King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 30:6 Mean?

1 Samuel 30:6 in the King James Version says “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, e... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. grieved: Heb. bitter

1 Samuel 30:6 · KJV


Context

4

Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

5

And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

6

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. grieved: Heb. bitter

7

And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

8

And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The crisis intensifies as David's men contemplate stoning him, blaming his leadership for their disaster. The Hebrew 'kiy-mar nephesh kol-ha'am' (because the soul of all the people was bitter) explains the danger through the vocabulary of bitterness. David is 'greatly distressed' (Hebrew: 'tsarar... me'od'), using language suggesting constriction and anguish. Yet in this darkest moment comes the pivotal response: 'David encouraged himself in the LORD his God' (Hebrew: 'wayyithchazzeq David baYHWH elohav'). This self-strengthening in God becomes the turning point.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Stoning was the prescribed Israelite punishment for serious offenses. The men's consideration of stoning David indicates they held him responsible as leader. His response demonstrates the spiritual discipline that distinguished his leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you turn when those closest to you turn against you?
  2. What does it mean to encourage yourself in the LORD when all human support fails?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַתֵּ֨צֶר1 of 21

distressed

H3334

to press (intransitive), i.e., be narrow; figuratively, be in distress

דָּוִ֔ד2 of 21

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מְאֹ֗ד3 of 21

was greatly

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

כִּֽי4 of 21
H3588

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

אָמְר֤וּ5 of 21

spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָעָ֔ם6 of 21

for the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְסָקְל֔וֹ7 of 21

of stoning

H5619

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

כִּֽי8 of 21
H3588

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

מָ֙רָה֙9 of 21

was grieved

H4843

to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)

נֶ֣פֶשׁ10 of 21

him because the soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כָּל11 of 21
H3605

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

הָעָ֔ם12 of 21

for the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אִ֖ישׁ13 of 21

every 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)

עַל14 of 21
H5921

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

בָּנָ֣ו15 of 21

for his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְעַל16 of 21
H5921

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

בְּנֹתָ֑יו17 of 21

and for his daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וַיִּתְחַזֵּ֣ק18 of 21

encouraged

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

דָּוִ֔ד19 of 21

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בַּֽיהוָ֖ה20 of 21

himself in the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהָֽיו׃21 of 21

his God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


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 30:6 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 30:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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