1 Samuel 31:11
1 Samuel 31:11 in Multiple Translations
When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul,
¶ And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;
And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard concerning him that which the Philistines had done to Saul,
And when the people of Jabesh-gilead had news of what the Philistines had done to Saul,
However, when the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul,
When the inhabitants of Iabesh Gilead heard, what the Philistims had done to Saul,
And they hear regarding it — the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead — that which the Philistines have done to Saul,
When the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul,
And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul,
Now when the inhabitants of Jabes Galaad had heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,
When the people who lived in Jabesh in the Gilead region heard what the Philistines had done to Saul’s corpse,
The people from another place called Jabesh, in the Gilead country, they heard the bad news too. They remembered that Saul helped them before. They were very upset about the bad things the Philistia mob did to Saul.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 31:11
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 31:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֣וּ
אֵלָ֔י/ו
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י
יָבֵ֣ישׁ
גִּלְעָ֑ד
אֵ֛ת
אֲשֶׁר
עָשׂ֥וּ
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
לְ/שָׁאֽוּל
וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
יָבֵ֣ישׁ
Yâbêsh
H3003
Jabesh
N-proper
גִּלְעָ֑ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
Gilead
N-proper
אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשׂ֥וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
לְ/שָׁאֽוּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 31:11
וַ/יִּשְׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
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.
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
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.
יָבֵ֣ישׁ
Yâbêsh
H3003
"Jabesh"
N-proper
Refers to a town in the Bible called Jabesh, which is also the name of an Israelite. The town is located in the territory of Gilead, and its name means dry. It is mentioned in 1 Samuel 11.
Definition: Jabesh = "dry" a town in the territory of Gilead; according to Eusebius, it is beyond the Jordan, 6 miles (10 km) from Pella, on the mountain road to Gerasa may be modern 'Wadi Yabes' Another name of ya.vesh (יָבֵשׁ "Jabesh" H3003GI)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Jobesh (-Gilead). See also: Judges 21:8; 1 Samuel 31:11; 1 Chronicles 10:12.
גִּלְעָ֑ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
"Gilead"
N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
אֵ֛ת
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.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
עָשׂ֥וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
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.
לְ/שָׁאֽוּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 31:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 31:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 31:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 31:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 31:11
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 31:11
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 31:11
Context — Jabesh-gilead’s Tribute to Saul
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. 13Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 11:1–11 | Soon Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.” “Hold off for seven days,” replied the elders of Jabesh, “and let us send messengers throughout Israel. If there is no one to save us, we will surrender to you.” When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they turned out as one man. And when Saul numbered them at Bezek, there were 300,000 Israelites and 30,000 men of Judah. So they said to the messengers who had come, “Tell the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Deliverance will be yours tomorrow by the time the sun is hot.’” And when the messengers relayed this to the men of Jabesh, they rejoiced. Then the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Tomorrow we will come out, and you can do with us whatever seems good to you.” The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 2:4 | Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” |
1 Samuel 31:11 Summary
This verse tells us that when the people of Jabesh-gilead heard about the terrible things the Philistines had done to Saul, they took action to show their respect and loyalty to him. They had not forgotten how Saul had helped them in the past, as seen in 1 Samuel 11:1-11. This verse teaches us about the importance of honoring those who have been significant in our lives, and being loyal to them even when it's difficult, as seen in Proverbs 17:17. By showing respect and kindness to others, we reflect the love and character of God, as seen in 1 John 4:7-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people of Jabesh-gilead care about what happened to Saul?
The people of Jabesh-gilead had a special connection to Saul, as he had previously rescued them from the Ammonites, as recorded in 1 Samuel 11:1-11. This act of kindness and bravery created a sense of loyalty and gratitude towards Saul.
What can we learn from the Philistines' treatment of Saul's body?
The Philistines' desecration of Saul's body, as seen in 1 Samuel 31:9-10, highlights their contempt and disrespect for God's anointed king, which ultimately reflects their rebellion against God Himself, as seen in Psalm 2:1-3.
How does this verse relate to the concept of honor and dishonor in the Bible?
In biblical times, the treatment of a person's body after death was a significant matter of honor or dishonor, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:12-14. The people of Jabesh-gilead's actions in this verse demonstrate their desire to restore honor to Saul and his sons, despite their tragic end.
What role does loyalty play in this verse?
The people of Jabesh-gilead's decision to take action upon hearing about Saul's fate demonstrates their loyalty to him, even in death, which reflects the importance of loyalty and commitment in relationships, as emphasized in Proverbs 17:17 and 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the character of the people of Jabesh-gilead, and how can we apply their example to our own lives?
- In what ways can we show loyalty and honor to those who have been significant in our lives, even if they are no longer with us?
- How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the consequences of human actions, as seen in the book of 1 Samuel?
- What can we learn from the contrast between the Philistines' disrespect and the people of Jabesh-gilead's respect for Saul's body, in terms of our own attitudes towards authority and leadership?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 31:11
And the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead,.... Who lived on the other side Jordan, about eight miles from Bethshan, according to Fuller (p): heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; not only
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 31:11
And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; When the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
Jabesh-gilead, which was beyond Jordan; for the people on this side Jordan were fled from their cities, as was now said.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
1 Samuel 31:11 And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;Ver. 11. And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead.] Memores beneficii a Saule accepti, they remembered what a good turn Saul had once done them, and hence make this bold adventure, Perraro grati reperiuntur; the memory of a good turn should never wax old; hence the Graces were painted as young virgins, &c. See Alciat’ s "Emblems," p. 565. Trebius the Roman, for his kindness to that people, was carried forth, when he died, on their shoulders; and put into the funeral bonfire. Plin.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
(11) The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead.—The memory of the splendid feat of arms of their young king Saul, when he gallantly rescued their city (1 Samuel 11:1-11) years before, when they were threatened with deadly peril by the Ammonites, was still fresh in the city of Jabesh-Gilead, and they burned to rescue the body of their hero from shame. It was singular how that first deed of splendid patriotism, done in the early fervour of his consecration, bore fruit after so many long years. “Good deeds immortal are—they cannot die; Unscathed by envious blight, or withering frost, They live, and bud and bloom, and men partake Still of their freshness, and are strong thereby.” AYTOUN. Jabesh-Gilead, a city of Manasseh, on the further side of Jordan, on the road from Pella to Gerasa. perhaps about fourteen miles from Beth-shan (see Judges 21:8, and following). Its name still survives in the Wady Yabez, running down to the east bank of Jordan, near the head of which are still visible some ruins named El Deir, which Robinson has identified with Jabesh-Gilead.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
Verse 11. When the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard] This act of the men of Jabesh-gilead was an act of gratitude due to Saul, who, at the very commencement of his reign, rescued them from Nahash, king of the Ammonites, (see 1 Samuel 11:1, &c.,) and by his timely succours saved them from the deepest degradation and the most oppressive tyranny. This heroic act, with the seven days' fast, showed that they retained a due sense of their obligation to this unfortunate monarch.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 31:11
11. the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead] Mindful of the debt of gratitude they owed to Saul for rescuing them from Nahash (ch. 11). The isolated round-topped hill on the south side of the Wady Yâbis, which has been conjecturally fixed upon as the site of Jabesh, is in full view of Beth-shan (Tristram, Land of Israel, p. 556). The distance over the hills, down into the Jordan valley, and up the Wady Jâlûd is not much under twenty miles.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 31:11
When the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead heard ... - See 1 Samuel 11:1-15. This is a touching and rare example of national gratitude.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 31:11
11. The inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead — Who ever preserved a tender and grateful remembrance of what they owed to the heroism of Saul. See chap. 11.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 31:11
| Sermon | Description | |
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All the Valiant Men . . . by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the noble act of the men of Jabesh-Gilead who rescued King Saul's remains, honoring his memory after his defeat and death. This act of chivalry serves as a r |
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(1 Samuel) Saul’s Wise Early Years by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the concept of the inward battle and the outward battle. He shares a personal anecdote about watching his son play soccer and how |
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Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1 by Jack Hyles | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a person |
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(1 Samuel) How to Not Fight Back by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David playing the harp for King Saul. He highlights the stark contrast between David's submission to God and Saul's violent natur |
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Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo |
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The Men of Judah Came, and There by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of David's anointing as king by the men of Judah, drawing parallels to the future recognition of Jesus as King by the Jewish people before th |