Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically. New Living Translation The fighting grew very fierce around Saul, and the Philistine archers caught up with him and wounded him severely. English Standard Version The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. Berean Standard Bible When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. Berean Literal Bible And the battle became fierce against Saul, and the archers found him—men with the bow—and he was wounded severely by the archers. King James Bible And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. New King James Version The battle became fierce against Saul. The archers hit him, and he was severely wounded by the archers. New American Standard Bible The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers found him; and he was gravely wounded by the archers. NASB 1995 The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers. NASB 1977 And the battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers. Legacy Standard Bible And the battle became heavy against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers. Amplified Bible The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was severely wounded by the archers. Berean Annotated Bible When the battle intensified against Saul (desired), the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. Christian Standard Bible When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers found him and severely wounded him. Holman Christian Standard Bible When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers caught up with him and severely wounded him. American Standard Version And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. Contemporary English Version The fighting was fierce around Saul, and he was badly wounded by enemy arrows. English Revised Version And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. GOD'S WORD® Translation The heaviest fighting was against Saul. When the archers got him in their range, he was badly wounded by them. Good News Translation The fighting was heavy around Saul, and he himself was hit by enemy arrows and badly wounded. International Standard Version The heaviest fighting was directed toward Saul, and when the bowmen who were shooting located Saul, he was severely wounded by them. NET Bible Saul himself was in the thick of the battle; the archers spotted him and wounded him severely. New Heart English Bible The battle was fierce against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was wounded by the archers. Webster's Bible Translation And the battle was severe against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was severely wounded by the archers. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. World English Bible The battle went hard against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the battle is hard against Saul, and the archers find him—men with bow—and he is greatly pained by the archers; Berean Literal Bible And the battle became fierce against Saul, and the archers found him—men with the bow—and he was wounded severely by the archers. Young's Literal Translation And the battle is hard against Saul, and the archers find him -- men with bow -- and he is pained greatly by the archers; Smith's Literal Translation And the war will be heavy to Saul, and the archers, men with the bow, will find him; and he will be greatly wounded from the archers. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the whole weight of the battle was turned upon Saul: and the archers overtook him, and he was grievously wounded by the archers. Catholic Public Domain Version And the entire weight of the battle was turned against Saul. And the men who were archers pursued him. And he was severely wounded by the archers. New American Bible the fury of the battle converged on Saul. Then the archers hit him, and he was severely wounded. New Revised Standard Version The battle pressed hard upon Saul; the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the battle was intense against Saul, and the archers overtook him with bows, and he was exceedingly afraid of the archers. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the battle prevailed against Shaul, and the Archers overtook him with bows, and he was very afraid of the Archers OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the battle went sore against Saul, an the archers overtook him; and he was in great anguish by reason of the archers. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the battle prevails against Saul, and the shooters with arrows, even the archers find him, and he was wounded under the ribs. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul's Overthrow and Death…2The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. 3When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. 4Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.… Cross References When the battle intensified against Saul, 1 Chronicles 10:3 When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him. 2 Samuel 1:4 “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” 1 Samuel 28:15-16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.” / “Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel, “since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? the archers overtook him 2 Chronicles 35:23 There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded!” Job 16:13 His archers surround me. He pierces my kidneys without mercy and spills my gall on the ground. 2 Kings 25:5 but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. and wounded him critically. 2 Chronicles 35:24 So his servants took him out of his chariot, put him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. And Josiah was buried in the tomb of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. 2 Kings 9:24 Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot. 1 Kings 22:34 However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!” 2 Samuel 1:6-10 “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. / When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I answered, ‘Here I am!’ / ‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ … 2 Samuel 21:12 he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. 1 Samuel 28:19 Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 14:47-48 After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. / He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers. 1 Samuel 18:6-7 As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” 1 Samuel 15:28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. 1 Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.” Treasury of Scripture And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. went sore 2 Samuel 1:4 And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. Amos 2:14 Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: Genesis 49:23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: 1 Kings 22:34 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. Jump to Previous Anguish Archers Badly Battle Bow Distressed Fierce Fight Fighting Find Found Great Greatly Grew Hard Heavily Hit Overtook Pained Pressed Reason Saul Severe Severely Sore WoundedJump to Next Anguish Archers Badly Battle Bow Distressed Fierce Fight Fighting Find Found Great Greatly Grew Hard Heavily Hit Overtook Pained Pressed Reason Saul Severe Severely Sore Wounded1 Samuel 31 1. Saul, having lost his army, and his sons slain, 4. he and his armor bearer kill themselves. 7. The Philistines possess the forsaken towns of the Israelites 8. They triumph over the dead bodies 11. They of Jabesh Gilead recovering the dead bodies by night, 12. burn them at Jabesh, 13. and mournfully bury their bodies. When the battle intensified against Saul This phrase indicates a turning point in the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel during Saul's reign, often engaging in warfare. The intensification of the battle suggests a shift in momentum, likely due to the Philistines' superior military tactics and weaponry, such as their use of iron chariots and advanced metallurgy. Saul's leadership had been faltering due to his disobedience to God, as seen in earlier chapters, which may have contributed to the Israelites' disadvantage. This moment fulfills Samuel's prophecy that Saul's kingdom would not endure (1 Samuel 13:14). the archers overtook him and wounded him critically Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by initial success but later marred by disobedience to God and a troubled spirit. 2. Philistines A significant enemy of Israel during Saul's reign. They were a formidable military force and often clashed with the Israelites. 3. Mount Gilboa The location of the battle where Saul and his sons met their demise. It is a significant geographical location in the account of Saul's downfall. 4. Archers The Philistine soldiers who played a crucial role in Saul's defeat by critically wounding him with their arrows. 5. Battle The final confrontation between the Israelites and the Philistines during Saul's reign, leading to a pivotal moment in Israel's history. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's critical wounding is a culmination of his disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare Just as Saul faced physical archers, believers face spiritual battles. We must be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God. The Importance of Godly Leadership Saul's failure as a leader highlights the need for leaders who seek God's guidance and adhere to His will. The Role of Providence in History God's sovereignty is evident even in the midst of defeat. He uses events to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the transition from Saul to David. The Tragic End of Self-Reliance Saul's reliance on his own strength and decisions led to his downfall. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's strength and wisdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 31:3?2. How does 1 Samuel 31:3 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God? 3. What can we learn from Saul's experience about facing life's battles? 4. How does Saul's end connect with the warnings in Deuteronomy 28? 5. How can we apply Saul's story to our spiritual leadership responsibilities today? 6. What does Saul's defeat teach us about reliance on God versus human strength? 7. Why did Saul choose to fight the Philistines despite knowing the odds were against him? 8. How does 1 Samuel 31:3 reflect on the consequences of disobedience to God? 9. What does Saul's defeat by the Philistines signify in the broader narrative of Israel's history? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 31? 11. How do skeptics reconcile "the LORD put him to death" (1 Chronicles 10:14) with the naturalistic account of Saul's death in 1 Samuel? 12. Why does 1 Chronicles 10:13 emphasize Saul’s death as punishment for consulting a medium, when 1 Samuel 31 attributes his defeat primarily to the Philistine assault? 13. How did King Saul die according to the Bible? 14. How plausible is it that both Saul and his armorbearer died by their own swords in rapid succession (1 Samuel 31:4–5)? What Does 1 Samuel 31:3 Mean When the battle intensified against Saul• Scripture records mounting Philistine pressure (1 Samuel 31:1–2), echoing earlier warnings of defeat when Israel rejected God’s direct rule (1 Samuel 8:7; 28:18). • Intensity suggests God’s judgment unfolding, in line with Deuteronomy 28:25, where disobedience brings military calamity. • The scene fulfills Samuel’s prophecy that “tomorrow you and your sons will be with me” (1 Samuel 28:19), underscoring the certainty of God’s word. the archers overtook him • Philistine archers close the distance—an image of inescapable consequence (Judges 16:20–21). • Saul, once head and shoulders above the people (1 Samuel 9:2), now finds worldly stature useless without divine favor (Psalm 33:16–19). • David had spared Saul (1 Samuel 24:10; 26:9), but human mercy could not avert the outcome God decreed. and wounded him critically • A severe wound, not an instant death, grants Saul a moment of grim realization (1 Chronicles 10:3). • Critical injury fulfills God’s warning that kings who turn from Him “will perish” (Deuteronomy 17:20). • The lingering wound sets the stage for Saul’s self-inflicted death (1 Samuel 31:4), mirroring the trajectory of defeat found in Proverbs 5:22–23—bound by one’s own sins. summary 1 Samuel 31:3 shows the climax of Saul’s tragic decline: God’s foretold judgment arrives through an intensified Philistine assault; skilled archers cut off escape; a mortal wound underscores the inevitability of divine justice. The verse reminds us that no earthly strength can shield a life lived in persistent disobedience, yet it also affirms the unwavering reliability of God’s word—from prophecy to fulfillment. (3) And the battle went sore against Saul.--That is, after the death of Jonathan and his brothers. The great warrior king no doubt fought like a lion, but one by one his brave defenders fell in harness by his side; and the enemy seems to have directed their principal attention, at this period of the fight, to killing or capturing the famous Saul.And the archers hit him.--It would seem as though, in that deadly combat, none could strike down that giant kingly form, so the archers--literally, as in the margin of our Version, shooters, men with bows, skilful shots--were told off, and these, aiming at the warrior towering above the other combatants, with the crown on his head (2Samuel 1:10), hit him. And he was sore wounded by the archers.--This is the usual rendering of the word, but the more accurate translation is, He was sore afraid (or was greatly alarmed at them): so Gesenius, Keil, Lange, &c. All seemed against him. His army was routed, his sons were dead, his faithful captains and companions were gone, and these bow-men were shooting at him from a distance where his strong arm could not reach them. Gradually weakened through loss of blood--perhaps with the words he had heard only a few hours before at En-dor from the dead prophet ringing in his ears, "To-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me"--the great undaunted courage at last failed him, and he turned to his armourbearer, who was still by his side. Verses 3, 4. - The archers. Literally, as in the margin, "shooters, men with bows." As the first word would equally apply to men who threw javelins, the explanation is added to make the meaning clear. Hit him. Literally, "found him, i.e. found out his position, and came up to where he was. He was sore wounded. Rather, "he was sore distressed." In Deuteronomy 2:25 the verb is rendered "be in anguish." The meaning is that Saul, finding himself surrounded by these archers, and that he could neither escape nor come to close quarters with them, and die fighting, ordered his armour bearer to kill him, that he might be spared the degradation of being slain by "uncircumcised" heathen. Abuse me. This verb is translated mock in Jeremiah 38:19. "Maltreat" would be a better rendering in both places, and also in Judges 19:25, where, too, the word occurs. Its exact meaning is to practise upon another all that passion, lust, anger, or malice dictate. Probably Saul thought that they would treat him as they had previously treated Samson (Judges 16:21-25).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When the battleהַמִּלְחָמָה֙ (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war intensified וַתִּכְבַּ֤ד (wat·tiḵ·baḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome against אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Saul, שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites the archers הַמּוֹרִ֖ים (ham·mō·w·rîm) Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3384: To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach overtook him וַיִּמְצָאֻ֥הוּ (way·yim·ṣā·’u·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present and wounded him וַיָּ֥חֶל (way·yā·ḥel) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2342: To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert critically. מְאֹ֖ד (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily Links 1 Samuel 31:3 NIV1 Samuel 31:3 NLT 1 Samuel 31:3 ESV 1 Samuel 31:3 NASB 1 Samuel 31:3 KJV 1 Samuel 31:3 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 31:3 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 31:3 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 31:3 French Bible 1 Samuel 31:3 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 31:3 The battle went sore against Saul (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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