1 Samuel 8:19
1 Samuel 8:19 in Multiple Translations
Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us.
¶ Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
But the people refused to hearken unto the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay: but we will have a king over us,
But the people gave no attention to the voice of Samuel; and they said, No, but we will have a king over us,
But the people refused to listen to what Samuel said. “No!” they insisted. “We want our own king!
But the people would not heare the voyce of Samuel, but did say, Nay, but there shall be a King ouer vs.
And the people refuse to hearken to the voice of Samuel, and say, 'Nay, but a king is over us,
But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us,
Nevertheless, the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, No; but we will have a king over us;
But the people would not hear the voice of Samuel, and they said: Nay: but there shall be a king over us.
But the people refused to pay attention to what Samuel said. They said, “We do not care what you say! We want a king!
But they didn’t listen to him. They said, “No. We want a big boss.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 8:19
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 8:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְמָאֲנ֣וּ
הָ/עָ֔ם
לִ/שְׁמֹ֖עַ
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
לֹּ֔א
כִּ֥י
אִם
מֶ֖לֶךְ
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
וַ/יְמָאֲנ֣וּ
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
לִ/שְׁמֹ֖עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לֹּ֔א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 8:19
וַ/יְמָאֲנ֣וּ
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לִ/שְׁמֹ֖עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
"Shemuel"
N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹּ֔א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כִּ֥י
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.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 8:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 8:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 8:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 8:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 8:19
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 8:19
Context — God Grants the Request
17He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.
18When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.”
19Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us.
20Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.” 21Samuel listened to all the words of the people and repeated them in the hearing of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 44:16 | “As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! |
| 2 | Jeremiah 7:13 | And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer, |
| 3 | Isaiah 66:4 | So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” |
| 4 | Psalms 81:11 | But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 33:31 | So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. |
1 Samuel 8:19 Summary
In 1 Samuel 8:19, the people of Israel are telling Samuel that they want a king to rule over them, even though Samuel has warned them about the dangers of having a king. This shows that they are not trusting in God's leadership and provision, but instead want to follow their own desires, similar to the Israelites in the wilderness who rebelled against God's leadership, as recorded in Exodus 17:1-7. This verse teaches us the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and leadership in our lives, rather than relying on human leaders or our own strength, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God, we can find true freedom and peace, rather than slavery to our own desires, as warned in 1 Samuel 8:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people of Israel refuse to listen to Samuel in 1 Samuel 8:19?
The people of Israel refused to listen to Samuel because they were determined to have a king over them, despite Samuel's warnings, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:18 where he told them they would become slaves to the king they chose. This desire for a king was driven by a desire to be like other nations, as stated in 1 Samuel 8:20.
What does it mean for the people to say 'We must have a king over us' in 1 Samuel 8:19?
When the people said 'We must have a king over us', they were expressing their desire for a human leader to rule over them, rather than trusting in God's leadership and provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:14-15 where God warned them about the dangers of having a king. This shows a lack of faith in God's ability to care for them, similar to the Israelites' lack of faith in the wilderness, as recorded in Exodus 17:1-7.
How does 1 Samuel 8:19 relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
The people's refusal to listen to Samuel in 1 Samuel 8:19 shows a rejection of God's sovereignty over their lives, as they were choosing to follow their own desires rather than God's plan for them, as stated in Proverbs 19:21. This is similar to the rebellion against God seen in Psalm 2:1-3, where the nations rebel against God's rule.
What can we learn from the people's decision in 1 Samuel 8:19?
We can learn from the people's decision in 1 Samuel 8:19 that our desires and decisions should be guided by a desire to follow God's will, rather than our own desires, as seen in Romans 12:2. We should also be aware of the dangers of rejecting God's sovereignty and leadership in our lives, as warned in 1 Samuel 12:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am rejecting God's sovereignty and trying to take control, similar to the Israelites in 1 Samuel 8:19?
- How can I cultivate a greater trust in God's leadership and provision in my life, rather than relying on human leaders or my own strength?
- What are some ways that I can seek to follow God's will, rather than my own desires, in my daily decisions and choices?
- How can I balance my desire for human leadership and authority with a recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty over my life, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:19 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 8:19
Nevertheless, the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel,.... The advice he gave not to think of a king, but be content with the government under which they were; but to this they would not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 8:19
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; Nevertheless the people refused. They sneered at Samuel's description as a bugbear to frighten them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
They said, Nay, i.e. these things shall never be, these are but vain suppositions to affright us from our purpose. Thus they are not ashamed to give Samuel the lie, of whose modesty, integrity, and prophetical spirit they had so great assurance, as if he had reigned those pretences merely to keep the power in his own and his sons’ hands. We will have a king over us; we will have a king, whatsoever it cost us, although all thy predictions should be verified.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
1 Samuel 8:19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;Ver. 19. Nay; but we will have a king.] Why then you shall, saith God, for a mischief to you. You shall have your will, and then I will have mine another while. See the like, Ezekiel 24:13.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
(19) The people refused.—The warning words of the prophet-judge were evidently carefully considered and debated in a formal assembly, but the majority at least abided by the terms of their request.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
Verse 19. The people refused to obey] They would have the king, his manner and all, notwithstanding the solemn warning which they here receive.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 8:19
19–22. Reply of the people 19. Nevertheless] Simply And.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:19
19. The people refused to obey — They had counted the cost, and were willing to submit to regal exactions for the sake of having a government like the nations around them.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 8:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sermon Proof Christians by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by directing the congregation to raise their hands and guiding them to a place of prayer. He quotes a verse from the Bible about prayer and suppl |
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Learn Not the Way of the Heathen - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of not following the ways of the world but seeking the touch of God's fire to cleanse and purify our hearts. It warns against |
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Hearing the Voice of God by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being willing to hear the voice of God, reflecting on the historical rejection of prophets and wise men sent by God. He highlights Jesus' la |
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The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded #2 by John Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the word of God to detach our hearts and affections from worldly things. He encourages believers to have a con |
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From Judgement to Blessing by Richard Ganz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the Old Covenant prophetic book of Malachi and its ending with a message of judgment. Despite the terrifying nature of the words, the Old Co |
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Revival - Part 3 by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Zechariah chapter four and verse one, which describes a vision of a solid gold lampstand with seven lights and two olive trees. The speaker e |
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Times Up! by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of time running out and the impending judgment of God. He uses the analogy of a time limit during exams to illustrate the idea tha |