King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 30:23 Mean?

1 Samuel 30:23 in the King James Version says “Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and del...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.”

1 Samuel 30:23 · KJV

Salvation

Context

21

And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them. saluted: or, asked them how they did

22

Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. those: Heb. men

23

Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.

24

For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

25

And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day. forward: Heb. and forward

Read 1 Samuel 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's correction grounds spoil distribution in theology, not merit: 'that which the LORD hath given us.' The Hebrew 'asher natan YHWH lanu' (which the LORD gave to us) reframes the victory as divine gift, not human achievement. By invoking God's preservation and deliverance, David reminds the warriors that they are recipients, not earners, of victory. This theological foundation removes grounds for boasting and establishes grace-based sharing. What God gives freely should be distributed generously.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's theological reasoning reflects covenant understanding that all Israel shared in divine promises. His argument anticipates his later psalms attributing victory to God rather than military prowess.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as the source of success change how you distribute rewards?
  2. What happens when grace rather than merit governs community economics?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 19

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔ד2 of 19

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֹֽא3 of 19
H3808

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

תַעֲשׂ֥וּ4 of 19

“Ye shall not do so”

H6213

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

כֵ֖ן5 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֶחָ֑י6 of 19

“my brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֵ֠ת7 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֲשֶׁר8 of 19
H834

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

וַיִּתֵּ֗ן9 of 19

“hath given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֥ה10 of 19

“with that which the LORD”

H3068

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

לָ֙נוּ֙11 of 19
H0
וַיִּשְׁמֹ֣ר12 of 19

“us who hath preserved”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֹתָ֔נוּ13 of 19
H853

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

וַיִּתֵּ֗ן14 of 19

“hath given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶֽת15 of 19
H853

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

הַגְּד֛וּד16 of 19

“the company”

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

הַבָּ֥א17 of 19

“that came”

H935

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

עָלֵ֖ינוּ18 of 19
H5921

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

בְּיָדֵֽנוּ׃19 of 19

“against us into our hand”

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

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 30:23 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 30:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 8:18Psalms 121:7-8Psalms 44:2-7Acts 22:1Deuteronomy 8:10Genesis 19:7

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