Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “What happened?” David asked. “Tell me.” “The men fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.” New Living Translation “What happened?” David demanded. “Tell me how the battle went.” The man replied, “Our entire army fled from the battle. Many of the men are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” English Standard Version And David said to him, “How did it go? Tell me.” And he answered, “The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” Berean Standard Bible “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.” Berean Literal Bible And David said to him, “What is the report? Please tell me.” And he answered, “That people have fled from the battle, and many are fallen of the people and died. And also Saul and Jonathan his son are dead.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then David said to him, “How did the matter go? Please tell me.” And he answered, “The people have fled from the battle, many of the people are fallen and dead, and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.” New American Standard Bible David said to him, “How did things go? Please tell me.” And he said, “The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead; and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” NASB 1995 David said to him, “How did things go? Please tell me.” And he said, “The people have fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.” NASB 1977 And David said to him, “How did things go? Please tell me.” And he said, “The people have fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.” Legacy Standard Bible And David said to him, “How did things go? Tell me now.” And he said, “The people have fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.” Amplified Bible David said to him, “How did it go? Please tell me.” He answered, “The people have fled from the battle. Also, many of the people have fallen and are dead; Saul and Jonathan his son are also dead.” Berean Annotated Bible “What was the outcome? David (beloved) asked. “Please tell me. “The troops fled from the battle, he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul (desired) and his son Jonathan (YHWH has given) are also dead. Christian Standard Bible “What was the outcome? Tell me,” David asked him. “The troops fled from the battle,” he answered. “Many of the troops have fallen and are dead. Also, Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.” Holman Christian Standard Bible What was the outcome? Tell me,” David asked him.” The troops fled from the battle,” he answered. “Many of the troops have fallen and are dead. Also, Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.” American Standard Version And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, 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. Contemporary English Version "Who won the battle?" David asked. The man said, "Our army turned and ran, but many were wounded and died. Even King Saul and his son Jonathan are dead." English Revised Version And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation "What happened?" David asked him. "Please tell me." The man answered, "The army fled from the battle, and many of the soldiers died. Saul and his son Jonathan are dead too." Good News Translation "Tell me what happened," David said. "Our army ran away from the battle," he replied, "and many of our men were killed. Saul and his son Jonathan were also killed." International Standard Version David continued questioning him, "How did things go? Please tell me!" He replied, "The army has fled the battlefield, many of the army are wounded or have died, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead." NET Bible David inquired, "How were things going? Tell me!" He replied, "The people fled from the battle and many of them fell dead. Even Saul and his son Jonathan are dead!" New Heart English Bible David said to him, "How did it go? Please tell me." He answered, "The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also." Webster's Bible Translation And David said to him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen, and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“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.” World English Bible David said to him, “How did it go? Please tell me.” He answered, “The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead. Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says to him, “What has been the matter? Please declare [it] to me.” And he says, “That the people have fled from the battle, and also a multitude of the people have fallen, and they die; and also Saul and his son Jonathan have died.” Berean Literal Bible And David said to him, “What is the report? Please tell me.” And he answered, “That people have fled from the battle, and many are fallen of the people and died. And also Saul and Jonathan his son are dead.” Young's Literal Translation And David saith unto him, 'What hath been the matter? declare, I pray thee, to me.' And he saith, that 'The people hath fled from the battle, and also a multitude hath fallen of the people, and they die; and also Saul and Jonathan his son have died.' Smith's Literal Translation And David will say to him, What was the word? announce now to me. And he will say that the people fled from the battle, and also many fell from the people, and they will die and also Saul and Jonathan his son died. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David said unto him: What is the matter that is come to pass? tell me. He said: The people are fled from the battle, and many of the people are fallen and dead: moreover Saul and Jonathan his son are slain. Catholic Public Domain Version And David said to him: “What is the word that has happened? Reveal it to me.” And he said: “The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people have fallen and died. Moreover, Saul and his son Jonathan have passed away.” New American Bible “What happened?” David said. “Tell me.” He answered that the soldiers had fled the battle and many of them had fallen and were dead; and that Saul and his son Jonathan were dead. New Revised Standard Version David said to him, “How did things go? Tell me!” He answered, “The army fled from the battle, but also many of the army fell and died; and Saul and his son Jonathan also died.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said to him, What is the news? Tell me. And he answered, The people fled from the battle, and many of them also have fallen; and Saul and Jonathan his son are also dead. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David said to him: “What is the message? Tell me!” And he said: “The people fled from battle, also many of the people had fallen, and Shaul and Yonathan his son died” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said unto him: 'How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me.' And he answered: '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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And David said to him, What is the matter? tell me. And he said, The people fled out of the battle, and many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Learns of Saul's Death…3“Where have you come from?” David asked. “I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” he replied. 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.” 5Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”… Cross References “What was the outcome?” David asked. 2 Samuel 18:32 The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.” 1 Samuel 4:16-17 “I have just come from the battle,” the man said to Eli. “I fled from there today.” “What happened, my son?” Eli asked. / The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” “Please tell me.” 1 Samuel 3:17 “What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God punish you, and ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He said to you.” 1 Samuel 14:43 “Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. 1 Samuel 31:1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. 1 Samuel 4:10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great—thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell. 2 Kings 25:4-5 Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, / but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. “Many of them fell and died. 2 Chronicles 28:6 For in one day Pekah son of Remaliah killed 120,000 valiant men in Judah. This happened because they had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers. 2 Chronicles 20:24 When the men of Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the vast army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped. Judges 20:35 The LORD defeated Benjamin in the presence of Israel, and on that day the Israelites slaughtered 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” 1 Samuel 31:2 The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. 1 Chronicles 10:2 The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. 1 Chronicles 10:6 So Saul died together with his three sons and all his house. 1 Chronicles 10:1-6 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him. … 2 Samuel 4:10 when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news! 2 Samuel 18:19-33 Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” / But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” / So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. … Treasury of Scripture And David said to him, How went the matter? I pray you, 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. How went [heb] What was, etc. 1 Samuel 4:16 And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son? the people 1 Samuel 31:1-6 Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa… 1 Chronicles 10:1-6 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa… Jump to Previous Battle David Dead Died Fallen Fell Fight Fled Flight Great Jonathan Matter News Please SaulJump to Next Battle David Dead Died Fallen Fell Fight Fled Flight Great Jonathan Matter News Please Saul2 Samuel 1 1. The Amalekite who accused himself of Saul's death is slain17. David laments Saul and Jonathan with a song “What was the outcome?” David asked. David's inquiry reflects his concern and leadership qualities. As a leader, he seeks to understand the situation fully. This moment occurs after the battle at Mount Gilboa, where the Israelites faced the Philistines. David's question shows his responsibility and care for his people, even though he was not present at the battle. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking truth and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 18:15, which emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge. “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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, known for his heart after God. At this point, he is still in the process of becoming king and is deeply affected by the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths. 2. The Amalekite Messenger A young man who brings the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths to David. His report sets the stage for David's lament and subsequent actions. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, whose reign ends with his death in battle. His complex relationship with David is a significant theme in 1 and 2 Samuel. 4. Jonathan Saul's son and David's close friend, known for his loyalty and covenant with David. His death marks a poignant moment in the account. 5. The Battle The conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, which results in a significant defeat for Israel and the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Teaching Points The Reality of LossThis passage reminds us of the inevitability of loss in life. David's response to the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths teaches us about processing grief with honesty and integrity. Respect for Authority Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David's reaction to Saul's death shows respect for God's anointed leader. This challenges us to respect those in authority, even when we disagree with them. The Value of Friendship Jonathan's death highlights the importance of godly friendships. David's lament underscores the deep bond they shared, encouraging us to cultivate and cherish meaningful relationships. God's Sovereignty in Leadership The transition from Saul to David as king illustrates God's sovereign plan in leadership changes. We can trust God's timing and purpose in our own lives and leadership roles. Responding to Bad News David's inquiry and response to the news teach us to seek truth and respond with wisdom and grace when faced with difficult situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 1:4?2. How does 2 Samuel 1:4 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God? 3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from the events in 2 Samuel 1:4? 4. How does the news in 2 Samuel 1:4 connect to God's promises to David? 5. In what ways can we trust God's plan during personal trials, as seen here? 6. How should believers respond to tragic news, based on 2 Samuel 1:4? 7. How does 2 Samuel 1:4 reflect on the nature of leadership and its consequences? 8. What does 2 Samuel 1:4 reveal about the historical context of Israel's monarchy? 9. How does the report in 2 Samuel 1:4 challenge our understanding of divine justice? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 1? 11. 2 Samuel 4:8-11 - How can David both punish the men for killing Ishbosheth and still claim God's hand in his rise to power without contradiction? 12. How can 1 Chronicles 10's account that Saul died by falling on his own sword (1 Chronicles 10:4) be reconciled with 2 Samuel 1:10, where an Amalekite claims to have killed him? 13. In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13? 14. If Psalm 59:4 claims innocence on David's part, why do other passages (e.g., 2 Samuel 11) contradict this portrayal of his character? What Does 2 Samuel 1:4 Mean “What was the outcome?”David has just returned from rescuing his own people at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:18–19) when the Amalekite messenger arrives. Instantly David’s heart is fixed on the fate of Israel. This opening question shows: • A shepherd‐king’s concern for the flock entrusted to him (cf. 1 Samuel 17:34–35; John 10:11). • An eagerness for truth, not rumor—he seeks a clear, factual report (Proverbs 18:13). • The beginning of God’s transition of rule: David is about to learn that the throne of Saul is vacant (1 Samuel 13:14). David asked. The inspired narrative pauses to emphasize that David himself is doing the asking. Scripture presents him as active, not passive, in discerning God’s unfolding plan (Psalm 27:14). Unlike Saul, who often sought answers by his own schemes (1 Samuel 28:6–7), David seeks information so he can respond in faith. “Please tell me.” The courtesy in David’s words reveals a heart that values people—even a stranger bearing bad news (Colossians 4:6). His tone contrasts with Saul’s harshness toward messengers (1 Samuel 22:17–19). Godly leadership listens first (James 1:19). “The troops fled from the battle,” The messenger’s first report highlights defeat. Flight signals that Israel fought without the Lord’s favor (Leviticus 26:17; Deuteronomy 28:25). It also fulfills Samuel’s warning that Saul’s disobedience would cost Israel dearly (1 Samuel 12:14–15; 13:13–14). When God is not honored, even a chosen nation scatters. “Many of them fell and died.” The cost of Saul’s failed kingship is measured in lives: • Fathers who will not return home (Judges 11:35). • Families plunged into mourning (Ruth 1:5; 2 Samuel 3:31). The fact is recorded plainly, reminding us that sin has tangible, tragic consequences (Romans 6:23). “And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” Here the climax arrives: the king and the crown prince are gone. This statement: • Confirms the end of Saul’s dynasty (1 Samuel 28:19). • Opens the door for David’s anointed rule (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 2:4). • Brings personal grief: Jonathan was David’s covenant friend (1 Samuel 18:1–4). In God’s providence, the fall of the old makes way for the rise of the new (Isaiah 43:18–19). summary David’s simple, urgent questions draw out a layered report: Israel’s defeat, heavy casualties, and the death of Saul and Jonathan. Every phrase underscores the reliability of God’s Word—both His warnings and His promises. The passage portrays the sobering wages of disobedience and sets the stage for God’s faithful fulfillment of His covenant to establish David’s throne. Hebrew “Whatמֶה־ (meh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what was the outcome?” הָיָ֥ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be David דָּוִ֛ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse asked. וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Please נָ֣א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' tell me.” הַגֶּד־ (hag·geḏ-) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous “The troops הָעָ֜ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock fled נָ֨ס (nās) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the battle,” הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war he replied. וַ֠יֹּאמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Many הַרְבֵּ֞ה (har·bêh) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great of מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of [them] הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock fell נָפַ֤ל (nā·p̄al) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie and died. וַיָּמֻ֔תוּ (way·yā·mu·ṯū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 4191: To die, to kill And וְגַ֗ם (wə·ḡam) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and Saul שָׁא֛וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites and his son בְּנ֖וֹ (bə·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son Jonathan וִיהוֹנָתָ֥ן (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites are also dead.” מֵֽתוּ׃ (mê·ṯū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4191: To die, to kill Links 2 Samuel 1:4 NIV2 Samuel 1:4 NLT 2 Samuel 1:4 ESV 2 Samuel 1:4 NASB 2 Samuel 1:4 KJV 2 Samuel 1:4 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 1:4 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 1:4 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 1:4 French Bible 2 Samuel 1:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 1:4 David said to him How went (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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