel 30:10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.Ver. 10. He and four hundred men.] For those six hundred were too many for God to work by, as Judges 7:4. He delighteth to help his people "with a little help." For two hundred abode behind.] Being either so weary, or so lazy, for the word will bear both, saith Vatablus, that they marched no farther. Piscator noteth, that of the Hebrew word here used cometh pheger, for a dead carcass: to show that these two hundred were so weak and weary, that they were well nigh dead. ôâøå significat et lassum esse et pigrum esse.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 30:10
10. abode behind] Stayed, as in 1 Samuel 30:9. The condensed expression of the last clause of 1 Samuel 30:9 is explained by 1 Samuel 30:10. were so faint] A verb found only here and in 1 Samuel 30:21, connected with a substantive meaning a corpse; as we should say, they were dead-beat.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 30:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) Winning Back More Than You Lost by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a story from the Bible about David and his 400 men. Despite being on a mission from God to pursue the Amalekites, David and his men come acro |
|
Christian Perseverance by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on Christian Perseverance, drawing parallels between the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan and the Christian pilgrim's path filled with oppositio |
|
Continue the Struggle by God's Grace by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the struggles and triumphs in the Christian journey, emphasizing that although believers may feel perplexed and cast down at times, they are not |