King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 8:16 Mean?
“And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.”
Context
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
16
And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
17
He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
18
And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **And your goodliest young men.**—The LXX. Greek Version here reads, “your best oxen,” which required only the change of one letter of similar sound in the Hebrew word here. This was, no doubt,. the reading of the original text, as the young men seem included among the sons in 1Samuel 8:11-12, and oxen would naturally precede the asses mentioned in the next clause of this verse.
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 8:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.