1 Samuel 31:10
1 Samuel 31:10 in Multiple Translations
They put his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths and hung his body on the wall of Beth-shan.
And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan.
And they put his armor in the house of the Ashtaroth; and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan.
His war-dress they put in the house of Astarte; and his body was fixed on the wall of Beth-shan.
They placed his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths, and nailed his body to the town wall of Beth-shan.
And they layed vp his armour in the house of Ashtaroth, but they hanged vp his body on the wall of Beth-shan.
and they place his weapons [in] the house of Ashtaroth, and his body they have fixed on the wall of Beth-Shan.
They put his armor in the house of the Ashtaroth, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan.
And they put his armor in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan.
And they put his armour in the temple of Astaroth, but his body they hung on the wall of Bethsan.
They put Saul’s weapons in the temple of their goddess Astarte. They also fastened the bodies of Saul and his sons to the wall that surrounded Beth-Shan city.
They put Saul’s iron plates in one of those houses, the house of the female god called Astarti. At Beth-Shan they hung Saul’s dead body on the wall that was around the town.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 31:10
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 31:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּשִׂ֨מוּ֙
אֶת
כֵּלָ֔י/ו
בֵּ֖ית
עַשְׁתָּר֑וֹת
וְ/אֶת
גְּוִיָּת/וֹ֙
תָּקְע֔וּ
בְּ/חוֹמַ֖ת
בֵּ֥ית
שָֽׁן
וַ/יָּשִׂ֨מוּ֙
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כֵּלָ֔י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp | Suff
בֵּ֖ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
עַשְׁתָּר֑וֹת
ʻAshtârôwth
H6252
Ashtaroth
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
גְּוִיָּת/וֹ֙
gᵉvîyâh
H1472
body
N-fs | Suff
תָּקְע֔וּ
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בְּ/חוֹמַ֖ת
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
Prep | N-fs
בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Shᵉʼân
H1052
Beth-shean
N-proper
שָֽׁן
Bêyth Shᵉʼân
H1052
Beth-shean
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 31:10
וַ/יָּשִׂ֨מוּ֙
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
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.
כֵּלָ֔י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp | Suff
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.
בֵּ֖ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
עַשְׁתָּר֑וֹת
ʻAshtârôwth
H6252
"Ashtaroth"
N-proper
Ashtaroth refers to a Sidonian deity and a place east of the Jordan, given to Manasseh. It means star and is associated with the city in Bashan. The KJV translates it as Asharoth or Astaroth.
Definition: § Ashtaroth or Astaroth = "star" a city in Bashan east of the Jordan given to Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Asharoth, Astaroth. See also H1045 (בֵּית עַשְׁתָּרוֹת), H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת), H6255 (עַשְׁתְּרֹת קַרְנַיִם). See also: Deuteronomy 1:4; Judges 10:6; 1 Chronicles 6:56.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
גְּוִיָּת/וֹ֙
gᵉvîyâh
H1472
"body"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew term means a body, either living or dead. It can describe a corpse or a carcass, emphasizing the physical nature of the body.
Definition: 1) a body (of living creatures) 2) a corpse, carcass, dead body
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (dead) body, carcase, corpse. See also: Genesis 47:18; Nehemiah 9:37; Psalms 110:6.
תָּקְע֔וּ
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
בְּ/חוֹמַ֖ת
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
Prep | N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Shᵉʼân
H1052
"Beth-shean"
N-proper
Beth-shean was a place in ancient Palestine, west of the Jordan River. Its name means house of ease and it was located in the region of Manasseh.
Definition: § Beth-shean or Beth-Shan = "house of ease" a place in Manasseh, west of the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Beth-shean, Beth-Shan. See also: Joshua 17:11; 1 Samuel 31:12; 1 Chronicles 7:29.
שָֽׁן
Bêyth Shᵉʼân
H1052
"Beth-shean"
N-proper
Beth-shean was a place in ancient Palestine, west of the Jordan River. Its name means house of ease and it was located in the region of Manasseh.
Definition: § Beth-shean or Beth-Shan = "house of ease" a place in Manasseh, west of the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Beth-shean, Beth-Shan. See also: Joshua 17:11; 1 Samuel 31:12; 1 Chronicles 7:29.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 31:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 31:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 31:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 31:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:10
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 31:10
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 31:10
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:10
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 31:10
Context — The Philistines Possess the Towns
8The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.
9They cut off Saul’s head, stripped off his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temples of their idols and among their people.
10They put his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths and hung his body on the wall of Beth-shan.
11When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 2:13 | for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. |
| 2 | Joshua 17:11 | Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh was assigned Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor (that is, Naphath), Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo, each with their surrounding settlements. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 21:9 | The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 7:3 | Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 21:12–14 | he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, along with the bones of those who had been hanged. And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land. |
| 6 | Judges 1:27 | At that time Manasseh failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and their villages; for the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. |
1 Samuel 31:10 Summary
[This verse tells us that after the Philistines defeated Saul, they took his armor and put it in the temple of their idols, the Ashtoreths, as a way to say 'thank you' to their false gods for the win. They also hung his body on the wall of Beth-shan for everyone to see, which was a shameful and humiliating act. This event shows how the Philistines did not acknowledge the true God of Israel and instead gave credit to their idols, much like the biblical account in Isaiah 44:9-20. By putting Saul's armor in their temple, the Philistines were essentially saying that their gods were more powerful than the God of Israel, but this was a grave mistake, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:22.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to put armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths?
The Philistines put Saul's armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths as a symbol of their victory and to give credit to their idols for the win, similar to how the Philistines did in 1 Samuel 5:2 when they put the Ark of God in the temple of Dagon. This act shows their ignorance of the true God of Israel.
Why did the Philistines hang Saul's body on the wall of Beth-shan?
The Philistines hung Saul's body on the wall of Beth-shan as a public display of their victory and to humiliate the Israelites, much like how the enemies of God's people are described in Psalm 74:9. This act was a way to flaunt their power and dominance over the defeated king and his people.
Is this verse saying that the Philistines worshipped multiple gods?
Yes, this verse implies that the Philistines worshipped multiple gods, including the Ashtoreths, which is consistent with the biblical account of the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3 and Judges 2:10-11. The Philistines were a polytheistic people who recognized multiple deities.
How does this event relate to the rest of the Bible?
This event in 1 Samuel 31:10 is part of the larger narrative of God's dealings with His people, Israel, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting in the one true God, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Jeremiah 29:13. It also foreshadows the ultimate defeat of God's enemies and the triumph of His people, as seen in Revelation 19:11-21.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the character of the Philistines and their relationship with God?
- How does the public display of Saul's body on the wall of Beth-shan reflect the spiritual condition of the Philistines?
- What can we learn from the contrast between the Philistines' actions in this verse and the actions of the Israelites in the following verses, such as in 1 Samuel 31:11-12?
- In what ways can we apply the lessons from this verse to our own lives and our relationship with God, particularly in regards to trust, obedience, and the dangers of idolatry?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 31:10
And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth,.... A temple dedicated to their deities, called by this name; of which [See comments on Jude 2:13]; Nothing was more common with the Gentiles than
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 31:10
And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:10
1 Samuel 31:10 And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.Ver. 10. And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth.] That is, Of Venus, or, as some think, Juno. See Mr Selden, "De diis Syris," - opus illud accuratissimum, eruditionisqne reconditioris cum primis faetum, saith learned Mr Gataker. Dissert. de Tetragram.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:10
(10) The house of Ashtaroth.—Literally, of “the Ashtaroth.” The expression may signify that the pieces of armour belonging to the four men were divided between the different shrines of Astarte in the land, or placed together in the famous Astarte Temple, at Askelon, which Herodotus (i. 105) describes as the most ancient of the temples dedicated to the worship of the Syrian Venus. The latter supposition seems the more probable, as Askelon is specially mentioned by David in the funeral hymn of Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:20). The wall of Beth-shan.—Beth-shan was in the tribe of Manasseh, some four miles west of the Jordan, and twelve miles south of the sea of Galilee. We are told in Judges 1:27, that the Canaanites, the original inhabitants of the city, were permitted by the conqueror to dwell still in the city. This Canaanitish element in the population was perhaps the reason why Beth-shan was chosen for the barbarous exhibition. The Canaanites would probably have welcomed the miserable spectacle which seemed to degrade their ancient enemies. The writer of the chronicle adds one more ghastly detail to this account: “They fastened the head (skull) of Saul in the Temple of Dagon.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:10
Verse 10. They put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth] As David had done in placing the sword of Goliath in the tabernacle. We have already seen that it was common for the conquerors to consecrate armour and spoils taken in war, to those who were the objects of religious worship. They fastened his body to the wall] Probably by means of iron hooks; but it is said, 2 Samuel 21:12, that these bodies were fastened in the STREET of Beth-shan. This may mean that the place where they were fastened to the wall was the main street or entrance into the city.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 31:10
10. the house of Ashtaroth] See on 1 Samuel 7:3. “This was doubtless the famous temple of Venus in Askelon mentioned by Herodotus (I. 105) as the most ancient of all her temples. Hence the special mention of Askelon in 2 Samuel 1:20.” Speaker’s Comm. they fastened his body to the wall] Together with the bodies of his sons (1 Samuel 31:12). They were hung on the wall in the “open place” (2 Samuel 21:12, E. V. street) by the gate, that all the passers by might join in exulting over the defeat and disgrace of Israel. Beth-shan] Now Beisân, situated in the Wady Jâlûd four miles west of the Jordan, “on the brow just where the plain of Jezreel drops down by a rather steep descent some three hundred feet to the level of the Ghôr,” or Jordan valley. After the Return from the Captivity it was known as Scythopolis (2Ma 12:29; cp. the Sept. of Judges 1:27). In 1 Chronicles 10:10 this statement about Saul’s body is omitted, and in its place we read that “they fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.”
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 31:10
In the house of Ashtaroth - This was doubtless the famous temple of Venus in Askelon mentioned by Herodotus as the most ancient of all her temples. Hence, the special mention of Askelon 2 Samuel 1:20.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:10
10. Ashtaroth — See on Judges 2:13. Beth-shan — The modern Beisan, between the mountains of Gilboa and the river Jordan. See on Joshua 17:11.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 31:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Breaking Strongholds-When the Past Is Your Teacher by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, Samuel addresses the people of Israel after the reign of King Saul. He recounts the history of Israel, starting with their deliverance from Egypt by Moses and Aaron |
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(The Path of the Ark #4) Christ Preeminent by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Ark of the Covenant and the Philistines' defeat of Israel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the spiritu |
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True Revival by Peter Brandon | Peter Brandon emphasizes the need for true revival, urging believers to lament after the Lord and prepare their hearts for genuine worship. He discusses the importance of removing |
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Revivals by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody passionately addresses the urgent need for revival in the American church, asserting that it is essential for the nation's righteousness and survival. He emphasizes that |
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Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers |