1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

◄ 1 Samuel 30:6 ►

New International Version
David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

New Living Translation
David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

English Standard Version
And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Berean Standard Bible
And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

King James Bible
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

New King James Version
Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

New American Standard Bible
Also, David was in great distress because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David felt strengthened in the LORD his God.

NASB 1995
Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

NASB 1977
Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Legacy Standard Bible
Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people said to stone him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in Yahweh his God.

Amplified Bible
Further, David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all of them were embittered, each man for his sons and daughters. But David felt strengthened and encouraged in the LORD his God.

Christian Standard Bible
David was in an extremely difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter over the loss of their sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David was in a difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter over the loss of their sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

American Standard Version
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in Jehovah his God.

Contemporary English Version
David was desperate. His soldiers were so upset over what had happened to their sons and daughters that they were thinking about stoning David to death. But he felt the LORD God giving him strength,

English Revised Version
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David was in great distress because the people in their bitterness said he should be stoned. (They were thinking of their sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.)

Good News Translation
David was now in great trouble, because his men were all very bitter about losing their children, and they were threatening to stone him; but the LORD his God gave him courage.

International Standard Version
David was in great danger because all the people were bitter because of their sons and daughters, and they were talking about stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Majority Standard Bible
And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

NET Bible
David was very upset, for the men were thinking of stoning him; each man grieved bitterly over his sons and daughters. But David drew strength from the LORD his God.

New Heart English Bible
David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David was greatly distressed: for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons, and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

World English Bible
David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the souls of all the people were grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David strengthened himself in Yahweh his God.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and David has great distress, for the people have said to stone him, for the soul of all the people has been bitter, each for his sons and for his daughters; and David strengthens himself in his God YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
and David hath great distress, for the people have said to stone him, for the soul of all the people hath been bitter, each for his sons and for his daughters; and David doth strengthen himself in Jehovah his God.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will press upon David greatly, for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was bitter, each for his sons and for his daughters: and David will be strengthened in Jehovah his God.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And David was greatly afflicted: for the people had a mind to stone him, for the soul of every man was bitterly grieved for his sons, and daughters: but David took courage in the Lord his God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David was greatly saddened. And the people were willing to stone him, because the soul of every man was bitter over his sons and daughters. But David was strengthened by the Lord his God.

New American Bible
Now David found himself in great danger, for the soldiers spoke of stoning him, so bitter were they over the fate of their sons and daughters. David took courage in the LORD his God

New Revised Standard Version
David was in great danger; for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in spirit for their sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was very distressing to David, because the people said to stone him, because the soul of all the people had been put to death, because of their sons and because of their daughters, and David held firmly to LORD JEHOVAH his God

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David was greatly distressed, because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, each for his sons and his daughters: but David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Amalekites Raid Ziklag
…5David’s two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel, had been taken captive. 6And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Psalm 42:5
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.

Psalm 62:8
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah

Psalm 118:5-6
In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free. / The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 138:3
On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Chronicles 20:12
Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

Nehemiah 8:10
Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Treasury of Scripture

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

was greatly

Genesis 32:7
Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;

Psalm 25:17
The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

Psalm 42:7
Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

the people

Exodus 17:4
And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

Numbers 14:10
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Psalm 62:9
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

grieved [heb] bitter

1 Samuel 1:10
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

Judges 18:25
And the children of Dan said unto him, Let not thy voice be heard among us, lest angry fellows run upon thee, and thou lose thy life, with the lives of thy household.

2 Samuel 17:8
For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

David

Job 13:15
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

Psalm 26:1,2
A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide…

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1 Samuel 30

1. The Amalekites raid Ziklag
4. David asking counsel, is encouraged by God to pursue them
11. By the means of a received Egyptian he is brought to the enemies,
18. and recovers all the spoil
22. David's law to divide the spoil equally
26. He sends presents to his friends

Berean Study Bible

And David was greatly distressed
The Hebrew word for "distressed" is "yatsar," which conveys a sense of being pressed or constrained. This word paints a vivid picture of David's emotional turmoil. Historically, David was a leader who faced numerous challenges, but this moment was particularly intense. His distress was not only due to the external threat but also the internal betrayal of his own men. This phrase reminds us that even the most faithful servants of God can experience deep emotional struggles.

because the men were talking of stoning him
The act of stoning was a common form of execution in ancient Israel, reserved for those deemed guilty of severe transgressions. The Hebrew word "sakal" means to stone or to kill by stoning. This highlights the gravity of the situation David faced. His own men, who had followed him loyally, were now considering him a scapegoat for their grief. This reflects the volatile nature of leadership and the heavy burden of responsibility that can lead to isolation and danger.

each one was bitter in spirit
The phrase "bitter in spirit" uses the Hebrew word "mar," which means bitter or discontented. This bitterness arose from the loss of their families, captured by the Amalekites. It underscores the deep emotional pain and sense of helplessness the men felt. In a broader scriptural context, bitterness is often a root of sin and rebellion, showing how unchecked emotions can lead to destructive actions.

because of his sons and daughters
This phrase personalizes the tragedy, emphasizing the familial bonds and the deep love and responsibility the men felt for their children. The loss of family was a profound motivator for their anger and despair. In the biblical narrative, family is a central theme, representing both blessing and responsibility. The mention of "sons and daughters" highlights the personal stakes involved and the depth of the men's anguish.

But David found strength in the LORD his God
The turning point of the verse is encapsulated in this phrase. The Hebrew word "chazaq" means to strengthen or to take courage. David's response to his distress was to seek strength not in his own abilities or in the support of others, but in his relationship with God. This reflects a profound faith and reliance on divine support. The phrase "the LORD his God" emphasizes the personal relationship David had with God, a covenantal bond that provided him with the resilience to face overwhelming challenges. This serves as an inspirational reminder that true strength and courage come from a deep, personal faith in God, especially in times of crisis.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) For the people spake of stoning him.--Probably the discontent and anger of the people had been previously aroused by David's close connection with Achish, which had entailed upon these valiant Israelites the bitter degradation of having had to march against their own countrymen under the banner of the Philistine King of Gath; and now, finding that David had neglected to provide against the Amalekite raid, their pent-up fury thus displayed itself. Then David, we shall see, threw himself, with all his old perfect trustfulness, upon the mercy of his God.

But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.--He encouraged himself in prayer, thus casting himself and his fortunes on the God who, years before, had chosen him to be "His anointed." It was this trust, as we have before seen in his own case, in the case, too, of Jonathan, as it had been in old days with all the heroes of Israel--this perfect, childlike, implicit trust in the "Glorious Arm"--which had been the source of the marvellous success of the chosen people. When they forgot the invisible King, who for His own great purposes had chosen them, their fortunes at once declined; they fell to the level, and often below the level, of the surrounding nations. We have many conspicuous examples of this; for instance, in the lives of Samson and Saul, how, when with weeping and with mourning, they returned to their allegiance, and again leaned on the "Arm," success and victory returned to them. This is what happened now to David at Ziklag, while about the same time Saul, alone and distrustful, fought and fell on the bloody day of Gilboa. David, with the help of his God, on whose mercy he had thrown himself, obtained his brilliant success over Amalek, and restored his prestige not only among his own immediate followers, but through all the cities and villages of Southern Canaan.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - The soul of all the people was grieved. Hebrew, "was bitter." Their great sorrow is pathetically described in ver. 4. But, as is often the case with those in distress, from grief they turned to anger, and sought relief for their feelings by venting their rage upon the innocent. Possibly David had not taken precautions against a danger which he had not apprehended; but, left almost friendless in the angry crowd who were calling out to stone him, he encouraged himself in Jehovah, his God. Literally, "strengthened himself in Jehovah, and summoned the priest to ask counsel and guidance of God by the ephod. DAVID'S PURSUIT OF THE AMALEKITES (vers. 7-16).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And David
לְדָוִ֜ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

was greatly
מְאֹ֗ד (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

distressed
וַתֵּ֨צֶר (wat·tê·ṣer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3334: Be distressed, be narrow, be straitened in straits, be vexed

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the people
הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

spoke
אָמְר֤וּ (’ā·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

of stoning him,
לְסָקְל֔וֹ (lə·sā·qə·lōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5619: To stone, put to death by stoning

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the soul
נֶ֣פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

of every man
אִ֖ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

grieved
מָ֙רָה֙ (mā·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4784: To be contentious or rebellious

for
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his sons
בָּנָ֣יו (bā·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

and
וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

daughters.
בְּנֹתָ֑יו (bə·nō·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

But David
דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

found strength
וַיִּתְחַזֵּ֣ק (way·yiṯ·ḥaz·zêq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

in the LORD
בַּיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

his God.
אֱלֹהָֽיו׃ (’ĕ·lō·hāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

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OT History: 1 Samuel 30:6 David was greatly distressed (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)