King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 4:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 4:7 in the King James Version says “And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath no...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Samuel 4:7 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

9

Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight. quit: Heb. be men

Read 1 Samuel 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Philistine fear intensifies: 'Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.' Their alarm reflects awareness that this battle differs from ordinary conflicts. The statement 'God is come into the camp' uses singular for 'God,' acknowledging Yahweh's singular power. Yet their fear, though appropriate, will not prevent victory because Israel's God is fighting against, not for, His own people. The Philistines face the true God but prevail because that God has purposed judgment on corrupted Israel.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines' experience of Israel to this point had included some defeats, but the Ark had not previously been brought to battle against them. Their fear reflects awareness that this represents escalation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Philistine fear of God contrast with Israel's presumptuous confidence?
  2. When might enemies of God's people be more spiritually perceptive than God's people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיִּֽרְאוּ֙1 of 17

“were afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים2 of 17

“And the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

כִּ֣י3 of 17
H3588

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

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙4 of 17

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּ֥א5 of 17

“is come”

H935

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

אֱלֹהִ֖ים6 of 17

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶל7 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה8 of 17

“into 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

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙9 of 17

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

א֣וֹי10 of 17

“Woe”

H188

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

לָ֔נוּ11 of 17
H0
כִּ֣י12 of 17
H3588

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

לֹ֥א13 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָֽיְתָ֛ה14 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָּזֹ֖את15 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֶתְמ֥וֹל16 of 17

“unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore”

H865

heretofore; definitely yesterday

שִׁלְשֹֽׁם׃17 of 17
H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday

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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 14:25Exodus 15:14-16Deuteronomy 32:30

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