King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 31:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 31:12 in the King James Version says “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 Bet...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 31:12 · KJV

Context

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.

Read 1 Samuel 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The all-night march by Jabesh-gilead's valiant men demonstrates courage and loyalty that honors Saul in death as he honored them in life. Their retrieval of the bodies from Beth-shan's wall, burning them at Jabesh, and proper burial represents significant risk. The burning (unusual for Israelite practice) may have been necessary due to decomposition or to prevent further desecration. Their courage restores some dignity to the fallen king.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Cremation was not typical Israelite practice, making this action notable. Some suggest burning removed decayed flesh while preserving bones for proper burial. Others see it as emergency measure given circumstances. The courage required to retrieve bodies from enemy territory was exceptional.

Reflection Questions

  1. What risks are worth taking to honor those who cannot honor themselves?
  2. How does the men of Jabesh-gilead's courage model loyalty to fallen leaders?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיָּק֜וּמוּ1 of 22

“arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

כָּל2 of 22
H3605

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

אִ֣ישׁ3 of 22

“men”

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)

חַיִל֮4 of 22

“All the valiant”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ5 of 22
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כָל6 of 22
H3605

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

הַלַּיְלָה֒7 of 22

“all night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וַיִּקְח֞וּ8 of 22

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת9 of 22
H853

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

גְּוִיֹּ֣ת10 of 22

“and the bodies”

H1472

a body, whether alive or dead

שָׁא֗וּל11 of 22

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְאֵת֙12 of 22
H853

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

גְּוִיֹּ֣ת13 of 22

“and the bodies”

H1472

a body, whether alive or dead

בָּנָ֔יו14 of 22

“of 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

מֵֽחוֹמַ֖ת15 of 22

“from the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

בֵּ֣ית16 of 22
H0
שָׁ֑ן17 of 22

“of Bethshan”

H1052

beth-shean or beth-shan, a place in palestine

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ18 of 22

“and came”

H935

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

יָבֵ֔שָׁה19 of 22

“to Jabesh”

H3003

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

וַיִּשְׂרְפ֥וּ20 of 22

“and burnt”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֹתָ֖ם21 of 22
H853

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

שָֽׁם׃22 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 31:12 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 31:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 16:14Jeremiah 34:52 Samuel 2:4-7Amos 6:10

Places in This Verse

Beth-shanSettlement · Modern: Tel Bet Shean · 32.50°N, 35.50°E8 verses across 6 books
Jabesh-gileadSettlement · Modern: Tell el Maqlub · 32.40°N, 35.68°E20 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 31 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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