King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:35 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:35 in the King James Version says “And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD. the same: Heb. that alt...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD. the same: Heb. that altar he began to build unto the LORD”

1 Samuel 14:35 · KJV

Context

33

Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day. transgressed: or, dealt treacherously

34

And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there. with him: Heb. in his hand

35

And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD. the same: Heb. that altar he began to build unto the LORD

36

And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

37

And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

Read 1 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.

The notation that Saul 'built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD' suggests religious sincerity coexisting with spiritual failure. Building an altar represents worship, thanksgiving, and covenant recognition. Yet this is Saul's 'first' altar - remarkably late in his reign for such a basic act. His religious impulse appears genuine but inconsistent. The altar addresses his relationship with God without examining the oath that caused his people to sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Altar-building marked significant spiritual moments for patriarchs and leaders throughout Israel's history. That Saul had not built an altar previously is striking given his religious responsibilities. This delayed action suggests reactive rather than proactive piety.

Reflection Questions

  1. Can genuine religious acts coexist with fundamental spiritual blindness?
  2. What does delayed religious devotion suggest about priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
לִבְנ֥וֹת1 of 9

“built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שָׁא֛וּל2 of 9

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מִזְבֵּ֖חַ3 of 9

“altar”

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָֽה׃4 of 9

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אֹת֣וֹ5 of 9
H853

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

הֵחֵ֔ל6 of 9

“the same was the first”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

לִבְנ֥וֹת7 of 9

“built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

מִזְבֵּ֖חַ8 of 9

“altar”

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָֽה׃9 of 9

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

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 14:35 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 14:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 7:171 Samuel 7:122 Timothy 3:5Judges 21:41 Samuel 7:9Hosea 8:14

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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