I Samuel 31:6 · Bible study
1 Samuel 31:6 Commentary: The Scope of Saul's Final Fall
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Examine the interpretation of 'all his men' in 1 Samuel 31:6, the textual variant, and the theological significance of Saul's death as judgment.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The verse summarizes the death of Saul, his three sons, his armor-bearer, and his close attendants on Mount Gilboa, fulfilling divine judgment.
- Key words: wayamot (“he died”); kol anashav (“all his men”), likely referring to his personal bodyguard; yachdav (“together”), emphasizing the simultaneous end.
- Main debate: Does “all his men” mean the entire army? Commentators argue it denotes only Saul’s immediate retinue, since Abner and Ish-bosheth survived.
- Theological theme: God’s word cannot fail; disobedience leads to judgment, but God’s redemptive purpose continues through David.
- Best use: A sobering text for preaching on the consequences of sin, the reliability of prophecy, and the weight of leadership.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
So Saul, his three sons, his armor-bearer, and all his men died together that same day.
WEB World English Bible 2000
So Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men that same day together.
KJV King James Version 1769
So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armorbearer, and all his men, that same day together.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and Saul dieth, and three of his sons, and the bearer of his weapons, also all his men, on that day together.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armour-bearer, and all his men, that same day together.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men that same day together.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Así murió Saúl en aquel día, juntamente con sus tres hijos, y su escudero, y todos sus varones.
Assim morreu Saul naquele dia, juntamente com seus três filhos, e seu escudeiro, e todos os seus homens.
Ainsi périrent en même temps, dans cette journée, Saül et ses trois fils, celui qui portait ses armes, et tous ses gens.
Also starb Saul und seine drei Söhne und sein Waffenträger und alle seine Männer zugleich auf diesen Tag.
Alzo stierf Saul, en zijn drie zonen, en zijn wapendrager, ook al zijn mannen, te dienzelven dage te gelijk.
Così, in quel giorno, morirono insieme Saul, i suoi tre figliuoli, il suo scudiero e tutta la sua gente.
Umarł tedy Saul, i trzej synowie jego, i wyrostek jego, co za nim broń nosił, i wszyscy mężowie jego dnia onego wespół.
Так умер в тот день Саул и три сына его, и оруженосец его, а также и все люди его вместе.
這樣，掃羅 和他三個 兒子，與拿 他兵器的人，以及 跟隨他的人， 都 一同 死亡。
So death overtook Saul and his three sons and his servant on the same day.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Samuel 31:6
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that the phrase “all his men” in 1 Samuel 31:6 refers to a limited group, likely Saul’s personal bodyguard or the soldiers fighting at his side, not the entire Israelite army. Barnes, Gill, and Jamieson-Fausset-Brown all note that Abner and Ish-bosheth survived the battle, and that the army fled (1 Sam 31:7). The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges adds that these were probably the king’s close attendants, comparable to Harold’s housecarls at Hastings. This reading aligns with 1 Chronicles 10:6, where the Chronicler writes “all his house died together.” The verse thus summarizes the fulfillment of prophecy: Saul, warned by Samuel that he and his sons would die (1 Sam 28:19), now meets his end. The total destruction of the king’s immediate circle in a single day underscores both the cost of his disobedience and the reliability of God’s word.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Literal reading (whole army): The plain sense of 'all his men' in Hebrew, though contradicted by the survival of Abner and others.
- Bodyguard interpretation: Consistency with 1 Chr 10:6 ('all his house') and battle context where the army fled.
- Textual variant reading: The LXX (Codex Vaticanus) omits the phrase, suggesting a shorter original.
What is clear: Saul, his three sons, and his armor-bearer died that day on Mount Gilboa.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'all his men' | Commentators agree it refers to Saul's immediate attendants or bodyguard, not the entire army. | A few readers take the phrase literally as the whole army, but this conflicts with the survival of Abner and Ish-bosheth. |
| Textual transmission | The Masoretic Text includes 'and all his men'; the Chronicler (1 Chr 10:6) says 'all his house.' | The Septuagint (Codex Vaticanus) omits 'and all his men,' leading some to question whether it was part of the original text. |
| Theological purpose of the verse | The verse serves as a narrative conclusion to Saul's reign, marking judgment on his disobedience. | Some emphasize the historical record; others read it as a moral warning about the consequences of rejecting God. |
| Suicide of Saul and his armor-bearer | The text records the suicides without explicit moral comment. | Traditions vary on whether the narrative implies condemnation or simply reports. Some see the armor-bearer's act as noble loyalty; others as a tragic waste. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The battle that ends in 1 Samuel 31:6 unfolds on Mount Gilboa, in the strategic Jezreel Valley. The Philistines had gathered at Shunem (1 Sam 28:4), and Saul mustered Israel at Gilboa (1 Sam 28:4). Earlier chapters describe Saul’s desperation: God no longer answers him, so he consults a medium at Endor, receiving the chilling prophecy that he and his sons will die (1 Sam 28:19). The battle itself goes badly from the start: Israel flees and many fall on the mountain (1 Sam 31:1). The Philistine archers target Saul, wounding him (v.3). Fearing abuse at the hands of the “uncircumcised”, a term highlighting the deep religious and ethnic divide, Saul asks his armor-bearer to kill him. When the armor-bearer refuses, Saul falls on his own sword (vv.4, 5). In the ancient Near East, a king’s death in battle was a national catastrophe; his body was often mutilated and displayed by the victors as propaganda. Verses 8, 10 confirm this pattern: the Philistines cut off Saul’s head, strip his armor, and fasten his body to the wall of Beth Shan in the temple of Ashtaroth. The armor-bearer’s suicide demonstrates extreme loyalty, he “died with him” (v.5). The phrase “all his men” likely refers to those who shared the king’s fate on the battlefield, probably his royal guard. This verse closes a chapter of Israel’s history, marking the end of Saul’s troubled reign and preparing the way for David.
Textual Notes
The Septuagint (Codex Vaticanus) omits the words “and all his men,” while 1 Chronicles 10:6 reads “all his house.” The Masoretic Text includes the phrase, which is followed by most English translations. The variant does not change the overall picture of Saul’s death but does affect the precise scope of the casualties. The narrower reading (LXX) would restrict the death count to Saul, his three sons, and his armor-bearer; the broader reading (MT) extends it to the king’s close retinue. No other significant textual variants are noted in the supplied sources.
Reception History
Matthew Henry (1710) described this moment as “the day of recompence” for Saul’s sins, emphasizing divine judgment. The Chronicler’s parallel account (1 Chr 10) reframes the event to stress Saul’s unfaithfulness, he died because “he didn’t keep Yahweh’s word” (1 Chr 10:13). This reading has dominated Protestant commentary, often used to illustrate the cost of disobedience. The death of Jonathan alongside his father has also received attention: noble in character, yet bound to the fate of his father’s house. The armor-bearer’s suicide raises ethical questions about loyalty that have been discussed in pastoral and ethical contexts throughout church history.
Preaching This Verse
Three-Point Outline
- The Finality of God’s Word: The death of Saul and his sons fulfills the prophecy given through Samuel (1 Sam 28:19). Samuel had warned the people that their king could lead them to ruin (1 Sam 12:25). This verse stands as a reminder that God’s warnings are not empty threats.
- The Cost of One Man’s Disobedience: Saul’s choices brought down not only himself but also his sons and his closest followers. Leadership carries weight; decisions ripple beyond the leader to affect those who trust him.
- Hope in the Midst of Judgment: Even on this dark day, the larger story continues. David, the man after God’s own heart, is waiting. God’s purposes are not defeated by human failure.
Five-Point Outline
- The Battle Lost: The Israelites flee before the Philistines; the king’s army is scattered (1 Sam 31:1, 7). Victory does not always belong to God’s people when their leader is out of step with God.
- The King’s Panic: Wounded and trapped, Saul fears abuse more than death. His request to his armor-bearer shows his terror and loss of trust in God.
- The Sons’ Sacrifice: Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua die fighting. They are casualties of their father’s failure, yet they die with valor.
- The Armor-Bearer’s Loyalty: Unwilling to kill his king, he chooses to die with him. His act underscores the depth of devotion, and the tragedy of a king who could not inspire faith, only fear.
- The Scope of the Fall: “All his men”, the immediate circle, perishes. Yet the nation lives on. God preserves a remnant for David.
Illustration Hooks
- A team leader who makes reckless choices and his whole team faces the consequences. The image of “all his men” captures how leadership failures are never isolated.
- When a family business collapses after poor decisions by the founder, the children and loyal employees all lose their livelihoods. They go down together.
- In a military defeat, a commander’s personal guard often fights to the last, refusing to retreat. Their loyalty is noble, but bound to a doomed cause.
Questions Your Congregation Is Asking
- Why did Jonathan, a man of faith, die alongside his father? Doesn’t God protect the righteous?
- Does this verse mean everyone who followed Saul was judged along with him? Where is God’s mercy?
- What does the armor-bearer’s suicide say about loyalty and faith? Was it commendable or tragic?
Leading a Discussion
This verse closes the tragic story of King Saul. It raises hard questions about judgment, leadership, and the fate of those who follow a flawed leader. As you discuss, keep in mind that this moment is not the end of Israel’s story, God’s plan for His people continues through David.
Discussion Questions
- Read 1 Samuel 31:1, 6. List every person or group mentioned as dying. How does the list shape the emotional weight of the scene?
- Why do you think the writer includes the detail “that same day together”? What does that emphasize?
- The term “all his men” is debated. Some say it refers to the whole army; others say only Saul’s personal bodyguard. Which reading fits the larger narrative best, and why?
- How does the death of Jonathan (v.2) affect your reading of this verse? What do we know about Jonathan from earlier chapters?
- Samuel had prophesied that Saul would die (1 Sam 28:19). In what ways does this verse show that God’s word is reliable?
- How does the fate of the armor-bearer (v.5) inform our understanding of loyalty? Where is the line between faithful devotion and misplaced allegiance?
- This chapter ends a period in Israel’s history. How does knowing that David becomes king next change the way you see this tragedy?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| I Samuel 4:10 | The Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter; for thirty thousand footmen of Israel fell. |
| I Samuel 4:11 | God’s ark was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. |
| I Samuel 11:15 | All the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before Yahweh in Gilgal. There they offered sacrifices of peace offerings before Yahweh; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. |
| I Samuel 12:17 | Isn’t it wheat harvest today? I will call to Yahweh, that he may send thunder and rain; and you will know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in Yahweh’s sight, in asking for a king.” |
| I Samuel 12:25 | But if you keep doing evil, you will be consumed, both you and your king.” |
| I Samuel 28:19 | Moreover Yahweh will deliver Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines; and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. Yahweh will deliver the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.” |
| I Chronicles 10:6 | So Saul died with his three sons; and all his house died together. |
| Ecclesiastes 9:1 | For all this I laid to my heart, even to explore all this: that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God; whether it is love or hatred, man doesn’t know it; all is before them. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes that the phrase "all his men" here refers only to Saul's personal bodyguards, not the entire army. He explains that the bulk of the Israelite forces had already fled at the start of the battle, leaving only this small group with Saul.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes cautions that the phrase "all his men" should not be pressed literally. He points out that well-known figures like Abner and Ish-bosheth survived the defeat, along with many others, showing that the expression describes widespread loss rather than total annihilation.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentator identifies "all his men" as the king's personal bodyguard who died fighting around him, not his entire army. This explains why Ishbosheth and Abner survived: Ishbosheth was not on the battlefield, and Abner as general would not have been attending the king's person.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
So Saul dyed, and his three sonnes, and his armour bearer, and all his men that same day together.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill notes that Saul's three sons died honorably in battle, but Saul and his armor bearer took their own lives. He also clarifies that "all his men" refers to Saul's personal servants and bodyguards, not the entire army.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB sees a clear mark of Providence in the deaths of Saul's three eldest sons, especially Jonathan. Had Jonathan survived, a strong party would have rallied around him and blocked David's path to the throne. The same Providence also swept away Saul's bodyguard on that same day.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch clarifies that "all his men" who died with Saul refers only to the king's personal servants and household, not the entire army. They also specify that the Philistines seized the entire northern part of Israel west of the Jordan, leaving only Peraea and Judah untouched, a conquest the text traces through specific geographic markers.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange argues that Saul's suicide was not merely a desperate act to avoid Philistine abuse, but the final outcome of his long, unchecked rebellion against God. Self-willed and proud to the end, Saul became the instrument of his own judgment, completing the inner decay that had severed his heart from the living God.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry sees Saul's death as God's long-awaited day of reckoning. The king's sins—sparing the Amalekites, murdering the priests, and hunting David—finally catch up with him, and God's righteous judgment falls.