1 Samuel 14:52
And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.
Original Language Analysis
וַתְּהִ֤י
H1961
וַתְּהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַמִּלְחָמָה֙
war
H4421
הַמִּלְחָמָה֙
war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
2 of 18
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
חֲזָקָ֣ה
And there was sore
H2389
חֲזָקָ֣ה
And there was sore
Strong's:
H2389
Word #:
3 of 18
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
against the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
against the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
5 of 18
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֣י
all the days
H3117
יְמֵ֣י
all the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
7 of 18
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
שָׁא֜וּל
and when Saul
H7586
שָׁא֜וּל
and when Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
8 of 18
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וְרָאָ֨ה
saw
H7200
וְרָאָ֨ה
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
9 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
שָׁא֜וּל
and when Saul
H7586
שָׁא֜וּל
and when Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
10 of 18
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אִ֤ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֤ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֶּן
man
H1121
בֶּן
man
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
חַ֔יִל
or any valiant
H2428
חַ֔יִל
or any valiant
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
16 of 18
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
Historical Context
The Philistine threat was never fully resolved under Saul. His final battle at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31) ended in catastrophic defeat. David would eventually break Philistine power (2 Samuel 5:17-25; 8:1), accomplishing what Saul could not.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the unresolved Philistine conflict suggest about Saul's reign overall?
- How does incomplete victory characterize leadership that begins with promise but loses divine favor?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.
The chapter's final verse - 'there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul' - provides sober summary. Despite the day's victory, Philistine pressure continued throughout Saul's reign. The note that Saul recruited 'any strong man, or any valiant man' for his army shows ongoing military need. The Hebrew chazaq ('strong') and ben-chayil ('valiant' or 'capable') indicate continuous search for capable warriors. Saul's reign was defined by unending conflict.