King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 5:9 Mean?

1 Samuel 5:9 in the King James Version says “And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destru... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts.

1 Samuel 5:9 · KJV


Context

7

And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.

8

They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither.

9

And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts.

10

Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. us, to: Heb. me to slay me and my

11

So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. us not: Heb. me not, and my


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gath fares no better: 'the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction.' The affliction now includes 'small and great' - no social class escapes. The 'emerods in their secret parts' (more literally, 'tumors broke out on them') spreads through the entire population. Each Philistine city that receives the Ark experiences intensified judgment. God demonstrates His power systematically throughout Philistine territory. The Ark cannot be contained or controlled by pagan strategies.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gath's experience parallels Ashdod's, confirming that the affliction was connected to the Ark's presence, not local conditions. The inclusion of all social classes demonstrates comprehensive judgment. Gath was a significant Philistine city, later becoming David's refuge (1 Samuel 27:1-4).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the spreading affliction demonstrate about Yahweh's power beyond Israel's borders?
  2. How does God's systematic judgment counter Philistine attempts to manage the Ark?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 21
H1961

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י׀2 of 21

And it was so that after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הֵסַ֣בּוּ3 of 21

they had carried it about

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֹת֗וֹ4 of 21
H853

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

וַתְּהִ֨י5 of 21
H1961

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

יַד6 of 21

the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָ֤ה׀7 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

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

הָעִ֔יר8 of 21

of the city

H5892

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

מְהוּמָה֙9 of 21

destruction

H4103

confusion or uproar

גָּד֑וֹל10 of 21

and great

H1419

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

מְאֹ֔ד11 of 21

with a very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיַּךְ֙12 of 21

and he smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת13 of 21
H853

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

אַנְשֵׁ֣י14 of 21
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)

הָעִ֔יר15 of 21

of the city

H5892

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

מִקָּטֹ֖ן16 of 21

both small

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

וְעַד17 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גָּד֑וֹל18 of 21

and great

H1419

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

וַיִּשָּֽׂתְר֥וּ19 of 21

in their secret parts

H8368

to break out (as an eruption)

לָהֶ֖ם20 of 21
H0
עְפֹלִֽים׃21 of 21
H6076

a tumor


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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study