Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. New Living Translation But there were some scoundrels who complained, “How can this man save us?” And they scorned him and refused to bring him gifts. But Saul ignored them. [Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had been grievously oppressing the people of Gad and Reuben who lived east of the Jordan River. He gouged out the right eye of each of the Israelites living there, and he didn’t allow anyone to come and rescue them. In fact, of all the Israelites east of the Jordan, there wasn’t a single one whose right eye Nahash had not gouged out. But there were 7,000 men who had escaped from the Ammonites, and they had settled in Jabesh-gilead.] English Standard Version But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace. Berean Standard Bible But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. Berean Literal Bible And sons of worthlessness said, “How can this one save us?” And they despised him and brought him no gift, and he was like one being silent. King James Bible But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. New King James Version But some rebels said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. New American Standard Bible But certain useless men said, “How can this one save us?” And they despised him and did not bring him a gift. But he kept silent about it. NASB 1995 But certain worthless men said, “How can this one deliver us?” And they despised him and did not bring him any present. But he kept silent. NASB 1977 But certain worthless men said, “How can this one deliver us?” And they despised him and did not bring him any present. But he kept silent. Legacy Standard Bible But certain vile men said, “How can this one save us?” And they despised him and did not bring him any present. But he kept silent. Amplified Bible But some worthless men said, “How can this man save and rescue us?” And they regarded Saul with contempt and did not bring him a gift. But he ignored the insult and kept silent. Berean Annotated Bible But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us? So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. [Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had viciously oppressed the people of Gad and Reuben, gouging out the right eye of each Israelite dwelling there. He would not allow anyone to rescue them, and there was no Israelite east of the Jordan whose right eye had not been gouged out. But 7,000 men had escaped from the Ammonites and settled in Jabesh-gilead.] Christian Standard Bible But some wicked men said, “How can this guy save us? ” They despised him and did not bring him a gift, but Saul said nothing. Holman Christian Standard Bible But some wicked men said, “How can this guy save us?” They despised him and did not bring him a gift, but Saul said nothing. American Standard Version But certain worthless fellows said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no present. But he held his peace. Contemporary English Version But some worthless fools said, "How can someone like Saul rescue us from our enemies?" They did not want Saul to be their king, and so they didn't bring him any gifts. But Saul kept calm. English Revised Version But certain sons of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no present. But he held his peace. GOD'S WORD® Translation However, some good-for-nothing people asked, "How can this man save us?" They despised him and wouldn't bring him presents, but he didn't respond. Good News Translation But some worthless people said, "How can this fellow do us any good?" They despised Saul and did not bring him any gifts. International Standard Version But some troublemakers said, "How can this man deliver us?" They despised him and did not bring him a gift. But Saul remained silent. [28] Meanwhile, Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had been severely oppressing the descendants of Gad and descendants of Reuben, gouging out their right eyes and not allowing Israel to have a deliverer. No one was left among the Israelis across the Jordan whose right eye Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had not gouged out. However, 7,000 men had escaped from the Ammonites and entered Jabesh-gilead. NET Bible But some wicked men said, "How can this man save us?" They despised him and did not even bring him a gift. But Saul said nothing about it. New Heart English Bible But certain worthless fellows said, "How shall this man save us?" So they despised him, and brought him no present. Now Nahash, king of the Ammonites, was severely oppressing the Gadites and the Reubenites. He put out the right eye of all of them, and he would not allow anyone to rescue Israel. Not one was left of the children of Israel beyond the Jordan whose right eye Nahash, king of the Ammonites, did not put out, except for seven thousand men who had escaped from the Ammonites and went to Jabesh Gilead. Webster's Bible Translation But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. World English Bible But certain worthless fellows said, “How could this man save us?” They despised him, and brought him no tribute. But he held his peace. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the sons of worthlessness have said, “How can this one save us?” And they despise him, and have not brought a present to him; and he is as one being deaf. Berean Literal Bible And sons of worthlessness said, “How can this one save us?” And they despised him and brought him no gift, and he was like one being silent. Young's Literal Translation and the sons of worthlessness have said, 'What! this one doth save us!' and they despise him, and have not brought to him a present; and he is as one deaf. Smith's Literal Translation And the sons of Belial said, What shall this save us? And they will despise him and will not bring him a gift; and he will be as keeping silence. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut the children of Belial said: Shall this fellow be able to save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents, but he dissembled as though he heard not. Catholic Public Domain Version Yet the sons of Belial said, “How could this one be able to save us?” And they despised him, and they brought him no presents. But he pretended not to hear them. New American Bible But some worthless people said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no tribute. New Revised Standard Version But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” They despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace. Now Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had been grievously oppressing the Gadites and the Reubenites. He would gouge out the right eye of each of them and would not grant Israel a deliverer. No one was left of the Israelites across the Jordan whose right eye Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had not gouged out. But there were seven thousand men who had escaped from the Ammonites and had entered Jabesh-gilead. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut some of the wicked men said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the children of sin were saying: “By what will this one save us?” And they despised him and they brought him no gifts, and he was silent OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But certain base fellows said: 'How shall this man save us?' And they despised him, and brought him no present. But he was as one that held his peace. Brenton Septuagint Translation But evil men said, Who is this man that shall save us? and they despised him, and brought him no gifts. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul Proclaimed King…26Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. 27But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. Cross References But some worthless men said, 1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD Deuteronomy 13:13 that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), Judges 19:22 While they were enjoying themselves, suddenly the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they said to the old man who owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house, so we can have relations with him!” “How can this man save us?” Matthew 27:42 “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. Luke 23:35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. So they despised him and brought him no gifts; 1 Kings 10:24-25 The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. / Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. Psalm 72:10-11 May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. / May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. Isaiah 60:6 Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. but Saul remained silent about it. Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. Matthew 27:12-14 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement. 1 Peter 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. 1 Samuel 11:12-13 Then the people said to Samuel, “Who said that Saul should not reign over us? Bring those men here so we can kill them!” / But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.” 1 Samuel 17:28 Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!” 2 Samuel 6:20-22 When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.” / But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, / and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.” 2 Samuel 16:5-13 As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. / He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left. / And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! … Treasury of Scripture But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought no presents. But he held his peace. children 1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. 1 Samuel 11:12 And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. 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; brought him 2 Samuel 8:2 And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. 1 Kings 4:21 And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life. 1 Kings 10:25 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year. he held his peace. Psalm 38:13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Isaiah 36:21 But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not. Matthew 27:12-14 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing… Jump to Previous Base Belial Children Deaf Deliver Despise Despised Held Kept Peace Persons Present Presents Respect Save Saviour Silent Worthless WorthlessnessJump to Next Base Belial Children Deaf Deliver Despise Despised Held Kept Peace Persons Present Presents Respect Save Saviour Silent Worthless Worthlessness1 Samuel 10 1. Samuel anoints Saul2. He confirms him by prediction of three signs 9. Saul's heart is changed, and he prophesies 14. He conceals the matter of the kingdom from his uncle 17. Saul is chosen at Mizpeh by lot 26. The different affections of his subjects But some worthless men said, The term "worthless men" is often used in the Old Testament to describe individuals who are morally corrupt or rebellious against God's chosen leaders. In the Hebrew, the term is "sons of Belial," which implies a lack of value or worthiness. This phrase sets the stage for the opposition Saul faces, even as he is anointed king. It reflects a recurring theme in Scripture where God's chosen leaders, like Moses and David, face skepticism and rebellion from their own people. “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is newly anointed and is facing skepticism from some of the people. 2. Worthless Men These individuals are described as "worthless" or "sons of Belial" in some translations, indicating their rebellious and disrespectful nature. They doubted Saul's ability to lead and save Israel. 3. Samuel Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Samuel is the prophet who anointed Saul as king. His role is crucial in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. 4. Israel The nation of God's chosen people, who are transitioning from a theocracy led by judges to a monarchy. 5. Anointing of Saul The event where Saul is chosen and anointed as king by Samuel, marking a significant shift in Israel's governance. Teaching Points Rejection and LeadershipEven God-appointed leaders can face rejection and skepticism. Saul's experience reminds us that leadership often involves enduring criticism and doubt. Responding to Criticism Saul's silence in the face of criticism can be seen as a lesson in humility and patience. Sometimes, the best response to detractors is to remain silent and let actions speak louder than words. God's Sovereignty Despite human rejection, God's plans prevail. Saul's anointing was part of God's divine plan, and human opposition could not thwart it. Character and Worth The term "worthless men" highlights the importance of character in God's eyes. Our value is not determined by our status or power but by our faithfulness and integrity. Trust in God's Timing Saul's eventual vindication through his actions in 1 Samuel 11 teaches us to trust in God's timing for our vindication and success. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 10:27?2. How does 1 Samuel 10:27 demonstrate the challenge of accepting God's chosen leaders? 3. What can we learn about human nature from the "worthless men" in 1 Samuel 10:27? 4. How does 1 Samuel 10:27 connect to Jesus' rejection in the New Testament? 5. How should we respond when others doubt God's calling in our lives? 6. What steps can we take to support leaders chosen by God, despite opposition? 7. Why did some people despise Saul in 1 Samuel 10:27? 8. How does 1 Samuel 10:27 reflect on leadership and authority? 9. What does 1 Samuel 10:27 reveal about human nature and skepticism? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 10? 11. How do the signs given to Saul in 1 Samuel 10:2-7 align or conflict with other biblical accounts of miraculous signs? 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. Why does the 'Spirit of God' in 1 Samuel 10:10 produce such immediate prophetic activity in Saul, yet seemingly not in others? 14. What does the Bible say about overcoming rejection? What Does 1 Samuel 10:27 Mean But some worthless menSaul has just been presented to Israel as king (1 Samuel 10:24), yet “worthless men” immediately surface. This phrase describes people who have no regard for God’s authority—like the “worthless men” in 1 Samuel 2:12 who despised the priesthood, or the troublemakers of Deuteronomy 13:13 who led Israel into rebellion. Their presence reminds us that whenever God raises up leadership, opposition will follow (Psalm 2:1–3; 2 Chronicles 13:7). They stand in contrast to those who earlier “went with Saul, whose hearts God had touched” (1 Samuel 10:26), showing that the real issue is spiritual: hearts either yield to God or resist Him. said, “How can this man save us?” Their question is not curiosity but contempt. By doubting Saul’s ability, they are actually doubting the God who chose and empowered him (1 Samuel 10:1). Israel had done this before—questioning Moses’ leadership (Numbers 14:2–11) and Gideon’s calling (Judges 8:1). Centuries later the Nazarene crowd would sneer, “Is not this the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:55–57), and Jesus’ parable echoed the sentiment: “We do not want this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). Unbelief always asks, “How can this man save us?” because it fixes on human limitation instead of divine appointment. So they despised him and brought him no gifts In the ancient Near East, gifts signified loyalty and honor to a new ruler (1 Kings 10:25). Refusing to bring tribute was a public act of contempt, much like Nabal’s insult to David in 1 Samuel 25:10–11. Their scorn fulfilled Samuel’s warning that rejecting God’s king is ultimately rejecting God Himself (1 Samuel 8:7). Scripture repeatedly links dishonor toward God-given authority with spiritual danger (Romans 13:1–2; Hebrews 13:17). Their attitude parallels Malachi 1:6, where withholding honor from the Lord exposes a heart far from Him. but Saul remained silent about it. At this moment Saul demonstrates restraint and humility. Rather than retaliate, he waits on the Lord—mirroring Proverbs 19:11, “It is his glory to overlook an offense,” and anticipating Jesus, who “did not retaliate; instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Saul’s silence keeps the focus on God’s coming vindication (1 Samuel 11:13) and models Romans 12:19: “Leave room for God’s wrath.” Sadly, Saul would later abandon this humility (1 Samuel 15), yet here his silence is an early sign of wisdom. summary 1 Samuel 10:27 reveals the immediate clash between divine appointment and human unbelief. Worthless men reject God’s chosen king, question his ability, and publicly show contempt, yet Saul answers with patient silence. The verse warns against despising God-ordained leadership, highlights the root of unbelief, and commends humble restraint that trusts the Lord to vindicate His purposes. (27) The children of Belial.--More accurately, worthless men. (See Note on 1Samuel 2:12.)And they despised him.--As above suggested, these malcontents were probably princes and leading men of the great tribes of Judah and Ephraim, displeased that the new king should be selected from the small unimportant tribe of Benjamin. It will be remembered that the tribe of Benjamin had been almost entirely destroyed in the civil war related in the concluding chapters of Judges. "They despised him," because in no way had he made his mark, either in the arts of war or peace. From what has gone before (see 1Samuel 10:11-12 of this 1Sam) it is evident that Saul was a man of no special culture; his early years had been spent in agriculture and work on his father's lands in the neighbourhood of Gibeah. And brought him no presents.--These gifts were, in the East, the token of submission and homage; not to offer them to Saul was almost the same thing as to ignore his authority. Although not stated, it is clear that these malcontents were among the chiefs of the greater tribes who had assisted at the election. But he held his peace.--Literally, he was a deaf man, acting as though he had not heard the murmurs. This prudent conduct showed great self-control and self-denial on the part of the new king and his counsellors. Hebrew But some worthlessבְלִיַּ֣עַל (ḇə·lî·ya·‘al) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1100: Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness men וּבְנֵ֧י (ū·ḇə·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son said, אָמְר֗וּ (’ā·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “How מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what can this [man] זֶ֔ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that deliver us?” יֹּשִׁעֵ֙נוּ֙ (yō·ši·‘ê·nū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor So they despised him וַיִּבְזֻ֕הוּ (way·yiḇ·zu·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 959: To disesteem and brought הֵבִ֥יאוּ (hê·ḇî·’ū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go him ל֖וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew no וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no gifts; מִנְחָ֑ה (min·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering but [Saul] held וַיְהִ֖י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be his peace. כְּמַחֲרִֽישׁ׃ (kə·ma·ḥă·rîš) Preposition-k | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise Links 1 Samuel 10:27 NIV1 Samuel 10:27 NLT 1 Samuel 10:27 ESV 1 Samuel 10:27 NASB 1 Samuel 10:27 KJV 1 Samuel 10:27 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 10:27 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 10:27 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 10:27 French Bible 1 Samuel 10:27 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 10:27 But certain worthless fellows said How shall (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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