King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 15:3 Mean?

1 Samuel 15:3 in the King James Version says “Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.”

1 Samuel 15:3 · KJV

Context

1

Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.

2

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.

3

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

4

And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.

5

And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. laid: or, fought

Read 1 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Saul's failure demonstrates that partial obedience is disobedience, and religious activity cannot substitute for heart surrender. His pattern of excuses, blame-shifting, and selective compliance while maintaining outward religious appearance warns against external religion without internal transformation. The pronouncement that 'to obey is better than sacrifice' establishes that God desires humble submission over impressive religious performance. Saul's rejection teaches that prolonged disobedience, even mixed with apparent faithfulness, eventually results in God's withdrawal of calling and blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage clarify the relationship between genuine faith and concrete obedience, and what does it teach about partial compliance?
  2. Are there areas where you practice selective obedience, substituting religious activity for heart-level surrender to God's commands?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
עַתָּה֩1 of 26
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לֵ֨ךְ2 of 26
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְהִכִּיתָ֜ה3 of 26

“and smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת4 of 26
H853

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

עֲמָלֵ֗ק5 of 26

“Amalek”

H6002

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

וְהַֽחֲרַמְתֶּם֙6 of 26

“and utterly destroy”

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

אֶת7 of 26
H853

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

כָּל8 of 26
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר9 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֔וֹ10 of 26
H0
וְלֹ֥א11 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַחְמֹ֖ל12 of 26

“all that they have and spare”

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

עָלָ֑יו13 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְהֵֽמַתָּ֞ה14 of 26

“them not but slay”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

מֵאִ֣ישׁ15 of 26

“both man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עַד16 of 26
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אִשָּׁ֗ה17 of 26

“and woman”

H802

a woman

מֵֽעֹלֵל֙18 of 26

“infant”

H5768

a suckling

וְעַד19 of 26
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יוֹנֵ֔ק20 of 26

“and suckling”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

מִשּׁ֣וֹר21 of 26

“ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וְעַד22 of 26
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שֶׂ֔ה23 of 26

“and sheep”

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

מִגָּמָ֖ל24 of 26

“camel”

H1581

a camel

וְעַד25 of 26
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

חֲמֽוֹר׃26 of 26

“and ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

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 15:3 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 15:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 20:16-18Numbers 24:201 Samuel 22:19Isaiah 14:21-22Numbers 31:17Joshua 6:17-21

Places in This Verse

AmalekRegion · Modern: Ain el Qudeirat · 30.65°N, 34.42°E28 verses across 8 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 15 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes