King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:48 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:48 in the King James Version says “And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. gath...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. gathered: or, wrought mightily”

1 Samuel 14:48 · KJV

Salvation

Context

46

Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place.

47

So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.

48

And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. gathered: or, wrought mightily

49

Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:

50

And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle. Abner: Heb. Abiner

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.

The specific mention of Amalek - 'he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites' - prepares for chapter 15's fatal failure. The note that he 'delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them' uses salvation language (natsal) typically reserved for divine action. Saul functions as God's instrument for deliverance, fulfilling the king's role as protector. This positive assessment makes his subsequent rejection more tragic: he had capacity for faithful service but failed in obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Amalekites were hereditary enemies of Israel since the wilderness period (Exodus 17:8-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). God had decreed their eventual destruction. Saul's initial campaigns against them preceded the complete destruction commanded in chapter 15.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this positive mention of Amalek victory set up the tragedy of chapter 15?
  2. What does Saul's capacity for faithful military service make his disobedience more or less tragic?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ1 of 10

“And he gathered”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חַ֔יִל2 of 10

“an host”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וַיַּ֖ךְ3 of 10

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת4 of 10
H853

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

עֲמָלֵ֑ק5 of 10

“the Amalekites”

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

וַיַּצֵּ֥ל6 of 10

“and delivered”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

אֶת7 of 10
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל8 of 10

“Israel”

H3478

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

מִיַּ֥ד9 of 10

“out of the hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שֹׁסֵֽהוּ׃10 of 10

“of them that spoiled”

H8154

to plunder

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 14:48 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 14:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 25:19Exodus 17:141 Samuel 15:3-7

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