Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. New Living Translation “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the LORD by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right. English Standard Version Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Berean Standard Bible As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way. Berean Literal Bible As for me, moreover, far be it from me that I should sin against YHWH in ceasing to pray for you⁺. And I will teach you⁺ the good and the straight way. King James Bible Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: New King James Version Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. New American Standard Bible Furthermore, as for me, far be it from me that I would sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way. NASB 1995 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way. NASB 1977 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way. Legacy Standard Bible Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and upright way. Amplified Bible Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way. Berean Annotated Bible As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD {YHWH} by ceasing to pray for you⁺. And I will continue to teach you⁺ the good and right way. Christian Standard Bible “As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way. Holman Christian Standard Bible “As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way. American Standard Version Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Contemporary English Version I would be disobeying the LORD if I stopped praying for you! I will always teach you how to live right. English Revised Version Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way. GOD'S WORD® Translation It would be unthinkable for me to sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. I will go on teaching you the way that is good and right. Good News Translation As for me, the LORD forbid that I should sin against him by no longer praying for you. Instead, I will teach you what is good and right for you to do. International Standard Version Now as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. I'll also instruct you in the way that is good and right. NET Bible As far as I am concerned, far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you! I will instruct you in the way that is good and upright. New Heart English Bible Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Webster's Bible Translation Moreover as for me, Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way. World English Bible Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh in ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI, also, far be it from me to sin against YHWH, by ceasing to pray for you, and I have directed you in the good and upright way; Berean Literal Bible As for me, moreover, far be it from me that I should sin against YHWH in ceasing to pray for you⁺. And I will teach you⁺ the good and the straight way. Young's Literal Translation 'I, also, far be it from me to sin against Jehovah, by ceasing to pray for you, and I have directed you in the good and upright way; Smith's Literal Translation Also I, far be it to me sinning against Jehovah ceasing to pray for you: and I taught you in the good and straight way. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd far from me be this sin against the Lord, that I should cease to pray for you, and I will teach you the good and right way. Catholic Public Domain Version So then, far be it from me, this sin against the Lord, that I would cease to pray for you. And so, I will teach you the good and upright way. New American Bible As for me, far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you and to teach you the good and right way. New Revised Standard Version Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMoreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I, God forbid me that I would sin against LORD JEHOVAH and I would not pray for you, and I shall teach you the good way and uprightness OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Brenton Septuagint Translation And far be it from me to sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will serve the Lord, and shew you the good and the right way. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Samuel's Farewell Address…22Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. 23As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way. 24Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.… Cross References As for me, Joshua 24:15 But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” Psalm 119:106 I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments. Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works. far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD Genesis 44:17 But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.” Genesis 39:9 No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?” Psalm 51:4 Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. by ceasing to pray for you. 1 Samuel 7:8 and said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Ephesians 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, And I will continue to teach you Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. Deuteronomy 4:1 Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. the good and right way. 1 Kings 8:36 then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance. Deuteronomy 6:18 Do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, so that it may be well with you and that you may enter and possess the good land that the LORD your God swore to give your fathers, Psalm 25:8-9 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way. / He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. Treasury of Scripture Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: God forbid Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; in ceasing [heb] from ceasing Psalm 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Proverbs 4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. Ecclesiastes 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. the good 1 Kings 8:36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance. 2 Chronicles 6:27 Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Jump to Previous Ceasing Directed Instruct Moreover Orders Prayers Right Sin Teach Upright WayJump to Next Ceasing Directed Instruct Moreover Orders Prayers Right Sin Teach Upright Way1 Samuel 12 1. Samuel testifies his integrity6. He reproves the people of ingratitude 16. He terrifies them with thunder in harvest time 20. he comforts them in God's mercy As for me, This phrase indicates a personal commitment and responsibility. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, distinguishes his role from that of the people. His leadership is not just political but deeply spiritual, emphasizing his personal dedication to God and the people of Israel. far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a leader who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, Samuel addresses the Israelites, emphasizing his commitment to intercede for them and guide them in God's ways. 2. Israelites The people of Israel, who demanded a king to lead them like other nations. This request led to the anointing of Saul as their first king, marking a significant transition in their governance. 3. The LORD The covenant God of Israel, who has been faithful to His people despite their repeated disobedience and desire for a human king. 4. Prayer A central theme in this verse, highlighting the importance of intercession and communication with God. 5. Teaching Samuel's role as a spiritual leader includes instructing the Israelites in the ways of the LORD, ensuring they follow the path of righteousness. Teaching Points The Importance of Intercessory PrayerSamuel's commitment to pray for the Israelites underscores the vital role of intercessory prayer in the life of a believer. We are called to pray for others, lifting their needs before God. Prayer as a Duty and Privilege Samuel views ceasing to pray as a sin against the LORD, highlighting that prayer is both a duty and a privilege for believers. It is an essential part of our relationship with God. The Role of Spiritual Leadership Samuel's dedication to teaching the Israelites the "good and right way" serves as a model for spiritual leaders today. Leaders are called to instruct and guide others in accordance with God's Word. Faithfulness in Ministry Samuel's unwavering commitment to his responsibilities, despite the Israelites' demand for a king, teaches us about faithfulness in our own ministries and callings. The Power of Righteous Living Samuel's life exemplifies the impact of living righteously and the influence it can have on others. Our actions and prayers can lead others toward God's path. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 12:23?2. How does 1 Samuel 12:23 emphasize the importance of prayer for others? 3. What does "sin against the LORD" reveal about neglecting intercessory prayer? 4. How can Samuel's example in 1 Samuel 12:23 guide our prayer life today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 1 Samuel 12:23 and New Testament teachings on prayer? 6. How can we implement Samuel's commitment to prayer in our daily routines? 7. What does 1 Samuel 12:23 teach about the importance of prayer in leadership? 8. How does 1 Samuel 12:23 emphasize the responsibility of spiritual leaders? 9. Why is intercessory prayer crucial according to 1 Samuel 12:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 12? 11. What happens to young children after they die? 12. How could the people's immediate repentance in 1 Samuel 12:19 be verified historically or culturally? 13. Why does Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:33-34 promise national restoration to Israel if they repent, when other biblical passages suggest God's judgment can remain despite repentance? 14. Should we escape to the mountains for safety? What Does 1 Samuel 12:23 Mean As for meSamuel begins personally. His leadership is not abstract but rooted in his own walk with God. Like Joshua’s declaration, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15), Samuel sets his footing first, signaling that spiritual influence flows from a leader’s private loyalty. His “me” reminds us that every believer is responsible for his or her own faithfulness before offering guidance to others (1 Timothy 4:16). far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD Samuel treats prayerlessness as sin, not merely neglect. Scripture shows sins of omission carry weight: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17). The prophet’s conscience is tuned to God’s holiness; any failure to intercede would be a breach of duty to the One who commanded, “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In Samuel’s view, abandoning prayer is rebellion akin to Saul’s later disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23). by ceasing to pray for you Intercession stands at the heart of shepherding. • Moses modeled it when he pleaded, “Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin” (Exodus 32:32). • Job’s restoration came as he “prayed for his friends” (Job 42:10). • Paul followed the pattern: “We always thank God... when we pray for you” (Colossians 1:3). The flock may forget, but the shepherd must not. By continuing to pray, Samuel becomes a living bridge between Israel’s need and God’s mercy (Ezekiel 22:30). And I will continue to teach you Prayer alone is not enough; instruction accompanies intercession. Samuel’s resolve mirrors God’s blueprint: “These words… you shall teach them diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Teaching clarifies God’s expectations (Nehemiah 8:8). • It equips people for obedience (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • It guards against drifting (Hebrews 2:1). In season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2), Samuel will keep opening the scroll of truth even if the audience grows weary (Isaiah 30:9-10). the good and right way God’s path is both beautiful (“good”) and morally straight (“right”). David later sings, “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way” (Psalm 25:8). The “way” points ultimately to Christ—“I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Walking that way brings life (Proverbs 12:28) and shields from ruin (Matthew 7:13-14). Samuel’s teaching is not opinion but revelation that lights Israel’s steps (Psalm 119:105). summary Samuel’s words in 1 Samuel 12:23 weave prayer, teaching, and personal holiness into one seamless calling. He refuses to let prayerlessness offend God, commits to ongoing instruction, and anchors everything in his own faithful stance. The verse challenges every believer to stand firm personally, intercede persistently, and guide others consistently along the good and right way revealed in Scripture. (23) Moreover, as for me.--"In this he sets a glorious example to all rulers, showing them that they should not be led astray by the ingratitude of their subordinates or subjects; and give up on that account all interest in their welfare, but should rather persevere all the more in their anxiety for them."--Berleb. Bible, quoted in Lange. Moses and Samuel, wrote S. Gregory, are especially brought forward by the Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:1) as having extraordinary power with Him, and why? because they prayed for their enemies. Samuel's impassioned answer when the Elders asked his prayers, "Pray for you!" God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you.I will teach you.--The old man felt that in the future, although his powers as Judge were not abrogated yet, there would be, comparatively speaking, save on special occasions, but little opportunity for their exercise. In the presence of the regular authority of a king surrounded by armed men, such authority as he had wielded as Judge over the hearts of Israel must fall into abeyance. But one, and that a still higher office, still remained to him untouched by the great constitutional change that had passed over Israel--that of prophet. In this sphere, while he lived, he said he would work ceaselessly on; and the words he used on this solemn occasion tell out to all ages that the true function of the prophet or the preacher of the Eternal is to teach the people the good and the right way; and Samuel's own life of brave self-denial and noble self-effacement showed men that this teaching must be pressed home by something more than mere words. "Only a Samuel could thus quit office, proudly challenging all to convict him of one single injustice in his past career; and by the act of resignation gaining, not losing, greatness. No longer judge and ruler, but simple prophet, he is able now to discourse with greater freedom of the monarchy about to be introduced, and he seizes the moment to cast a more distant glance into all the past and future of the community."--Ewald: History of Israel, Book III., 1-3. Verse 23. - God forbid, Hebrew, "Far be it from me." That I should sin... in ceasing to pray for you. In no character of the Old Testament does this duty of intercessory prayer stand forward so prominently as in Samuel (see ver. 19); nor does he rest content with this, but adds, I will teach you the good and the right way. This was a far higher office than that of ruler; and not only was Samuel earnest in discharging this prophetic office of teaching, but he made provision for a supply of teachers and preachers for all future time by founding the schools of the prophets.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew As forגַּ֣ם (gam) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and me, אָנֹכִ֗י (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 595: I far be it from me חָלִ֤ילָה (ḥā·lî·lāh) Interjection | third person feminine singular Strong's 2486: For, a profaned thing, far be it! that I לִּי֙ (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew should sin מֵחֲטֹ֣א (mê·ḥă·ṭō) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn against the LORD לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel by ceasing מֵחֲדֹ֖ל (mê·ḥă·ḏōl) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 2308: To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle to pray לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל (lə·hiṯ·pal·lêl) Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct Strong's 6419: To judge, to intercede, pray for you. בַּעַדְכֶ֑ם (ba·‘aḏ·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's 1157: In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for And I will continue to teach וְהוֹרֵיתִ֣י (wə·hō·w·rê·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3384: To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach you אֶתְכֶ֔ם (’eṯ·ḵem) Direct object marker | second person masculine plural Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case the good הַטּוֹבָ֖ה (haṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good and right וְהַיְשָׁרָֽה׃ (wə·hay·šā·rāh) Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 3477: Straight, right way. בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ (bə·ḏe·reḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action Links 1 Samuel 12:23 NIV1 Samuel 12:23 NLT 1 Samuel 12:23 ESV 1 Samuel 12:23 NASB 1 Samuel 12:23 KJV 1 Samuel 12:23 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 12:23 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 12:23 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 12:23 French Bible 1 Samuel 12:23 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me far be it (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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