King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 16:4 Mean?

1 Samuel 16:4 in the King James Version says “And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? coming: Heb. meeting”

1 Samuel 16:4 · King James Version

Context

2

And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. with thee: Heb. in thine hand

3

And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.

4

And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? coming: Heb. meeting

5

And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

6

And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. Eliab: called Elihu

Read 1 Samuel 16 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?

The elders' trembling at Samuel's arrival reflects the prophet's reputation as bearer of divine judgment. Their question 'Comest thou peaceably?' (shalom) acknowledges that prophetic visitations often accompanied divine displeasure. Samuel's presence reminded them of God's sovereign oversight of their community. The fear of holy men was characteristic of Israel's awareness that proximity to the divine carried both blessing and danger.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Local elders served as civic and judicial leaders in Israelite towns. Samuel's previous circuit as judge (1 Samuel 7:16-17) had established his authority throughout the region. The memory of his role in Saul's coronation and subsequent confrontations heightened awareness of his prophetic power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the elders' fear teach about the weightiness of genuine encounters with God's messengers?
  2. How should awareness of God's holiness shape our approach to worship and spiritual leaders?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ1 of 16

“did”

H6213

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

שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל2 of 16

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֵ֚ת3 of 16
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 16
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֣ר5 of 16

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 16

“that which the LORD”

H3068

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

בּוֹאֶֽךָ׃7 of 16

“Comest”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵּ֣ית8 of 16
H0
לָ֑חֶם9 of 16

“to Bethlehem”

H1035

beth-lechem, a place in palestine

וַיֶּֽחֶרְד֞וּ10 of 16

“trembled”

H2729

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

זִקְנֵ֤י11 of 16

“And the elders”

H2205

old

הָעִיר֙12 of 16

“of the town”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

לִקְרָאת֔וֹ13 of 16
H7122

to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר14 of 16

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁלֹ֥ם15 of 16

“thou peaceably”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

בּוֹאֶֽךָ׃16 of 16

“Comest”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 16:4 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 16:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:132 Kings 9:22Luke 5:81 Chronicles 12:17-181 Samuel 21:11 Kings 17:18

Places in This Verse

Bethlehem 1Settlement · Modern: Bethlehem · 31.70°N, 35.21°E52 verses across 14 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 16 →

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