2 Samuel 1:8
2 Samuel 1:8 in Multiple Translations
‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’
And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
And he said to me, Who are you? And I said, I am an Amalekite.
He asked me, ‘Who are you?’ I told him, ‘I'm an Amalekite.’
And he said vnto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
And he saith to me, Who [art] thou? and I say unto him, An Amalekite I [am].'
He said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’
And he said to me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
And he said to me: Who art thou? And I said to him: I am an Amalecite.
He replied, ‘Who are you?’ I replied, ‘I am a descendant of Amalek.’
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 1:8
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 1:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
לִ֖/י
מִי
אָ֑תָּה
ו/יאמר
וָ/אֹמַ֣ר
אֵלָ֔י/ו
עֲמָלֵקִ֖י
אָנֹֽכִי
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
ו/יאמר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וָ/אֹמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
עֲמָלֵקִ֖י
ʻĂmâlêqîy
H6003
Amalekite
Ngmsa
אָנֹֽכִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 1:8
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
מִי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
ו/יאמר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
וָ/אֹמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
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.
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.
עֲמָלֵקִ֖י
ʻĂmâlêqîy
H6003
"Amalekite"
Ngmsa
An Amalekite was a member of the tribe descended from Amalek, who was the grandson of Esau. The Amalekites were a group of people who lived in southern Canaan and were often at odds with the Israelites.
Definition: Someone descended from Amekek Group of a.ma.leq (עֲמָלֵק "Amalek" H6002) § Amalekite, of Amalek "people of lapping" descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Amalekite(-s). See also: Genesis 14:7; 1 Samuel 15:15; 2 Samuel 1:13.
אָנֹֽכִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 1:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 1:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:8
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:8
Context — Saul’s Death Reported to David
6“I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him.
7When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I answered, ‘Here I am!’
8‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’
9Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’ 10So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 30:17 | And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who fled, riding off on camels. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 30:13 | Then David asked him, “To whom do you belong, and where are you from?” “I am an Egyptian,” he replied, “the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me three days ago when I fell ill. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 30:1 | On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 15:3 | Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” |
| 5 | Exodus 17:8–16 | After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his army with the sword. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. “Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.” |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 25:17–19 | Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God. When the LORD your God gives you rest from the enemies around you in the land that He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget! |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 27:8 | Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these people had inhabited the land extending to Shur and Egypt.) |
| 8 | Numbers 24:20 | Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.” |
| 9 | Genesis 14:7 | Then they turned back to invade En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar. |
2 Samuel 1:8 Summary
This verse shows us that the Amalekite was honest with Saul about who he was, saying 'I am an Amalekite'. This teaches us the importance of being truthful, even in tough situations, as seen in Proverbs 10:9. Just like the Amalekite, we should strive to be honest about who we are and what we do, knowing that God sees and knows everything about us, as stated in Psalm 139:1-3 and Hebrews 4:13. By being truthful, we can build trust with others and with God, and live with integrity, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 1:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Amalekite reveal his identity to Saul?
The Amalekite revealed his identity to Saul, saying 'I am an Amalekite', perhaps thinking that his foreign status would spare his life or gain him favor, as seen in other instances like in 1 Samuel 27:8-12 where David fought against the Amalekites.
What can we learn about honesty from this verse?
This verse shows the importance of honesty, even in difficult situations, as the Amalekite truthfully told Saul about his identity, which is a principle also emphasized in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 12:22.
How does this event relate to the larger story of God's plan?
The death of Saul, as facilitated by the Amalekite, marks a significant shift in the narrative, paving the way for David's rise to the throne, in accordance with God's plan as foretold in 1 Samuel 16:13 and 1 Samuel 28:17-19.
What does this verse teach us about our identity in relation to God?
This verse reminds us that our identity, whether as an Israelite or a foreigner like the Amalekite, is known to God, and our actions have consequences, as seen in Romans 14:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, where we will give an account of ourselves to God.
Reflection Questions
- What would you do if you were in the Amalekite's shoes, and how would you respond to Saul's question?
- How does the Amalekite's response reflect his understanding of his own identity, and what can we learn from this about our own self-perception?
- In what ways can we, like the Amalekite, be truthful about who we are, even when it's difficult, and how does this relate to our walk with God?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of integrity and honesty in our relationships, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:8
And he said unto me, who [art] thou?.... Being willing to know whether a friend or an enemy, which by his coming behind him he could not tell: and I answered him, I [am] an Amalekite: which he might
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:8
And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:8
2 Samuel 1:8 And he said unto me, Who [art] thou? And I answered him, I [am] an Amalekite.Ver. 8. I am an Amalekite.]
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:8
(8) An Amalekite.—The Amalekites were hereditary foes of Israel, having attacked them on their first coming out of Egypt (Exodus 17:8-13), and at different times afterwards in the wilderness (Numbers 14:45; Deuteronomy 25:18). During the period of the judges they had also repeatedly joined the foes of Israel (Judges 3:13; Judges 6:3), but some years before this they had been terribly defeated by Saul (1 Samuel 15:4-9). and it is possible that the present messenger may either have attached himself to the army of the conqueror, or have been compelled, according to ancient custom, to serve in its ranks. One of their bands had also just received a severe blow at the hands of David, but of this last attack the Amalekite could not have known.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:8
Verse 8. I am an Amalekite.] Dr. Delaney remarks that an Amalekite took that crown from off the head of Saul, which he had forfeited by his disobedience in the case of Amalek.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Be Strong in the Lord by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher explains the concept of Jesus making a public spectacle of the devil. He compares it to how the Romans would publicly shame and display defeated rebels |
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God's People by Frank Knox | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching the word of God to children. He encourages teachers to love, pray, and live with their students, guiding them towa |
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Kingdom in Crisis - Part 1 by Dean Taylor | In this teaching session, the speaker addresses the current political climate and the deep influence it has on society. He emphasizes the need for Christians to respond to this cri |
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Seeking God's Will by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in times of distress, as illustrated by David's experience when he found Ziklag burned and his family taken. David's in |
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David Recovered All by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the instructive life of David, drawing parallels between David's experiences in Ziklag and the redemptive work of Jesus. Through David's story, we learn abo |
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Live Expressed by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chap |
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For Such a Time as This by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's eternal purposes, even when facing circumstances that are difficult to understand. It highlights the need to surrender th |