Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But all the evil men and troublemakers among David’s followers said, “Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go.” New Living Translation But some evil troublemakers among David’s men said, “They didn’t go with us, so they can’t have any of the plunder we recovered. Give them their wives and children, and tell them to be gone.” English Standard Version Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.” Berean Standard Bible but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” Berean Literal Bible And all the wicked and worthless of those men who went with David answered and said, “Because that they did not go with us, we will not give to them from the plunder that we have snatched away. But rather for every man, his wife and his sons, that they may lead them away and depart.” King James Bible Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. New King James Version Then all the wicked and worthless men of those who went with David answered and said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except for every man’s wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart.” New American Standard Bible Then all the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David said, “Since they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoils that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, so that they may lead them away and leave.” NASB 1995 Then all the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away and depart.” NASB 1977 Then all the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David answered and said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away and depart.” Legacy Standard Bible Then all the evil and vile men among those who went with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have delivered, except to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away and depart.” Amplified Bible Then all the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will give them none of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may take his wife and children away and leave.” Berean Annotated Bible but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David (beloved) said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” Christian Standard Bible but all the corrupt and worthless men among those who had gone with David argued, “Because they didn’t go with us, we will not give any of the plunder we recovered to them except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” Holman Christian Standard Bible but all the corrupt and worthless men among those who had gone with David argued, “Because they didn’t go with us, we will not give any of the plunder we recovered to them except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” American Standard Version Then answered all the wicked men and base fellows, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them aught of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that he may lead them away, and depart. Contemporary English Version Some of David's men were good-for-nothings, and they said, "Those men didn't go with us to the battle, so they don't get any of the things we took back from the Amalekites. Let them take their wives and children and go!" English Revised Version Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them aught of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away and depart. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then every wicked and worthless man who had gone with David said, "Since they didn't go with us, they shouldn't be given any of the loot we recovered. Each of them should take only his wife and children and leave." Good News Translation But some mean and worthless men who had gone with David said, "They didn't go with us, and so we won't give them any of the loot. They can take their wives and children and go away." International Standard Version At this point, all the wicked and worthless men of the group who had gone with David answered, "Because they didn't go with us, we won't give them any of the spoil that we recovered, except that each person may take his wife and his children and go." NET Bible But all the evil and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, "Since they didn't go with us, we won't give them any of the loot we retrieved! They may take only their wives and children. Let them lead them away and be gone!" New Heart English Bible Then every wicked and worthless one of the men who had gone with David answered, and they said, "Because they did not go with us, we will not give them anything of the spoil that we have recovered, except to each man his wife and his children. And let them take them, and depart." Webster's Bible Translation Then answered all the wicked men, and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them aught of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblebut all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” World English Bible Then all the wicked men and worthless fellows of those who went with David answered and said, “Because they didn’t go with us, we will not give them anything of the plunder that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, that he may lead them away and depart.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd every bad and worthless man, of the men who have gone with David, answers, indeed, they say, “Because that they have not gone with us we do not give to them of the spoil which we have delivered, except each his wife and his children, and they lead away and go.” Berean Literal Bible And all the wicked and worthless of those men who went with David answered and said, “Because that they did not go with us, we will not give to them from the plunder that we have snatched away. But rather for every man, his wife and his sons, that they may lead them away and depart.” Young's Literal Translation And every bad and worthless man, of the men who have gone with David, answereth, yea, they say, 'Because that they have not gone with us we do not give to them of the spoil which we have delivered, except each his wife and his children, and they lead away and go. Smith's Literal Translation And every evil man will answer, and Belial, of the men who went with David, and they will say, Because they went not with me, we will not give to them of the spoil which we took away, except each his wife and his sons, and they shall lead and go. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen all the wicked and unjust men that had gone with David answering, said: Because they came not with us, we will not give them any thing of the prey which we have recovered: but let every man take his wife and his children, and be contented with them, and go his way. Catholic Public Domain Version And all the wicked and iniquitous men, out of the men who had gone with David, responding, said: “Since they did not go with us, we will not give to them anything from the prey that we have rescued. But let his wife and children be enough for each of them; when they have accepted this, they may go back.” New American Bible But all the greedy and worthless among those who had accompanied David said, “Since they did not accompany us, we will not give them anything from the plunder, except for each man’s wife and children.” New Revised Standard Version Then all the corrupt and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may take his wife and children, and leave.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen answered some of David's men who were evil and wicked, and said, Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any portion of the spoil which we have recovered, save that every man may take his wife and his children. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And evil men answered and evil ones of the men who went with David, and they said: “Because they did not go with us, a part of the loot that we saved shall not be given to them, but they shall take each man his wife and his children!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then answered all the wicked men and base fellows, of those that went with David, and said: 'Because they went not with us, we will not give them aught of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Then every ill-disposed and bad man of the soldiers who had gone with David, answered and said, Because they did not pursue together with us, we will not give them of the spoils which we have recovered, only let each one lead away with him his wife and his children, and let them return. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Spoils are Divided21When David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him from the Brook of Besor, they came out to meet him and the troops with him. As David approached the men, he greeted them, 22but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” 23But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us.… Cross References all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, 1 Samuel 10:27 But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. Deuteronomy 13:13 that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), 1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD “Because they did not go with us, Numbers 31:27 Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation. Joshua 22:8 saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies.” Deuteronomy 20:8 Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.” we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, Isaiah 33:23 Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder. Ezekiel 39:10 They will not gather wood from the countryside or cut it from the forests, for they will use the weapons for fuel. They will loot those who looted them and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord GOD. 2 Chronicles 20:25 Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables—more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much. except for each man’s wife and children. Deuteronomy 20:14 But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. Numbers 31:18 but spare for yourselves every girl who has never had relations with a man. 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” They may take them and go.” Exodus 12:32 Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” Genesis 34:17 But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.” Matthew 20:15 Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ Luke 15:28-30 The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. / But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. / But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ Treasury of Scripture Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. wicked 1 Samuel 22:2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. 1 Samuel 25:17,25 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him… Deuteronomy 13:13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; those [heb] the men Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Jump to Previous Aught Base Belial Children David Depart Except Fellows Lead Ought Recovered Save Spoil Wicked WifeJump to Next Aught Base Belial Children David Depart Except Fellows Lead Ought Recovered Save Spoil Wicked Wife1 Samuel 30 1. The Amalekites raid Ziklag4. David asking counsel, is encouraged by God to pursue them 11. By the means of a received Egyptian he is brought to the enemies, 18. and recovers all the spoil 22. David's law to divide the spoil equally 26. He sends presents to his friends but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, This phrase highlights the presence of individuals within David's group who are described as "wicked and worthless." In the biblical context, these terms often refer to those who act contrary to God's will and lack moral integrity. The presence of such individuals among David's men reflects the diverse nature of his followers, who included those in distress, debt, or discontented (1 Samuel 22:2). This diversity sometimes led to internal conflicts and challenges in leadership. The term "wicked and worthless" is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe those who oppose God's anointed, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:12 regarding Eli's sons. “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed future king of Israel, leading his men in battle and demonstrating leadership and fairness. 2. Wicked and Worthless Men A group among David's followers who displayed selfishness and a lack of compassion. 3. Ziklag The place where David and his men returned to find it raided by the Amalekites, prompting their pursuit and recovery mission. 4. Amalekites The enemy who raided Ziklag, taking captives and plunder, which David and his men pursued and recovered. 5. The Plunder The goods and captives recovered from the Amalekites, which became a point of contention among David's men. Teaching Points Leadership and FairnessDavid exemplifies godly leadership by ensuring fairness and unity among his men, teaching us the importance of equitable treatment in our communities. Selfishness vs. Generosity The contrast between the wicked men and David highlights the Christian call to generosity and selflessness. Unity in the Body of Christ Just as David sought to maintain unity among his followers, we are called to foster unity and support within the church. Grace Over Merit David's decision reflects the biblical principle of grace, where blessings are shared not based on merit but on the grace of God. Handling Conflict David's response to the conflict among his men provides a model for resolving disputes with wisdom and fairness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 30:22?2. How does 1 Samuel 30:22 illustrate the importance of unity among believers? 3. What does 1 Samuel 30:22 teach about sharing God's blessings with others? 4. How can we avoid the selfishness seen in 1 Samuel 30:22? 5. Connect 1 Samuel 30:22 with New Testament teachings on generosity and community. 6. How can we apply the lesson of 1 Samuel 30:22 in our church today? 7. Why did some men refuse to share the plunder in 1 Samuel 30:22? 8. How does 1 Samuel 30:22 address the concept of fairness and justice? 9. What does 1 Samuel 30:22 reveal about human nature and selfishness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 30? 11. If Saul reportedly destroyed the Amalekites earlier (1 Samuel 15), why do they reappear here in 1 Samuel 30? 12. Where is the archaeological or historical evidence verifying the Amalekite raid on Ziklag (1 Samuel 30)? 13. Psalm 142:4 shows David claiming no one cares for him--how does this reconcile with 1 Samuel 22:2, where he has loyal followers? 14. If multiple eyewitnesses survived, why is there no independent confirmation of such a large-scale killing (1 Samuel 22)? What Does 1 Samuel 30:22 Mean Context of the passageDavid and his six hundred men have just pursued the Amalekite raiders who burned Ziklag and carried off the families and belongings of David’s men (1 Samuel 30:1-8). Two hundred soldiers were exhausted and stayed behind with the supplies at the Brook Besor, while four hundred pressed on, defeated the Amalekites, and recovered everything (30:9-20). Verse 22 records the immediate reaction of a faction within the victorious four hundred. Similar tension appears in Numbers 31:25-27, where God commands equal distribution of spoils, reminding us that this is not a new dilemma for God’s people. Identifying the speakers: “all the wicked and worthless men” • Scripture labels them “wicked and worthless,” signaling that their viewpoint is morally corrupt. • In 1 Samuel 25:17, the same word “worthless” (BSB: “worthless fellow”) described Nabal, another character driven by selfishness. • Their presence among David’s troops shows that proximity to God’s anointed leader does not automatically produce godly character; transformation is always a matter of the heart (cf. Matthew 13:24-30). The heart of the complaint: “Because they did not go with us” • The grumbling soldiers see the two hundred as non-contributors. • They elevate personal effort above covenant loyalty, ignoring that the weary troops served by guarding the supplies (30:24). • Philippians 2:3-4 reminds believers to “regard one another as more important than yourselves”. These men do the opposite, measuring worth by exertion alone. The proposed policy: “We will not share with them the plunder we recovered” • Their suggestion contradicts God’s earlier patterns of distribution (Joshua 22:8; Numbers 31:27). • They speak as if the plunder is theirs, not the Lord’s. Yet David had confessed, “The LORD has rescued us” (30:23). Everything ultimately belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). • Self-centered ownership always breeds division (James 4:1-2). The minimal concession: “except for each man’s wife and children” • Even in selfishness, these men cannot deny family restitution, revealing a grudging acknowledgment of basic justice (cf. Exodus 21:3). • They still insist the rescued families “may take them and go,” effectively severing fellowship and community. • Their stance mirrors the elder brother’s resentment in Luke 15:29-30. Underlying attitude exposed • Pride: They credit victory to their own strength rather than to God (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • Contempt: They undervalue fellow Israelites, contradicting Leviticus 19:18’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” • Short-sightedness: They ignore how unity fosters future triumphs (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). David corrects this in verses 23-25, establishing a lasting ordinance of shared spoil that Jesus later echoes in Matthew 10:41-42—everyone who supports the mission shares the reward. summary 1 Samuel 30:22 exposes a selfish faction within David’s army who wanted to deny equal spoil to comrades that stayed with the supplies. Their proposal reveals pride, a misplaced sense of ownership, and contempt for fellow believers. Scripture consistently teaches that victory comes from the Lord and that all who participate—whether on the front lines or in supportive roles—share equally in His provision. (22) Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial.--The scene here related chronicles an act of greed and of heartless covetousness--an act that has been many times repeated in the world's history. The wise compiler of the book chose it as part of the memoirs of David, which were to be preserved in the sacred volume, because it was another authoritative declaration on the part of the beloved king respecting a question which would crop up again and again on the conclusion of a campaign. The chronicler was justified in his selection, for this famous decision of David continued in force until the time of the Maccabees. (See 2 Maccabees 8:28-30.) A somewhat similar law was enacted by Moses. (See Numbers 31:27.) The dispute arose thus: The victorious troop with their enormous booty quickly re turned to the brook Besor, where the 200 that had broken down on the rapid march had been left to guard the baggage. David salutes these with all kindly courtesy; but the harmony which prevailed in the little camp is speedily broken owing to the highhanded claims of the 400 who had actually taken part in the rescue. These refused to share the booty with their comrades who had been left behind, only proposing just to restore to them their wives and those things of their own which had been recovered from the Amalekites. David, however, refused to listen to these iniquitous claims, and decided that all the fighting part of the force, and those men who had stayed behind and guarded the baggage at the brook Besor, should share alike.Hebrew but allכָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the wicked רָ֣ע (rā‘) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil and worthless וּבְלִיַּ֗עַל (ū·ḇə·lî·ya·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1100: Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness men אִֽישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person among those who אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had gone הָלְכ֣וּ (hā·lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with David דָּוִד֒ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said, וַיַּ֜עַן (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond “Because יַ֚עַן (ya·‘an) Adverb Strong's 3282: Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause they did not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no go הָלְכ֣וּ (hā·lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk with us, עִמִּ֔י (‘im·mî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with we will not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no share with them נִתֵּ֣ן (nit·tên) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set the plunder מֵהַשָּׁלָ֖ל (mê·haš·šā·lāl) Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty we recovered, הִצַּ֑לְנוּ (hiṣ·ṣal·nū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver except כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction for each מֵֽהָאֲנָשִׁים֮ (mê·hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person man’s wife אִשְׁתּוֹ֙ (’iš·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female and children. בָּנָ֔יו (bā·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son They may take וְיִנְהֲג֖וּ (wə·yin·hă·ḡū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5090: To drive forth, lead, carry away, to proceed, to sigh them and go.” וְיֵלֵֽכוּ׃ (wə·yê·lê·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Links 1 Samuel 30:22 NIV1 Samuel 30:22 NLT 1 Samuel 30:22 ESV 1 Samuel 30:22 NASB 1 Samuel 30:22 KJV 1 Samuel 30:22 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 30:22 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 30:22 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 30:22 French Bible 1 Samuel 30:22 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 30:22 Then answered all the wicked men (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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