1 Samuel 30:22
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.”

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.”

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."

Majority 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.?

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.

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 Version
And 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.”

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 Bible
Then 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 Bible
Then 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 1917
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 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 Divided
21When 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
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!’

James 4:1-3
What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? / You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. / And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.

2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Proverbs 18:1
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

Proverbs 11:24-25
One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. / For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!

Genesis 13:8-9
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are kinsmen. / Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.”

Numbers 16:12-14
Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come! / Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us? / Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!”

Deuteronomy 15:9
Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.


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.

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1 Samuel 30
1. The Amalekites raid Ziklag
4. 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,
This part of the verse reveals a sense of entitlement and exclusion among the men who fought with David. It reflects a common human tendency to value effort and contribution in tangible terms, often leading to division. The historical context shows that David's men had just returned from a successful mission to recover their families and possessions from the Amalekites. The men who stayed behind were likely exhausted or tasked with guarding supplies, a necessary role in any military campaign. This situation parallels the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), where Jesus teaches about the kingdom of heaven and the equality of all who serve, regardless of their role or timing.

we will not share with them the plunder we recovered,
The refusal to share the plunder reflects a misunderstanding of communal responsibility and grace. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing spoils of war was a common practice, often dictated by the leader. David's leadership is tested here, as he must address the selfishness and division within his ranks. This moment foreshadows the New Testament teaching of sharing and unity within the body of Christ (Acts 4:32-35), where believers are called to hold all things in common and support one another.

except for each man’s wife and children.
This exception acknowledges the basic familial rights and responsibilities, even among those considered "wicked and worthless." It underscores the importance of family in biblical times, where the protection and provision for one's household were paramount. The restoration of families here can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where He restores and reconciles broken relationships (Ephesians 2:14-16).

They may take them and go.”
The phrase "They may take them and go" suggests a dismissal and separation from the community, highlighting the tension between justice and mercy. David's response to this situation, which follows in the subsequent verses, demonstrates his wisdom and fairness as a leader. He insists on sharing the plunder equally, setting a precedent for future generations and reflecting God's inclusive nature. This decision aligns with the biblical principle of unity and equality among God's people, as seen in Galatians 3:28, where there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The 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 Fairness
David 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.(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.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
but all
כָּל־ (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


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OT History: 1 Samuel 30:22 Then answered all the wicked men (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 30:21
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