King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 30:27 Mean?

1 Samuel 30:27 in the King James Version says “To them which were in Bethel, and to them which were in south Ramoth, and to them which were in Jattir, — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

To them which were in Bethel, and to them which were in south Ramoth, and to them which were in Jattir,

1 Samuel 30:27 · KJV


Context

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

27

To them which were in Bethel, and to them which were in south Ramoth, and to them which were in Jattir,

28

And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa,

29

And to them which were in Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in the cities of the Kenites,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The list of recipient cities begins with Beth-el, south Ramoth, and Jattir. These southern Judean locations had provided refuge during David's fugitive years. The specific naming of these towns preserves historical memory of David's network of support. Each name represents a community that risked Saul's anger by protecting David. His gifts now reward their loyalty and strengthen future alliance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Beth-el here is likely a southern location distinct from the famous northern sanctuary. South Ramoth and Jattir were towns in the hill country of Judah. These communities had apparently supported David during Saul's persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who supported you when doing so was risky or unpopular?
  2. How do you maintain relationships with those who helped before you had anything to offer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְלַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר1 of 8

To them

H834

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

בְּבֵֽית2 of 8
H0
אֵ֛ל3 of 8

which were in Bethel

H1008

beth-el, a place in palestine

וְלַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 8

To them

H834

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

בְּרָמֽוֹת5 of 8

Ramoth

H7418

ramoth-negeb or ramath-negeb, a place in palestine

נֶ֖גֶב6 of 8

and to them which were in south

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

וְלַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 8

To them

H834

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

בְּיַתִּֽר׃8 of 8

and to them which were in Jattir

H3492

jattir, a place in palestine


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 30:27 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 30:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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