1 Samuel 12:20 net — Then Samuel said to the people,“Don’t be afraid. You have indeed sinned. However, don’t turn aside from the LORD. Serve…

NET Bible

"Then Samuel said to the people,“Don’t be afraid. You have indeed sinned. However, don’t turn aside from the LORD. Serve the LORD with all your heart."

— 1 Samuel 12:20, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 12:20 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 12 — Context

17

Is this not the time of the wheat harvest? I will call on the LORD so that he makes it thunder and rain. Realize and see what a great sin you have committed before the LORD by asking for a king for yourselves.”

18

So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD made it thunder and rain that day. All the people were very afraid of both the LORD and Samuel.

19

All the people said to Samuel,“Pray to the LORD your God on behalf of us– your servants– so we won’t die, for we have added to all our sins by asking for a king.”

20

Then Samuel said to the people,“Don’t be afraid. You have indeed sinned. However, don’t turn aside from the LORD. Serve the LORD with all your heart.

21

You should not turn aside after empty things that can’t profit and can’t deliver, since they are empty.

22

The LORD will not abandon his people because he wants to uphold his great reputation. The LORD was pleased to make you his own people.

23

As far as I am concerned, far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you! I will instruct you in the way that is good and upright.

1 Samuel 12:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 12:20 say?
1 Samuel 12:20 in the NET Bible reads: “Then Samuel said to the people,“Don’t be afraid. You have indeed sinned. However, don’t turn aside from the LORD. Serve the LORD with all your heart.”
Where is 1 Samuel 12:20 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 12:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 12, verse 20.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 12:20.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 12:20 in?
1 Samuel 12:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 12:20?
1 Samuel 12:20 reads (NET): “Then Samuel said to the people,“Don’t be afraid. You have indeed sinned. However, don’t turn aside from the LORD. Serve the LORD with all your heart.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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