King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 31:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 31:7 in the King James Version says “And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw t... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

1 Samuel 31:7 · KJV


Context

5

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

6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer , and all his men, that same day together.

7

And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

8

And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gilboa.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The aftermath extends beyond the battle as Israelites in surrounding territories flee, abandoning their cities to Philistine occupation. The Hebrew 'wayyya'azvu' (forsook) and 'wayyanusu' (fled) describe panic abandonment. The Philistines 'came and dwelt in them,' establishing long-term occupation. The battle's impact spreads far beyond Gilboa, affecting civilians who had not fought. Leadership failure produces consequences reaching those who simply lived under that leadership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The territorial losses included strategic positions in the Jezreel Valley and transjordan. This Philistine expansion would challenge David throughout his early reign and require military campaigns to reverse.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do leaders' failures affect those they were meant to protect?
  2. What does civilian flight reveal about the relationship between military and domestic security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיִּרְא֣וּ1 of 25

saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אַנְשֵֽׁי2 of 25
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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל3 of 25

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁר4 of 25
H834

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

בְּעֵ֣בֶר5 of 25

and they that were on the other side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הָעֵ֜מֶק6 of 25

of the valley

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀7 of 25
H834

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

בְּעֵ֣בֶר8 of 25

and they that were on the other side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן9 of 25

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

כִּֽי10 of 25
H3588

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

וַיָּנֻ֔סוּ11 of 25

and fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

אַנְשֵׁ֣י12 of 25
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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל13 of 25

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְכִי14 of 25
H3588

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

מֵ֖תוּ15 of 25

were dead

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שָׁא֣וּל16 of 25

and that Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וּבָנָ֑יו17 of 25

and 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

וַיַּֽעַזְב֤וּ18 of 25

they forsook

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת19 of 25
H853

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

הֶֽעָרִים֙20 of 25

the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיָּנֻ֔סוּ21 of 25

and fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ22 of 25

came

H935

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

פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים23 of 25

and the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֖וּ24 of 25

and dwelt

H3427

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

בָּהֶֽן׃25 of 25
H2004

they (only used when emphatic)


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 31:7 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 31:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study