King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:50 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:50 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Samuel 14:50 · KJV

Context

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

51

And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

52

And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.

Read 1 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Saul's wife Ahinoam and his military commander Abner are introduced. Abner, 'the son of Ner, Saul's uncle,' held the crucial position of army commander. This family appointment kept military power within Saul's clan but would create future conflict when Abner supported Ishbosheth against David (2 Samuel 2-3). The brief domestic information humanizes Saul while establishing relationships that will prove significant in the transition to David's reign.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ahinoam's name means 'my brother is delight.' Military command by kinsmen was common practice, ensuring loyalty in this crucial position. Abner's role as king-maker for Ishbosheth and eventual defection to David demonstrates the importance of this relationship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does family appointment to key positions create both loyalty and future problems?
  2. What does this domestic information contribute to our understanding of Saul?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשֵׁ֤ם1 of 14

“And the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֵ֣שֶׁת2 of 14

“wife”

H802

a woman

שָׁאֽוּל׃3 of 14

“Saul's”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֲחִינֹ֖עַם4 of 14

“was Ahinoam”

H293

achinoam, the name of two israelitesses

בַּת5 of 14

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אֲחִימָ֑עַץ6 of 14

“of Ahimaaz”

H290

achimaats, the name of three israelites

וְשֵׁ֤ם7 of 14

“And the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שַׂר8 of 14

“of the captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

צְבָאוֹ֙9 of 14

“of his host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֲבִינֵ֔ר10 of 14

“was Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

בֶּן11 of 14

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֵ֖ר12 of 14

“of Ner”

H5369

ner, an israelite

דּ֥וֹד13 of 14

“uncle”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

שָׁאֽוּל׃14 of 14

“Saul's”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

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 14:50 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 14:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 2:82 Samuel 3:271 Samuel 17:55

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