King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 11:15 Mean?

1 Samuel 11:15 in the King James Version says “And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sa... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

1 Samuel 11:15 · KJV


Context

13

And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

14

Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.

15

And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

The chapter concludes with national celebration: sacrifices 'before the LORD,' the formal establishment of Saul as king, and rejoicing that unites the entire assembly. The peace offerings (shelamim) emphasized fellowship and celebration, with portions shared among worshippers. That 'all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly' marks the high point of Saul's reign - a united people, a proven king, enemies defeated, and God glorified. This moment of joy makes Saul's subsequent decline all the more tragic.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peace offerings involved communal meals where the fat was burned to God, the breast and thigh given to priests, and the rest eaten by worshippers. These sacrifices celebrated covenant relationship and divine blessing. The public ceremony at Gilgal formally inaugurated Saul's reign with religious sanction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should believers celebrate when God grants victory and answers prayer?
  2. What does corporate worship and rejoicing contribute to spiritual unity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיֵּֽלְכ֨וּ1 of 25
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כָל2 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֜ם3 of 25

And all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בַּגִּלְגָּ֔ל4 of 25

in Gilgal

H1537

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

וַיַּמְלִכוּ֩5 of 25

king

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

שָׁ֨ם6 of 25
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶת7 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׁא֛וּל8 of 25

and there Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לִפְנֵ֣י9 of 25

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 25

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּגִּלְגָּ֔ל11 of 25

in Gilgal

H1537

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

וַיִּזְבְּחוּ12 of 25

and there they sacrificed

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

שָׁ֛ם13 of 25
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

זְבָחִ֥ים14 of 25

sacrifices

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

שְׁלָמִ֖ים15 of 25

of peace offerings

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

לִפְנֵ֣י16 of 25

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֑ה17 of 25

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיִּשְׂמַ֨ח18 of 25

rejoiced

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

שָׁ֥ם19 of 25
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שָׁא֛וּל20 of 25

and there Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְכָל21 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַנְשֵׁ֥י22 of 25
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל23 of 25

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַד24 of 25
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מְאֹֽד׃25 of 25

greatly

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 11:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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