King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 11:4 Mean?

1 Samuel 11:4 in the King James Version says “Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.”

1 Samuel 11:4 · KJV

Context

2

And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.

3

And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee. Give: Heb. Forbear us

4

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.

5

And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.

6

And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.

Read 1 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.

The messengers arrive at Gibeah, Saul's hometown and the future capital of his kingdom. That the people 'lifted up their voices and wept' indicates both deep compassion for their kinsmen and fear of their own vulnerability. The corporate weeping represents a spontaneous national mourning that sets the stage for divine intervention. God often moves His people to grief before granting deliverance, preparing hearts to recognize that salvation comes from Him alone.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gibeah of Benjamin was strategically located in the hill country, about three miles north of Jerusalem. Its recent shameful history (Judges 19-20) made its emergence as the seat of kingship a demonstration of God's redemptive purposes. The town's association with Saul would continue throughout his reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does communal grief and prayer prepare the way for God's intervention?
  2. What crises in your community should move believers to corporate weeping and intercession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיָּבֹ֤אוּ1 of 14

“Then came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַמַּלְאָכִים֙2 of 14

“the messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

גִּבְעַ֣ת3 of 14

“to Gibeah”

H1390

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

שָׁא֔וּל4 of 14

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ5 of 14

“and told”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים6 of 14

“the tidings”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּאָזְנֵ֣י7 of 14

“in the ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

הָעָ֛ם8 of 14

“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

וַיִּשְׂא֧וּ9 of 14

“lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כָל10 of 14
H3605

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

הָעָ֛ם11 of 14

“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

אֶת12 of 14
H853

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

קוֹלָ֖ם13 of 14

“their voices”

H6963

a voice or sound

וַיִּבְכּֽוּ׃14 of 14

“and wept”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:26Judges 2:4Judges 21:21 Samuel 30:41 Samuel 15:34Galatians 6:2

Places in This Verse

Gibeah 1Settlement · Modern: Tel el Ful · 31.82°N, 35.23°E45 verses across 6 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 11 →

Test Your Knowledge

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