1 Samuel 12:16
New International Version
“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!

New Living Translation
“Now stand here and see the great thing the LORD is about to do.

English Standard Version
Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.

Berean Standard Bible
Now, therefore, present yourselves and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.

King James Bible
Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.

New King James Version
“Now therefore, stand and see this great thing which the LORD will do before your eyes:

New American Standard Bible
Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the LORD is going to do before your eyes.

NASB 1995
“Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the LORD will do before your eyes.

NASB 1977
“Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the LORD will do before your eyes.

Legacy Standard Bible
Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which Yahweh will do before your eyes.

Amplified Bible
So now, take your stand and see this great thing which the LORD will do before your eyes.

Christian Standard Bible
“Now, therefore, present yourselves and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Now, therefore, present yourselves and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.

American Standard Version
Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Jehovah will do before your eyes.

Contemporary English Version
Just stand here and watch the LORD show his mighty power.

English Revised Version
Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now then, stand still and watch this great thing the LORD is going to do right before your eyes.

Good News Translation
So then, stand where you are, and you will see the great thing which the LORD is going to do.

International Standard Version
"Now then, stand up and see this great thing that the LORD is about to do before your eyes.

NET Bible
"So now, take your positions and watch this great thing that the LORD is about to do in your sight.

New Heart English Bible
"Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Now, therefore, present yourselves and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.

World English Bible
“Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Yahweh will do before your eyes.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Also now, station yourselves and see this great thing which YHWH is doing before your eyes;

Young's Literal Translation
'Also now, station yourselves and see this great thing which Jehovah is doing before your eyes;

Smith's Literal Translation
Also now stand ye and see this great word which Jehovah does before your eyes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now then stand, and see this great thing which the Lord will do in your sight.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, stand now, and see this great thing, which the Lord will accomplish in your sight.

New American Bible
Now then, stand ready to witness the great marvel the LORD is about to accomplish before your eyes.

New Revised Standard Version
Now therefore take your stand and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now therefore be ready, and see this great thing which the LORD will do for you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And now, be ready and see this great response that LORD JEHOVAH makes to you
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now stand still, and see this great thing, which the Lord will do before your eyes.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Samuel's Farewell Address
15But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers. 16Now, therefore, stand and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes. 17Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.”…

Cross References
Exodus 14:13-14
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Joshua 3:5
Then Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”

Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:18-19
“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. / Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

Jeremiah 32:17
“Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!

Daniel 3:17-18
If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

Habakkuk 1:5
“Look at the nations and observe—be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you.

Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

Luke 1:37
For no word from God will ever fail.”

Luke 18:27
But Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

John 11:40
Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

Acts 13:41
‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’”


Treasury of Scripture

Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.

stand

1 Samuel 12:7
Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

1 Samuel 15:16
Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

Exodus 14:13,31
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever…

Jump to Previous
Eyes Stand Station Yourselves
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Eyes Stand Station Yourselves
1 Samuel 12
1. Samuel testifies his integrity
6. He reproves the people of ingratitude
16. He terrifies them with thunder in harvest time
20. he comforts them in God's mercy














Now, therefore,
This phrase indicates a conclusion or a call to action based on previous statements. In the context of 1 Samuel 12, Samuel has just recounted Israel's history and their demand for a king, which was a rejection of God's direct rule. The "therefore" serves as a transition from recounting past events to demonstrating God's power and authority.

present yourselves
This is a call for the Israelites to gather and witness what is about to happen. It implies readiness and attention, similar to how the Israelites were called to witness significant events in their history, such as the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:17). It underscores the importance of the moment and the need for the people to be attentive to God's actions.

and see this great thing
The "great thing" refers to a miraculous sign that God is about to perform. In the biblical narrative, God often uses signs and wonders to confirm His word and authority, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). This phrase emphasizes the extraordinary nature of what is about to occur, meant to instill awe and reverence.

that the LORD will do
This highlights that the forthcoming event is an act of God, not of human origin. It underscores God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of Israel. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) is significant, as it is the covenant name of God, reminding the Israelites of His faithfulness and promises.

before your eyes.
The phrase indicates that the event will be visible and undeniable to the people. It serves as a direct witness to God's power and serves as a confirmation of Samuel's words. This visibility is crucial for establishing the credibility of the prophetic message and ensuring that the people understand the seriousness of their actions and God's response.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Samuel
The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a key figure in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. He is delivering a farewell speech to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel who demanded a king to rule over them, leading to the anointing of Saul as their first king.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is about to demonstrate His power and authority through a miraculous sign.

4. Gilgal
The location where Samuel delivered this speech, a significant site for Israel's history and religious ceremonies.

5. The Great Thing
Refers to the miraculous sign of thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, which was unusual and served as a divine confirmation of Samuel's words.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Power
God demonstrates His authority through miraculous signs, affirming His control over nature and history.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' demand for a king was a rejection of God's direct rule. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our desires with God's will.

Faith in Action
Samuel's call to "stand and see" requires faith and trust in God's promises and timing, even when circumstances seem daunting.

God's Faithfulness
Despite Israel's disobedience, God remains faithful to His covenant, providing guidance and correction through His prophets.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Samuel serve as God's mouthpiece, delivering messages that call people back to faithfulness and obedience.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 12:16?

2. How does 1 Samuel 12:16 demonstrate God's power and authority over nature?

3. What can we learn about God's character from 1 Samuel 12:16?

4. How does this verse connect to God's faithfulness in other Old Testament events?

5. How should witnessing God's power in 1 Samuel 12:16 affect our daily faith?

6. In what ways can we stand still and see God's works today?

7. What is the significance of witnessing God's power in 1 Samuel 12:16?

8. How does 1 Samuel 12:16 demonstrate God's authority over nature?

9. Why does Samuel emphasize witnessing God's actions in 1 Samuel 12:16?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 12?

11. (2 Samuel 22:21-25) How can David claim blamelessness here when other passages (e.g., 2 Samuel 11) describe serious moral failures?

12. How do we reconcile 1 Samuel 16:7's emphasis on God looking at the heart with David's 'handsome' description in 16:12, suggesting external attributes mattered?

13. 1 Samuel 2:25 suggests the Lord intended to kill Eli's sons--how does this reconcile with the concept of a merciful, forgiving deity?

14. What does the Bible say about revenge and vengeance?
What Does 1 Samuel 12:16 Mean
Now, therefore,

Samuel has just laid out Israel’s history of God’s faithfulness (1 Samuel 12:6–15).

• “Therefore” ties the coming sign directly to that history: God’s past acts guarantee His present word.

• Compare Moses’ “Now then, stand still and see this great thing” (Exodus 14:13) and Joshua’s charge before the crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3:5). In each case, reflection on what God has done builds confidence in what He is about to do.


present yourselves

• The people are summoned to stand before the Lord, much like at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:17) and during Joshua’s covenant renewal at Shechem (Joshua 24:1).

• This is not a casual suggestion—it is a covenant summons. Samuel calls them to personal accountability; nobody can outsource obedience.


and see

• Faith in Scripture is never blind. God invites His people to witness tangible evidence of His power (John 20:27–29).

Psalm 34:8 echoes the same invitation: “Taste and see that the LORD is good.”

• Observing God’s works strengthens belief and silences doubt (Psalm 111:2).


this great thing

• The “great thing” will be an extraordinary, unmistakable act of God—sending thunder and rain at wheat harvest (1 Samuel 12:17).

• Such timing magnifies the miracle: rain was rare in that season (Proverbs 26:1), underlining that only God could perform it.

• Similar “great things” include Elijah’s fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:38) and the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2:32).


that the LORD will do

• God, not Samuel, is the actor. Human instruments are secondary (2 Corinthians 4:7).

• This reinforces the covenant truth voiced in Isaiah 42:8: “I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another.”

• It also fulfills Samuel’s earlier assurance that God “will not forsake His people” (1 Samuel 12:22), even while disciplining them.


before your eyes

• The sign is public, immediate, and undeniable—removing any excuse for unbelief (Deuteronomy 11:7).

• Witnessing God’s power should evoke reverent fear (1 Samuel 12:18) and renewed commitment (1 Samuel 12:19–25).

• Jesus applied the same principle when He performed miracles openly “so that you may believe” (John 11:42).


summary

1 Samuel 12:16 invites Israel—and us—to stand attentively before God, watch Him act, and respond in faith. The verse underscores God’s faithfulness, confronts us with His supremacy, and calls for personal accountability. When Scripture says, “Now, therefore, present yourselves and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes,” it assures us that the living God still moves powerfully and visibly to confirm His word and draw His people into wholehearted obedience.

(16) This great thing, which the Lord will do.--Then, to give greater emphasis to his warning words, Samuel adds: "O, ye elders, stand forth. I will show you by means of a Voice from heaven that this very asking for a king, though the Eternal has granted your prayer, is evil in His sight." Their wishing for an earthly king was the crown of a long course of rebellion against the Supreme will. It was, in fact, the breaking up for ever of the glorious ideal which had been for so long before the eyes of the noblest spirits in Israel.

Verse 16. - Stand. Better stand forth, as in ver. 7; take your places in solemn order.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now,
עַתָּה֙ (‘at·tāh)
Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

therefore,
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

stand
הִתְיַצְּב֣וּ (hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣə·ḇū)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3320: To set or station oneself, take one's stand

and see
וּרְא֔וּ (ū·rə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

this
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

great
הַגָּד֖וֹל (hag·gā·ḏō·wl)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

thing
הַדָּבָ֥ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will do
עֹשֶׂ֖ה (‘ō·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

before your eyes.
לְעֵינֵיכֶֽם׃ (lə·‘ê·nê·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Noun - cdc | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain


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OT History: 1 Samuel 12:16 Now therefore stand still and see this (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 12:15
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