King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 31:11 Mean?

1 Samuel 31:11 in the King James Version says “And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; of that: or, concerning h... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; of that: or, concerning him that

1 Samuel 31:11 · KJV


Context

9

And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.

10

And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth : and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.

11

And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; of that: or, concerning him that

12

All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.

13

And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The transition to Jabesh-gilead's inhabitants hearing the news recalls Saul's first act as king: rescuing them from Nahash the Ammonite (chapter 11). Their response to Saul's dishonor repays his earlier deliverance with later loyalty. The Hebrew 'wayyishme'u' (they heard) indicates news traveled across the Jordan. Gratitude remembered across decades motivates their risky intervention. Their courage contrasts with others who fled.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jabesh-gilead's rescue by Saul forty years earlier created a debt of honor the city now repays. The transjordan location meant they had to cross the Jordan and penetrate Philistine-held territory to reach Beth-shan.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does gratitude motivate action even at personal risk?
  2. What debts of honor do you owe to those who helped you in the past?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּשְׁמְע֣וּ1 of 10

heard

H8085

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

אֵלָ֔יו2 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֖י3 of 10

And when the inhabitants

H3427

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

יָבֵ֣ישׁ4 of 10

of Jabeshgilead

H3003

jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

גִּלְעָ֑ד5 of 10
H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

אֵ֛ת6 of 10
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר7 of 10
H834

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

עָשׂ֥וּ8 of 10

had done

H6213

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

פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים9 of 10

of that which the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

לְשָׁאֽוּל׃10 of 10

to Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites


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 31:11 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 31:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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