King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 4:6 Mean?

1 Samuel 4:6 in the King James Version says “And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.”

1 Samuel 4:6 · KJV

Context

4

So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

5

And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

6

And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

7

And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore . heretofore: Heb. yesterday, or, the third day

8

Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.

Read 1 Samuel 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Philistines hear the shout and understand its significance: 'God is come into the camp.' Even pagans recognize that Israel's God is associated with the Ark. Their assessment, though coming from idolaters, is partially correct - except that God has not come to fight for Israel but to judge them. The Philistines' fear shows they know something of Yahweh's reputation. Their subsequent rally demonstrates that even pagan resolve can overcome religious showmanship. True spiritual power cannot be manufactured by bringing the right objects to battle.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philistine religion centered on Dagon and other deities, but they had heard of Israel's God. The reputation of the Exodus and conquest had spread throughout Canaan. Their reference to 'Gods' (elohim, plural) may reflect polytheistic assumptions or the Hebrew word's plural form.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do the Philistines' fear and eventual victory teach about spiritual reality versus reputation?
  2. How can enemies of God's people sometimes perceive spiritual dynamics more clearly than God's people themselves?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ1 of 20

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פְלִשְׁתִּים֙2 of 20

“And when the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

ק֣וֹל4 of 20

“What meaneth the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

הַתְּרוּעָ֧ה5 of 20

“of the shout”

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ6 of 20

“they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֶ֠ה7 of 20
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

ק֣וֹל8 of 20

“What meaneth the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

הַתְּרוּעָ֧ה9 of 20

“of the shout”

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

הַגְּדוֹלָ֛ה10 of 20

“of this great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הַזֹּ֖את11 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃12 of 20

“in the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

הָֽעִבְרִ֑ים13 of 20

“of the Hebrews”

H5680

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

וַיֵּ֣דְע֔וּ14 of 20

“And they understood”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֚י15 of 20
H3588

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

אֲר֣וֹן16 of 20

“that the ark”

H727

a box

יְהוָ֔ה17 of 20

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בָּ֖א18 of 20

“was come”

H935

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

אֶל19 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃20 of 20

“in the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 32:17-18

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 4 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes