King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 31:9 Mean?

1 Samuel 31:9 in the King James Version says “And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publis... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 31:9 · KJV


Context

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.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Philistines' treatment of Saul's body serves both religious and propagandistic purposes. Cutting off his head mirrors David's treatment of Goliath, creating ironic reversal. The armor sent to 'the house of their idols' (Hebrew: 'bet 'atsabbehem') dedicates spoils to Philistine gods. Publishing news 'among the people' proclaims victory throughout Philistia. What began with Goliath's head in David's hand ends with Saul's head in Philistine hands.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dedicating enemy armor to temples was common throughout the ancient world, acknowledging divine help in victory. The circulation of news throughout Philistine territory served to unify their people in celebration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Saul's fate mirror his failure to complete God's victory over the Philistines?
  2. What does the reversal of David's victory over Goliath suggest about incomplete obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַֽיִּכְרְתוּ֙1 of 15

And they cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ3 of 15

his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיַּפְשִׁ֖טוּ4 of 15

and stripped off

H6584

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

אֶת5 of 15
H853

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

כֵּלָ֑יו6 of 15

his armour

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וַיְשַׁלְּח֨וּ7 of 15

and sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְאֶֽרֶץ8 of 15

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֜ים9 of 15

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

סָבִ֗יב10 of 15

round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

לְבַשֵּׂ֛ר11 of 15

to publish

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

בֵּ֥ית12 of 15

it in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עֲצַבֵּיהֶ֖ם13 of 15

of their idols

H6091

an (idolatrous) image

וְאֶת14 of 15
H853

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

הָעָֽם׃15 of 15

and among the people

H5971

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


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 31:9 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 31:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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