King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:21 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:21 in the King James Version says “Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks , and for the axes, and to sharpen the goa...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks , and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. a file: Heb. a file with mouths sharpen: Heb. to set”

1 Samuel 13:21 · KJV

Context

19

Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:

20

But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.

21

Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks , and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. a file: Heb. a file with mouths sharpen: Heb. to set

22

So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.

23

And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash. garrison: or, standing camp

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.

The specific pricing mentioned - 'a pim for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks' - documents the economic exploitation accompanying technological dependence. A pim (about two-thirds of a shekel) represented significant expense for simple sharpening. Philistine control allowed monopoly pricing that further impoverished Israel. The detailed economic information demonstrates how thoroughly oppression affects every aspect of daily life, from warfare down to routine farm maintenance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The pim weight has been confirmed by archaeological discoveries. This verse provides rare biblical insight into ancient Near Eastern economic practices. The Philistines extracted maximum profit from their technological advantage, creating systematic exploitation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do systems of oppression extract economic benefit at every level of society?
  2. What modern parallels exist to this kind of exploitative technological dependence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְֽהָיְתָ֞ה1 of 10
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַפְּצִ֣ירָה2 of 10

“Yet they had a file”

H6477

bluntness

פִ֗ים3 of 10
H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

לַמַּֽחֲרֵשֹׁת֙4 of 10

“for the mattocks”

H4281

probably a pick-axe

וְלָ֣אֵתִ֔ים5 of 10

“and for the coulters”

H855

a hoe or other digging implement

וְלִשְׁלֹ֥שׁ6 of 10

“and for the forks”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

קִלְּשׁ֖וֹן7 of 10
H7053

a prong, i.e., hay-fork

וּלְהַקַּרְדֻּמִּ֑ים8 of 10

“and for the axes”

H7134

an axe

וּלְהַצִּ֖יב9 of 10

“and to sharpen”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

הַדָּרְבָֽן׃10 of 10

“the goads”

H1861

a goad

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 13:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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