King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 31:3 Mean?

1 Samuel 31:3 in the King James Version says “And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers . and the archers... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers . and the archers: Heb. and the shooters, men with bows hit: Heb. found him

1 Samuel 31:3 · KJV


Context

1

Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. slain: or, wounded

2

And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons.

3

And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers . and the archers: Heb. and the shooters, men with bows hit: Heb. found him

4

Then said Saul unto his armourbearer , Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. abuse: or, mock me

5

And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The narrative focuses on Saul's personal fate: 'the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him.' The Hebrew 'hammorim anashim baqqasheth' (men who shoot with the bow) identifies the weapon causing Saul's mortal wounds. The description 'wayyachel me'od' (was greatly wounded, in anguish) indicates he was incapacitated but not immediately killed. His suffering precedes his final decision. The archer who once threw javelins at David now falls to arrows.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philistine archers represented advanced military technology in this period. The composite bow provided range and penetrating power that made it effective against armored opponents. Saul's wounds were serious enough to prevent escape but not immediately fatal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the instruments of our own judgment sometimes mirror our past behavior?
  2. What happens when those who refused God's way face their final moments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַתִּכְבַּ֤ד1 of 11

went sore

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

הַמִּלְחָמָה֙2 of 11

And the battle

H4421

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

אֶל3 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֔וּל4 of 11

against Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיִּמְצָאֻ֥הוּ5 of 11

hit

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

מֵֽהַמּוֹרִֽים׃6 of 11

and the archers

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

אֲנָשִׁ֣ים7 of 11
H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

בַּקָּ֑שֶׁת8 of 11
H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

וַיָּ֥חֶל9 of 11

wounded

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

מְאֹ֖ד10 of 11

him and he was sore

H3966

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

מֵֽהַמּוֹרִֽים׃11 of 11

and the archers

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by


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 31:3 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 31:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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