2 Samuel 1:22
2 Samuel 1:22 in Multiple Translations
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, The bow of Jonathan turned not back, And the sword of Saul returned not empty.
From the blood of the dead, from the fat of the strong, the bow of Jonathan was not turned back, the sword of Saul did not come back unused.
Jonathan with his bow did not retreat from attacking the enemy; Saul with his sword did not return empty-handed from shedding blood.
The bow of Ionathan neuer turned backe, neither did the sword of Saul returne emptie from the blood of the slaine, and from the fatte of the mightie.
From the blood of the wounded, From the fat of the mighty, The bow of Jonathan Hath not turned backward; And the sword of Saul doth not return empty.
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, Jonathan’s bow didn’t turn back. Saul’s sword didn’t return empty.
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the valiant, the arrow of Jonathan never turned back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.
instead, it was stained with the blood of those whom he had killed, and the fat of mighty enemy soldiers was smeared on it. Jonathan [PRS] did not retreat carrying his bow and arrows, and Saul always defeated his enemies when he fought them with his sword. [PRS, LIT]
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 1:22
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.
2 Samuel 1:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/דַּ֣ם
חֲלָלִ֗ים
מֵ/חֵ֨לֶב֙
גִּבּוֹרִ֔ים
קֶ֚שֶׁת
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
לֹ֥א
נָשׂ֖וֹג
אָח֑וֹר
וְ/חֶ֣רֶב
שָׁא֔וּל
לֹ֥א
תָשׁ֖וּב
רֵיקָֽם
מִ/דַּ֣ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-ms
חֲלָלִ֗ים
châlâl
H2491
slain
Adj
מֵ/חֵ֨לֶב֙
cheleb
H2459
fat
Prep | N-ms
גִּבּוֹרִ֔ים
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
קֶ֚שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
bow
N-fs
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נָשׂ֖וֹג
sûwg
H7734
to turn back
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
אָח֑וֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
N-ms
וְ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Conj | N-fs
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תָשׁ֖וּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
רֵיקָֽם
rêyqâm
H7387
emptily
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 1:22
מִ/דַּ֣ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
חֲלָלִ֗ים
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
מֵ/חֵ֨לֶב֙
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
גִּבּוֹרִ֔ים
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
קֶ֚שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
לֹ֥א
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.
נָשׂ֖וֹג
sûwg
H7734
"to turn back"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn back or retreat, and it is used to describe someone moving away from something or someone. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to move, go, turn back, turn away 1a) (Niphal) to turn oneself away
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: turn back. See also: 2 Samuel 1:22.
אָח֑וֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
וְ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Conj | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
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.
לֹ֥א
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.
תָשׁ֖וּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
רֵיקָֽם
rêyqâm
H7387
"emptily"
Adv
This Hebrew word means doing something empty or without purpose, like acting in vain. It is used in the Bible to describe actions that have no real effect. In the KJV, it is translated as 'without cause' or 'in vain'.
Definition: 1) vainly, emptily 1a) in empty condition, empty, emptily 1b) in vain, without effect, vainly
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: without cause, empty, in vain, void. See also: Genesis 31:42; 1 Samuel 6:3; Psalms 7:5.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 1:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 1:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:22
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:22
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:22
Context — David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan
20Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.
21O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil.
22From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.
23Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions. 24O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 18:4 | And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt. |
| 2 | Isaiah 34:6–7 | The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat— with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom. And the wild oxen will fall with them, the young bulls with the strong ones. Their land will be drenched with blood, and their soil will be soaked with fat. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 14:6–14 | Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” “Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.” So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!” So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. And the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off. In that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men over half an acre of land. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:42 | I will make My arrows drunk with blood, while My sword devours flesh— the blood of the slain and captives, the heads of the enemy leaders.” |
2 Samuel 1:22 Summary
This verse is talking about the bravery and military skill of Jonathan and Saul, and how they were able to achieve great victories in battle. The 'bow of Jonathan' and the 'sword of Saul' are symbols of their strength and effectiveness, and the fact that they 'did not retreat' and 'did not return empty' means that they were always successful. This is similar to the promises of God in Deuteronomy 20:4, where He says that He will be with us and give us victory in battle. We can learn from the example of Jonathan and Saul, and trust in God's power and strength to help us in our own challenges, as seen in Psalm 28:7 and Proverbs 21:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the bow of Jonathan and the sword of Saul in this verse?
The bow of Jonathan and the sword of Saul represent the military prowess and bravery of these two leaders, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:4 and 1 Samuel 31:4, and their effectiveness in battle is being highlighted in 2 Samuel 1:22.
What does it mean for the bow and sword to 'not retreat' and 'not return empty'?
This phrase means that Jonathan's bow and Saul's sword were always successful in battle, bringing back spoils and victories, much like the promises of God in Deuteronomy 20:4 and Deuteronomy 28:7.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter, which seems to be mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan?
This verse serves as a tribute to the military achievements of Saul and Jonathan, even as the chapter as a whole mourns their passing, much like the lament in 2 Samuel 1:19-27, and it highlights their bravery and skill in battle.
What can we learn from the example of Jonathan and Saul in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of bravery, loyalty, and military skill, as seen in the lives of Jonathan and Saul, and we can also learn from their mistakes and shortcomings, as recorded in 1 Samuel 13:13-14 and 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can, like Jonathan and Saul, be brave and effective in my own 'battles' and challenges, with God's help and guidance, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 27:1?
- How can I balance the need for military strength and defense with the need for compassion and mercy, as seen in the contrasting examples of Saul and David in 1 Samuel 24:1-7 and 2 Samuel 2:1-7?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and strength, rather than my own, in order to be effective and victorious, as seen in the examples of Moses in Exodus 14:13-14 and Joshua in Joshua 1:6-9?
- How can I, like the author of this verse, honor and remember the achievements and sacrifices of those who have come before me, as seen in the examples of Hebrews 11:1-40 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:22
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back,.... That is, it always did execution, the arrows shot frown it pierced into men, shed their blood, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:22
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty , [ gibowriym (H1368)].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:22
Turned not back, to wit, without effect: compare 55:2. Their arrows shot from their bows, and their swords, did seldom miss, and commonly pierced fat, and flesh, and blood, and reached even to the heart and bowels. Empty, i.e. not filled and glutted with blood: for the sword is metaphorically said to have a mouth, which we translate an edge; and to devour, 11:25 46:10. And this their former successfulness is here mentioned as an aggravation of their last infelicity.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:22
2 Samuel 1:22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.Ver. 22. From the blood of the slain.] The sword is in Scripture said to "devour flesh" and to "drink blood." Saul and Jonathan were not wont to be worsted, however it hath now fallen out. Hunniades fought five times upon one day with the Turks, and five times foiled them, and put them to flight. Our Black Prince was ever victorious.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:22
22. From the blood, &c.] In the figurative language of poetry arrows are represented as drinking blood, the sword as eating flesh. See Deuteronomy 32:42; Isaiah 34:6; Jeremiah 46:10. the bow of Jonathan] His favourite weapon, by the gift of which he sealed his friendship with David. See 1 Samuel 18:4; 1 Samuel 20:20. Was it a reminiscence of that gift which made David call this elegy the Bow?
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:22
22. Turned not back — This verse celebrates the heroism and unusual success of the mighty dead as warriors.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the contrasting lives of Saul and David in the book of 1 Samuel. It highlights Saul's downfall due to disobedience, fear of people, lack of repentance, and |
|
Week of Meetings-07 Armageddon-Who When Where by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events that will occur after the Lord Jesus Christ takes believers to be with Him. He mentions that the nations of the earth are currentl |
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Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 11-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer facing the Philistine army. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Jonathan and his compan |
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Victory or Survival - Part 3 by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and putting our faith into action. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer to illustrate this p |
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(1 Samuel) Blessings to a Bold Faith by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having bold trust in God and being willing to work hard for His purposes. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor beare |
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Stepping Into Alignment With God's Will by Michael Howard | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and purpose. They share their experience of building a school that was specifically instru |