King James Version
1 Samuel 4:12 in the King James Version says “And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth u...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.”
1 Samuel 4:12 · KJV
And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. were slain: Heb. died
And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.
And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out.
And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“a man”
H376a 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)
“of Benjamin”
H1144binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
“out of the army”
H4634an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array
“the same day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
“with his clothes”
H4055properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet
“rent”
H7167to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“upon his head”
H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
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.
1 Samuel 4:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Samuel 4:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge