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1 Samuel 30:24

1 Samuel 30:24 in Multiple Translations

Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.”

For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

And who will hearken unto you in this matter? for as his share is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his share be that tarrieth by the baggage: they shall share alike.

Who is going to give any attention to you in this question? for an equal part will be given to him who went to the fight and to him who was waiting by the goods: they are all to have the same.

Who's going to listen to you when you say such things? Whatever share those who went into battle receive will be the same as those who stayed to guard the supplies.”

For who will obey you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth downe to the battel, so shall his part be, that tarieth by the stuffe: they shall part alike.

and who doth hearken to you in this thing? for as the portion of him who was brought down into battle, so also [is] the portion of him who is abiding by the vessels — alike they share.'

Who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays with the baggage. They shall share alike.”

For who will hearken to you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the goods: they shall part alike.

And no man shall hearken to you in this matter. But equal shall be the portion of him that went down to battle and of him that abode at the baggage, and they shall divide alike.

◄Who will pay attention to you if you say things like that?/No one will pay attention to you if you say things like that.► [RHQ] The men who stayed here with our supplies will get the same amount that the men who went into the battle will get. They will all receive the same amount.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 30:24

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 30:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מִי֙ יִשְׁמַ֣ע לָ/כֶ֔ם לַ/דָּבָ֖ר הַ/זֶּ֑ה כִּ֞י כְּ/חֵ֣לֶק הַ/יֹּרֵ֣ד בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֗ה וּֽ/כְ/חֵ֛לֶק הַ/יֹּשֵׁ֥ב עַל הַ/כֵּלִ֖ים יַחְדָּ֥ו יַחֲלֹֽקוּ
וּ/מִי֙ mîy H4310 who? Conj | Part
יִשְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/כֶ֔ם Prep | Suff
לַ/דָּבָ֖ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
כִּ֞י kîy H3588 for Conj
כְּ/חֵ֣לֶק chêleq H2506 portion Prep | N-ms
הַ/יֹּרֵ֣ד yârad H3381 to go down Art | V-Qal
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֗ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs
וּֽ/כְ/חֵ֛לֶק chêleq H2506 portion Conj | Prep | N-ms
הַ/יֹּשֵׁ֥ב yâshab H3427 to dwell Art | V-Qal
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ/כֵּלִ֖ים kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil Art | N-mp
יַחְדָּ֥ו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv
יַחֲלֹֽקוּ châlaq H2505 to divide V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 30:24

וּ/מִי֙ mîy H4310 "who?" Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יִשְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Imperf-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.
לָ/כֶ֔ם "" Prep | Suff
לַ/דָּבָ֖ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
כִּ֞י 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.
כְּ/חֵ֣לֶק chêleq H2506 "portion" Prep | N-ms
Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.
Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.
הַ/יֹּרֵ֣ד yârad H3381 "to go down" Art | V-Qal
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.
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֗ה 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.
וּֽ/כְ/חֵ֛לֶק chêleq H2506 "portion" Conj | Prep | N-ms
Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.
Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.
הַ/יֹּשֵׁ֥ב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Art | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כֵּלִ֖ים kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
יַחְדָּ֥ו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
יַחֲלֹֽקוּ châlaq H2505 "to divide" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 30:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 22:8 saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies.”
2 Numbers 31:27 Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation.
3 Psalms 68:12 “Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder.
4 1 Samuel 25:13 And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men put on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

1 Samuel 30:24 Summary

In 1 Samuel 30:24, David says that those who fought in battle and those who stayed behind with the supplies will share the plunder equally. This means that everyone's role is important, regardless of what they did. Just like in a team, everyone works together to achieve a common goal, and everyone deserves to be valued and rewarded equally (as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31). By sharing the plunder equally, David is showing that he values and appreciates the contributions of all his men, and this principle can be applied to our own lives as we work together with others to achieve God's purposes (as mentioned in Romans 12:3-8).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of David's statement in 1 Samuel 30:24?

David's statement is in response to the wicked and worthless men who did not want to share the plunder with those who stayed behind with the supplies, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:22. David rejects their proposal, citing the protection and deliverance they received from the Lord, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 30:23.

Is David's decision in 1 Samuel 30:24 fair to those who fought in battle?

Yes, David's decision is fair because it acknowledges the equal value of those who fought and those who stayed behind with the supplies. This principle is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Numbers 31:25-47, where the spoils of war were divided among all the Israelites, regardless of their role in the battle.

How does 1 Samuel 30:24 relate to the concept of teamwork and unity?

This verse highlights the importance of teamwork and unity, as David recognizes that everyone played a crucial role in the success of their mission, whether they fought in battle or stayed behind with the supplies. This principle is also emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, where the body of Christ is compared to a single body with many parts, each with its own unique function.

What is the significance of David establishing this statute as an ordinance for Israel?

By establishing this statute, David sets a precedent for future generations, emphasizing the importance of fairness, equality, and unity among God's people, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:25. This ordinance is a reflection of God's character, as described in Deuteronomy 10:17, where He is said to show no partiality and accept no bribes.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can apply the principle of fairness and equality in my own life, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:24?
  2. How can I recognize and appreciate the different roles and contributions of those around me, whether in my family, church, or community?
  3. In what ways can I promote unity and teamwork among those around me, and how can I encourage others to do the same?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to show partiality or favoritism, and how can I overcome these tendencies?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 30:24

For who will hearken unto you in fit is matter?,.... No wise and just man will take on your side of the question, and join with you in excluding your brethren from a share in the spoil: but as his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 30:24

Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:24

Who will hearken unto you? what wise or just man will be of your opinion in this matter? They shall part alike; a prudent and equitable constitution, and therefore practised by the Romans, as Polybius and others note. The reason of it is manifest, because they were exposed to hazards as well as their brethren, and were a reserve to whom they might retreat in case of a defeat; and they were now in a vital service, and in the station in which their general had placed them.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:24

1 Samuel 30:24 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part [is] that goeth down to the battle, so [shall] his part [be] that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.Ver. 24. For who will hearken unto you?] Who that is unbiassed and impartial? Who that hath any ingenuity? &c. But as his part is that, &c.] This is so far ex aequo et bono, agreeable to good reason, that the Romans also had the like law amongst them, as Polybius writeth. See the like done, Numbers 31:25-40 Joshua 22:10-11; Joshua 2:1-24 Ma 8:28. Lib. x. Pariter partientur.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 30:24

24. For who, &c.] Better, And who will hearken unto you as regards this saying? A negative answer is implied: No one; for, &c. The Sept. adds, “for they are not inferior to us.” as his part, &c.] The rule for the division of the spoil between combatants and non-combatants was an ancient one. See Numbers 31:27; and cp. Joshua 22:8. David now enforced a special application of it with reference to the divisions of the army. A similar law existed at Rome. According to Polybius (x. 16. 5), Scipio after the sack of New Carthage directed the tribunes to divide the booty in equal portions to all, including the reserves, the guards of the camp, and the sick. the stuff] The baggage. See on 1 Samuel 10:22. they shall part alike] “Part” = share. The use of the verb in this sense is an archaism. Cp. Acts 2:45.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 30:24

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson A Salute to Those Who Stayed With It by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the diverse callings within the body of Christ. Using the story of David and his army in 1 Samuel 30, it highligh
Mary Wilder Tileston Waiting or Doing by Mary Wilder Tileston Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of contentment and obedience to God's will, emphasizing that whether we are called to worship in stillness or serve in busyness,
A.B. Simpson Tarrying by the Stuff by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the vital role of those who 'tarry by the stuff' in the mission of God, paralleling David's decision to share the spoils of victory with those who stayed be
A.B. Simpson Staying by the Stuff by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of those who 'stay by the stuff' in the context of David's victory over the Amalekites, illustrating that both the front-line soldiers and th
Thomas Bradbury Forsaken and Found by Thomas Bradbury Thomas Bradbury preaches on the marvellous grace of Jehovah-Jesus revealed in the narrative of David finding an Egyptian in the field. The sermon highlights the kindness and compas

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