King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 8:13 Mean?
“And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.”
Context
11
And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
12
And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
13
And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
14
And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
15
And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. officers: Heb. eunuchs
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Confectionaries.**—Better rendered *perfumers—*that is, makers of ointments and scents, of which Orientals are inordinately fond.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 8:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.