1 Samuel 5:2
1 Samuel 5:2 in Multiple Translations
carried it into the temple of Dagon, and set it beside his statue.
When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.
And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.
They took the ark of God into the house of Dagon and put it by the side of Dagon.
They brought the Ark of God into the Temple of Dagon and placed it next to Dagon.
Euen the Philistims tooke ye Arke of God, and brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.
and the Philistines take the ark of God and bring it into the house of Dagon, and set it near Dagon.
The Philistines took God’s ark, and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon.
When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.
And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it into the temple of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.
They carried it into the temple of their god Dagon, and placed it alongside a statue of Dagon.
They carried it into the house of their god. They called him Dagon. In that house was a big statue of Dagon, made of stone. The Philistia mob used to show respect to that statue, just like it was real. And they put God’s special box next to it in that house.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 5:2
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 5:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְח֤וּ
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
אֶת
אֲר֣וֹן
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
וַ/יָּבִ֥יאוּ
אֹת֖/וֹ
בֵּ֣ית
דָּג֑וֹן
וַ/יַּצִּ֥יגוּ
אֹת֖/וֹ
אֵ֥צֶל
דָּגֽוֹן
וַ/יִּקְח֤וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲר֣וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וַ/יָּבִ֥יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
דָּג֑וֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
Dagon
N-proper
וַ/יַּצִּ֥יגוּ
yâtsag
H3322
to set
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֵ֥צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
beside
Prep
דָּגֽוֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
Dagon
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 5:2
וַ/יִּקְח֤וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
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.
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.
אֲר֣וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/יָּבִ֥יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
בֵּ֣ית
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.
דָּג֑וֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
"Dagon"
N-proper
Dagon was a pagan god worshipped by the Philistines, often depicted as a half-man, half-fish. In 1 Samuel 5:2, the Philistines placed the Ark of the Covenant in Dagon's temple, but God caused the idol to fall. The Philistines then returned the Ark to the Israelites.
Definition: § Dagon = "a fish" a Philistine deity of fertility; represented with the face and hands of a man and the tail of a fish
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Dagon. See also: Judges 16:23; 1 Samuel 5:4; 1 Chronicles 10:10.
וַ/יַּצִּ֥יגוּ
yâtsag
H3322
"to set"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To set something in place permanently, like establishing a foundation, as seen in Exodus and Leviticus. It means to put something in a fixed position. This concept is used in various contexts, including setting up a tent or a monument.
Definition: 1) to place, set, establish 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to set, place 1a2) to present 1a3) to exhibit 1b) (Hophal) to be stopped, be stayed, be detained
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: establish, leave, make, present, put, set, stay. See also: Genesis 30:38; Judges 8:27; Jeremiah 51:34.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
אֵ֥צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
"beside"
Prep
Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.
Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.
דָּגֽוֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
"Dagon"
N-proper
Dagon was a pagan god worshipped by the Philistines, often depicted as a half-man, half-fish. In 1 Samuel 5:2, the Philistines placed the Ark of the Covenant in Dagon's temple, but God caused the idol to fall. The Philistines then returned the Ark to the Israelites.
Definition: § Dagon = "a fish" a Philistine deity of fertility; represented with the face and hands of a man and the tail of a fish
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Dagon. See also: Judges 16:23; 1 Samuel 5:4; 1 Chronicles 10:10.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 5:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 5:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:2
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 5:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:2
Context — The Ark Afflicts the Philistines
1After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod,
2carried it into the temple of Dagon, and set it beside his statue.
3When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and returned him to his place. 4But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD, with his head and his hands broken off and lying on the threshold. Only the torso remained.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 16:23 | Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” |
| 2 | Daniel 5:2 | Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 10:10 | They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung his head in the temple of Dagon. |
| 4 | Daniel 5:23 | Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 1:16 | Therefore he sacrifices to his dragnet and burns incense to his fishing net, for by these things his portion is sumptuous and his food is rich. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 1:11 | Then they sweep by like the wind and pass on through. They are guilty; their own strength is their god.” |
1 Samuel 5:2 Summary
[The Philistines thought they could just add the ark of God to their collection of idols, but this was a huge mistake, as we see in 1 Samuel 5:2. They put the ark right next to their main god, Dagon, but this act would soon show that the God of the Israelites was far more powerful. This event teaches us that we should not try to mix our faith with other things that are not of God, as warned in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. By keeping our focus on the one true God, we can avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and experience His power and love in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines put the ark of God in the temple of Dagon?
The Philistines likely placed the ark in the temple of Dagon to show their god's superiority over the God of the Israelites, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:2, but this act ultimately led to the humiliation of Dagon, as described in 1 Samuel 5:3-4.
Who was Dagon and what was his significance?
Dagon was a major god in the Philistine pantheon, often associated with fertility and agriculture, and the Philistines' actions in 1 Samuel 5:2 demonstrate their reverence for him, but the true God of the Israelites proved to be more powerful, as seen in the events that followed.
What can we learn from the Philistines' mistake of placing the ark beside Dagon's statue?
The Philistines' error teaches us about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of recognizing the one true God, as emphasized in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 6:13-15, and we should be cautious not to repeat their mistake by prioritizing other things above our relationship with God.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty?
This verse illustrates God's sovereignty and power over all things, even the idols and false gods of other nations, as seen in Psalm 96:5, which states that the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'idols' in my life that I may be prioritizing above my relationship with God, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I apply the lesson of the Philistines' mistake to my own life, avoiding the temptation to elevate other things above God?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I deepen my understanding of His power and sovereignty?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, trust in the power and provision of God, even in the face of overwhelming circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:2
When the Philistines took the ark of God,.... And had brought it to Ashdod: they brought it into the house of Dagon; a temple dedicated to that idol, and in which his image stood; of which [See
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:2
When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. The house of Dagon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
Either, first, Out of respect to it, that it might be worshipped together with Dagon. Or rather, secondly, By way of reproach and contempt of it, as a spoil and trophy set there to the honour of Dagon, to whom doubtless they ascribed this victory, as they did a former, . And though they had some reverence for the ark before, , &c.; yet that was certainly much diminished by their success against Israel, notwithstanding the presence and help of the ark.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
1 Samuel 5:2 When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.Ver. 2. They brought it into the house of Dagon.] Which some will have to be Iupiter Aratrius sive Frumentarius, - called Dagon of Dagan, which signifieth grain, - because he taught them the use of the plough, and of tillage, Others, to be Triton, a sea god, - the Philistines or Phenicians were situate by the sea side, and worshipped fishes, as Xenophon, Siculus, and Cicero testify, - called Dagon of Dagah, a fish, because they made him like a man upward, and downward like a fish, whence that of Virgil, “ Frons hominem praefert, in pristin desinit alvus. ” And set it by Dagon.] Tanquam Iovi Feretrio spolia opima, as consecrating it unto their idol for a chief spoil. Euseb., Lel., Gyral., Arias, Pagnin., Jerome, Abulens, Adrichom. Ibid.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
(2) They brought it into the house of Dagon.—The conquerors, we are told, in the meantime, with triumph, carried the captured Ark from the battle-field to Ashdod. This was one of the capital cities of the five Philistine princes. It is built on a hill close to the Mediterranean Sea, and was in after days known as Azotus (Acts 8:40). In Ashdod they placed it in the temple of the popular Philistine god, Dagon. This was their vengeance for the slaughter of the 3,000 Philistine worshippers in the temple of the same deity at Gaza, not many years before, by the blind Hebrew champion Samson. The princes and Philistine people well remembered how the blind hero on that awful day, when 3,000 perished in the house of Dagon when he with his superhuman strength forced the great temple pillars down, called on the name of the God of Israel, whom they in their idol-trained hearts associated with the golden Ark. “This only hope relieves me, that the strife With me hath end, all the contest now ‘Twixt God and Dagon; Dagon hath presumed, Me overthrown, to enter lists with God, His deity comparing and preferring Before the God of Abraham. He, be sure, Will not connive or linger thus provoked, But will arise, and His great name assert.”—MILTON. The insulted Dagon and all their murdered countrymen should be avenged by the perpetual humiliation of the “God of Abraham.” The sacred Ark should henceforth be placed at the feet of their god Dagon.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
Verse 2. The house of Dagon] On this idol, which was supposed to be partly in a human form, and partly in that of a fish, see the note on Judges 16:23. Some think that this idol was the same with Dirceto, Attergatis, the Venus of Askelon, and the Moon. - See Calmet's Dissertation on the gods of the Philistines. The motive which induced the Philistines to set up the ark in the temple of Dagon, may be easily ascertained. It was customary, in all nations, to dedicate the spoils taken from an enemy to their gods: 1. As a gratitude-offering for the help which they supposed them to have furnished; and, 2. As a proof that their gods, i.e., the gods of the conquerors, were more powerful than those of the conquered. It was, no doubt, to insult the God of Israel, and to insult and terrify his people, that they placed his ark in the temple of Dagon. When the Philistines had conquered Saul, they hung up his armour in the temple of Ashtaroth, 1 Samuel 31:10. And when David slew Goliath, he laid up his sword in the tabernacle of the Lord, 1 Samuel 21:8-9.
We have the remains of this custom in the depositing of colours, standards, c., taken from an enemy, in our churches but whether this may be called superstition or a religious act, is hard to say. If the battle were the Lord's, which few battles are, the dedication might be right.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:2
2. When the Philistines, &c.] Better, And the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it. The repetition is characteristic of the Hebrew historical style. Dagon] Dagon (a diminutive of endearment from dâg = fish) was the national god of the Philistines, worshipped also at Gaza (Judges 16:21-30), and elsewhere, as the name Beth-dagon (Joshua 15:41; Joshua 19:27) indicates. The statue of Dagon had the head and hands of a man, and the body of a fish. The fish was an emblem of fruitfulness. See Smith’s Dict. of the Bible, I. 381, or Layard’s Nineveh, II. p. 466, for a representation of a fish-god, which is probably the Philistine Dagon, as the bas-reliefs at Khorsabad from which it is taken record the wars of Sargon with Syria. A corresponding goddess Dercìto or Atargatis was worshipped at Askelon. The ark was placed in Dagon’s temple as a votive-offering (cp. 1 Chronicles 10:10), and to mark the supposed victory of Dagon over Jehovah.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 5:2
They brought it into the house of Dagon (see the marginal reference) in order to enhance the triumph of the gods of the Philistines over the God of Israel.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:2
2. House of Dagon — Hebrew, Beth-Dagon; not here the name of a city, as at Joshua 15:41; Joshua 19:27, but the house or temple (1 Chronicles 10:10) in which Dagon was worshipped.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Lord's Mercies by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of God's mercy as represented by the ark of the covenant in ancient Israel, which ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ. He warns a |
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He Carried Out Thence All the Treasures by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the deportation of treasures from the House of the Lord, emphasizing the significance of the sacred vessels taken to Babylon and later restored. He draws par |
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Weighed and Found Wanting by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Daniel preaches to Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, about the consequences of pride and disobedience to God. He reminds Belshazzar of how Nebuchadnezzar |
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(Daniel) Daniel in the Lion's Den by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel in the lion's den. He begins by discussing the prosperity of Daniel, who was chosen as one of the 120 princes over the k |
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An Immediate Call to Repent by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the urgent need for repentance in the face of societal and church challenges, highlighting the prevalence of sin, evil, and the lack of urgency and true repe |
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Bible Survey - Daniel by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Daniel, a wise and righteous prophet who remained faithful to God despite being exiled to Babylon. Daniel's integrity and courage in the face |
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Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the historical account of Belshazzar's feast and the divine judgment that followed, showcasing the defiance and blasphemy against God that led to |