1 Samuel 8:4
1 Samuel 8:4 in Multiple Translations
So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.
Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,
Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah;
Then all the responsible men of Israel got together and went to Samuel at Ramah,
So the elders of Israel all joined together and came to meet Samuel at Ramah.
Wherefore all the Elders of Israel gathered them together, and came to Samuel vnto Ramah,
And all the elders of Israel gather themselves together, and come in unto Samuel to Ramath,
Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together and came to Samuel to Ramah.
Then all the elders of Israel assembled, and came to Samuel to Ramah,
Then all the ancients of Israel being assembled, came to Samuel to Ramatha.
Finally, the Israeli leaders met at Ramah town to discuss the matter with Samuel.
So all the elders of Israel met together at the town called Ramah, to talk to Samuel.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 8:4
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 8:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽתְקַבְּצ֔וּ
כֹּ֖ל
זִקְנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
אֶל
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
הָ/רָמָֽתָ/ה
וַ/יִּֽתְקַבְּצ֔וּ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זִקְנֵ֣י
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
N-proper
הָ/רָמָֽתָ/ה
Râmâh
H7414
Ramah
Art | N-proper | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 8:4
וַ/יִּֽתְקַבְּצ֔וּ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
זִקְנֵ֣י
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
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.
הָ/רָמָֽתָ/ה
Râmâh
H7414
"Ramah"
Art | N-proper | Suff
Ramah, a city in Palestine, was a place of battle between Israel and Syria.
Definition: Ramah = "hill" a place of battle between Israel and Syria Another name of ra.mot gi.l.ad (רָמֹת "Ramoth" H7433)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ramah. See also: Joshua 18:25; 1 Samuel 25:1; Isaiah 10:29.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 8:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 8:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 8:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 8:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 8:4
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 8:4
Context — Israel Demands a King
2The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba.
3But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.
4So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.
5“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” 6But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 7:17 | Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 5:3 | So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. |
| 3 | Exodus 3:16 | Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me and said: I have surely attended to you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt. |
| 4 | Exodus 24:1 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD—you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of Israel’s elders—and you are to worship at a distance. |
1 Samuel 8:4 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 8:4, the elders of Israel came to Samuel at Ramah because they were concerned about the future of their nation. They wanted a new form of government, with a king to rule over them, rather than being led by judges and prophets. This desire for a king was motivated by a desire to be like other nations, as stated in 1 Samuel 8:5. However, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, God had already provided guidance on how Israel should be governed, and the elders' demand for a king would ultimately lead to negative consequences, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the elders of Israel gather together to come to Samuel at Ramah?
The elders gathered together to come to Samuel at Ramah because they were concerned about the future leadership of Israel, given that Samuel's sons were not following in his ways (1 Samuel 8:3) and they wanted a new form of government, as stated in 1 Samuel 8:5.
What was the significance of Ramah in this context?
Ramah was a significant location because it was the hometown of Samuel, a prophet and leader of the Israelites, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 7:17, and the elders likely chose to meet him there out of respect and convenience.
How does this event relate to the larger story of Israel's history?
This event marks a turning point in Israel's history, as the people begin to demand a king to rule over them, rather than being governed by judges and prophets, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:18-20 and 1 Samuel 8:5.
What can we learn from the actions of the elders in this verse?
We can learn that even well-intentioned leaders can make mistakes when they prioritize their own desires over God's plan, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:5 and Proverbs 14:12, and that seeking God's will is essential in all decision-making, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can seek God's will in my own decision-making, just as the Israelites should have done before demanding a king?
- How can I balance my desire for human leadership with the need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?
- In what ways can I prioritize God's plan over my own desires, as the elders failed to do in this verse?
- What are some potential consequences of prioritizing human leadership over God's guidance, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:18 and Isaiah 3:1-7?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 8:4
Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together,.... At some place of rendezvous appointed; these were the heads of the tribes, and fathers of the houses and families of Israel, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 8:4
Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:4
The elders; either for age, or dignity and power.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:4
(4) All the elders of Israel.—We have here a clear trace of a popular assembly which seems in all times to have existed in Israel. Such a body appears to have met for deliberation even during the Egyptian captivity (see Exodus 3:16). Of this popular council we know little beyond the fact of its existence. It seems to have been composed of representatives of the people, qualified by birth or office; these were known as “elders.” Ewald sees special allusions to the “Parliament” or Assembly of Elders in Psalms 1. and 82. There are, however, various mentions of these councils in the Books of Samuel, Kings, Jeremiah, and Isaiah.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 8:4
4. the elders of Israel] Acting as representatives of the people, 1 Samuel 8:7; 1 Samuel 8:10; 1 Samuel 8:19; 1 Samuel 8:22. In a patriarchal system of government the Elders or heads of families are the natural authorities. Even before the Exodus Israel possessed an organization of Elders, to whom Moses was directed to deliver his message (Exodus 3:16). The title gradually acquired an official signification; in the wilderness Moses appointed a council of seventy to represent the whole body (Numbers 11:16; Numbers 11:24-25). After the occupation of Canaan we find mention of (a) Elders of cities, who acted as civil magistrates (Joshua 20:4; Judges 8:16; Rth 4:2; 1 Samuel 16:4): (b) Elders of tribes or districts (Judges 11:5; 1 Samuel 30:26; 2 Samuel 19:11): (c) The Elders of Israel, or united body of the Elders of the tribes, forming the senate or executive council of the “congregation” or national assembly, (1) in war (ch. 1 Samuel 4:3), (2) in great political matters, as on the present occasion, (3) in matters of general importance to the nation (Judges 21:16). The institution of Elders lasted through the monarchy (see e.g. 1 Kings 20:7-8; 1 Kings 21:11), and was revived after the captivity (Ezra 10:14). In N.T. times “the Elders” formed one of the constituent elements of the Sanhedrin.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 8:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Los Angeles Conference #4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of the Israelites in the book of Samuel. The Israelites, dissatisfied with Samuel's leadership and the behavior of his sons, demand |
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Meat in Due Season by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following God's will and doing what He asks of us. He highlights the need for commitment, obedience, and walking with the L |
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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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(Blood Covenant) 6 - Intercession by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to the tapes in numerical order to fully understand the series. The sermon begins with a prayer of worship to God |
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Worship (Part 1 of 3) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker begins by dividing the sermon into three parts, with the promise of a more engaging sermon in the following weeks. He then reads from Exodus 24, emphasi |
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A Touch From God - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to come up and come out, using Moses as an example of someone who drew near to God and pursued a life of prayer. I |
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(Exodus) Exodus 24:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of sin and moral confusion in the world today. He references Isaiah's prophecy about a time when sin would be called good and bad w |