2 Samuel 1:12 They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

◄ 2 Samuel 1:12 ►

New International Version
They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

New Living Translation
They mourned and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the LORD’s army and the nation of Israel, because they had died by the sword that day.

English Standard Version
And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Berean Standard Bible
They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

King James Bible
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

New King James Version
And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

New American Standard Bible
And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

NASB 1995
They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

NASB 1977
And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they lamented and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of Yahweh and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Amplified Bible
They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and Jonathan his son, and for the LORD’S people and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword [in battle].

Christian Standard Bible
They mourned, wept, and fasted until the evening for those who died by the sword—for Saul, his son Jonathan, the LORD’s people, and the house of Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They mourned, wept, and fasted until the evening for those who died by the sword—for Saul, his son Jonathan, the LORD’s people, and the house of Israel.

American Standard Version
and they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Jehovah, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

Contemporary English Version
They cried all day long and would not eat anything. Everyone was sad because Saul, his son Jonathan, and many of the LORD's people had been killed in the battle.

English Revised Version
and they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They mourned, cried, and fasted until evening because Saul, his son Jonathan, the LORD's army, and the nation of Israel had been defeated in battle.

Good News Translation
They grieved and mourned and fasted until evening for Saul and Jonathan and for Israel, the people of the LORD, because so many had been killed in battle.

International Standard Version
They mourned and wept, and then decided to fast until dusk for Saul, for his son Jonathan, for the army of the LORD, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen in battle.

Majority Standard Bible
They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

NET Bible
They lamented and wept and fasted until evening because Saul, his son Jonathan, the LORD's people, and the house of Israel had fallen by the sword.

New Heart English Bible
They mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they mourned and wept, and fasted until evening, for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they had fallen by the sword.

World English Bible
They mourned, wept, and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and they mourn, and weep, and fast until the evening, for Saul, and for his son Jonathan, and for the people of YHWH, and for the house of Israel, because they have fallen by the sword.

Young's Literal Translation
and they mourn, and weep, and fast till the evening, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Jehovah, and for the house of Israel, because they have fallen by the sword.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will mourn and weep, and fast, even till the evening, for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Jehovah and for the house of Israel, because they fell by the sword.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel, because they were fallen by the sword.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening, over Saul and over his son Jonathan, and over the people of the Lord and over the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

New American Bible
They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

New Revised Standard Version
They mourned and wept, and fasted until evening for Saul and for his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they mourned and they wept and they fasted until evening for Shaul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of LORD JEHOVAH, and for the sons of Israel who fell by the sword

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And they wailed, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they lamented, and wept, and fasted till evening, for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Juda, and for the house of Israel, because they were smitten with the sword.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David Learns of Saul's Death
…11Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. 12They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 13And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, “Where are you from?” “I am the son of a foreigner,” he answered. “I am an Amalekite.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 31:13
Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.

1 Samuel 31:1-2
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.

2 Samuel 3:31-32
Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier. / When they buried Abner in Hebron, the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb, and all the people wept.

2 Samuel 3:35
Then all the people came and urged David to eat something while it was still day, but David took an oath, saying, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!”

2 Samuel 19:1-4
Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” / And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.” / So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. ...

1 Chronicles 10:12
all their men of valor set out and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted seven days.

1 Chronicles 10:1-2
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.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

John 11:33-35
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.

Genesis 50:10
When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wailed loudly, and Joseph mourned for his father seven days.

Judges 20:26
Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. That day they fasted until evening and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD.

Nehemiah 1:4
When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Esther 4:3
In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

Job 1:20-21
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, / saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Treasury of Scripture

And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

Psalm 35:13,14
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom…

Proverbs 24:17
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Jeremiah 9:1
Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

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2 Samuel 1

1. The Amalekite who accused himself of Saul's death is slain
17. David laments Saul and Jonathan with a song

Berean Study Bible

They mourned and wept and fasted until evening
This phrase captures the depth of grief experienced by David and his men. The Hebrew root for "mourned" (סָפַד, saphad) indicates a public expression of sorrow, often accompanied by traditional rituals. Mourning in ancient Israel was a communal activity, reflecting the collective loss felt by the community. "Wept" (בָּכָה, bakah) emphasizes the emotional outpouring, a natural human response to loss. Fasting (צוּם, tsum) was a common practice in times of distress, symbolizing humility and penitence before God. The duration "until evening" suggests a full day of mourning, aligning with Jewish customs where a day begins at sunset. This period of mourning underscores the gravity of the loss and the respect for Saul and Jonathan, despite Saul's complex relationship with David.

for Saul and his son Jonathan
Saul, the first king of Israel, and Jonathan, his son, represent significant figures in Israel's history. Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David's lamentation for him reveals a respect for the anointed king and a recognition of God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. Jonathan, David's close friend, symbolizes loyalty and covenantal friendship. Their deaths mark the end of an era and the beginning of David's rise to kingship. The Hebrew names, Saul (שָׁאוּל, Sha'ul) meaning "asked for" or "prayed for," and Jonathan (יוֹנָתָן, Yonatan) meaning "Yahweh has given," reflect their roles and destinies within God's plan for Israel.

for the people of the LORD
This phrase highlights the collective identity of Israel as God's chosen people. The term "people of the LORD" (עַם יְהוָה, am Yahweh) signifies a covenant relationship with God, who delivered them from Egypt and established them in the Promised Land. The loss of Saul and Jonathan is not just a personal tragedy but a national one, affecting the entire community of believers. It serves as a reminder of the unity and shared destiny of the Israelites under God's guidance.

and for the house of Israel
The "house of Israel" (בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, beit Yisrael) refers to the nation as a whole, encompassing all the tribes. This phrase emphasizes the broader impact of the battle's outcome on the nation's stability and future. Historically, Israel was a confederation of tribes, and the death of its leaders could lead to political fragmentation and vulnerability to external threats. The mourning for the house of Israel reflects a concern for the nation's continuity and well-being.

because they had fallen by the sword
The phrase "fallen by the sword" (נָפַל בַּחֶרֶב, nafal bacherav) is a euphemism for death in battle, a common fate in the ancient Near East. It underscores the violent and tragic nature of their deaths, highlighting the cost of war and the fragility of life. This acknowledgment of their demise serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of conflict and the need for divine intervention and protection. The sword, a symbol of judgment and warfare, also points to the spiritual battles faced by God's people, calling them to rely on God's strength and guidance.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) They mourned.--On hearing the tidings of the Amalekite, David and all his people showed the usual Oriental signs of sorrow by rending their clothes, weeping, and fasting. Although David thus heard of the death of his persistent and mortal enemy, and of his own consequent accession to the throne, yet there is not the slightest reason to doubt the reality and earnestness of his mourning. The whole narrative shows that David not only, as a patriotic Israelite, lamented the death of the king, but also felt a personal attachment to Saul, notwithstanding his long and unreasonable hostility. But Saul did not die alone; Jonathan, David's most cherished friend, fell with him. At the same time, the whole nation over which David was hereafter to reign received a crushing defeat from their foes, and large numbers of his countrymen were slain. It has been well remarked that the only deep mourning for Saul, with the exception of the men of Jabesh-gilead, came from the man whom he had hated and persecuted as long as he lived.

The people of the Lord.--Besides his personal grief, David had both a religious and a patriotic ground for sorrow. The men who had fallen were parts of that Church of God which he so earnestly loved and served, and were also members of the commonwealth of Israel, on whose behalf he ever laboured with patriotic devotion. The LXX., overlooking this distinction, has very unnecessarily changed "people of the Lord" into "people of Judah."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - They mourned, and wept, and fasted. The sight of Saul's royal insignia was clear proof of Israel's disaster; and this sorrow of David and his men shows how true their hearts were to their country, and how unbearable would have been their position had not the prudence of the Philistine lords extricated them from the difficulty in which they had been placed by David's want of faith. But David had other reasons besides patriotism for sorrow. Personally he had lost the truest of friends, and even Saul had a place in his heart for he would contrast with his terrible death the early glories of his reign, when all Israel honoured him as its deliverer from the crushing yoke of foreign bondage, and when David was himself one of the most trusty of his captains. Otto von Gerlach compares David thus weeping over the fall of his implacable enemy with David's Son weeping over Jerusalem, the city whose inhabitants were his bitter foes, and who not only sought his death, but delivered him up to the Romans, to be scourged and spitefully intreated, and slain upon the cross.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

They mourned
וַֽיִּסְפְּדוּ֙ (way·yis·pə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5594: To tear the hair and beat the breasts, to lament, to wail

and wept
וַיִּבְכּ֔וּ (way·yiḇ·kū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan

and fasted
וַיָּצֻ֖מוּ (way·yā·ṣu·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6684: To abstain from food, fast

until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

evening
הָעָ֑רֶב (hā·‘ā·reḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

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

Saul
שָׁא֞וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

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

his son
בְּנ֗וֹ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Jonathan,
יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

and for the people
עַ֤ם (‘am)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

and the house
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

because
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they had fallen
נָפְל֖וּ (nā·p̄ə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

by the sword.
בֶּחָֽרֶב׃ (be·ḥā·reḇ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

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OT History: 2 Samuel 1:12 And they mourned and wept and fasted (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)