King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 30:24 Mean?

1 Samuel 30:24 in the King James Version says “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 tha... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 30:24 · KJV


Context

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

26

And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD; present: Heb. blessing


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David establishes an enduring principle: 'as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff.' The Hebrew uses identical terminology ('chelqo... kechelqo') to emphasize equality. Those who guard supplies serve the same cause as those who fight. This statute recognizes that complex operations require varied roles, all essential to success. David's ruling becomes precedent ('unto this day'), shaping Israelite practice for generations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The principle established here continued as policy in Israel. Numbers 31:27 shows similar distribution after the Midianite campaign. This statute recognized that support roles were essential to military success.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you value those whose contribution happens behind the scenes?
  2. What principle of equal sharing applies to your community's distribution of resources?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּמִי֙1 of 15
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יִשְׁמַ֣ע2 of 15

For who will hearken

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לָכֶ֔ם3 of 15
H0
לַדָּבָ֖ר4 of 15

unto you in this matter

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֑ה5 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּ֞י6 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וּֽכְחֵ֛לֶק7 of 15

but as his part

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

הַיֹּרֵ֣ד8 of 15

is that goeth down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

בַּמִּלְחָמָ֗ה9 of 15

to the battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וּֽכְחֵ֛לֶק10 of 15

but as his part

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

הַיֹּשֵׁ֥ב11 of 15

be that tarrieth

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל12 of 15
H5921

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

הַכֵּלִ֖ים13 of 15

by the stuff

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

יַחְדָּ֥ו14 of 15

alike

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

יַֽחֲלֹֽקוּ׃15 of 15

they shall part

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)


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 30:24 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 30:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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