1 Samuel 13:20 cpdv — Therefore, all of Israel descended to the Philistines, so that each man could sharpen his plowshare, or pick axe, or ha…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"Therefore, all of Israel descended to the Philistines, so that each man could sharpen his plowshare, or pick axe, or hatchet, or hoe. "

— 1 Samuel 13:20, Catholic Public Domain Version

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1 Samuel 13:20 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 13 — Context

17

And three companies went out from the camp of the Philistines, in order to plunder. One company was traveling toward the way of Ophrah, to the land of Shual.

18

Then another entered along the way of Beth-horon. But the third turned itself to the way of the border, overhanging the valley of Zeboim, opposite the desert.

19

Now there was no worker of iron to be found in all the land of Israel. For the Philistines had been cautious, lest perhaps the Hebrews might make swords or spears.

20

Therefore, all of Israel descended to the Philistines, so that each man could sharpen his plowshare, or pick axe, or hatchet, or hoe.

21

For their plow blades, and pick axes, and pitch forks, and axes had become blunt, and even the handles needed to be repaired.

22

And when the day of battle had arrived, there was found neither sword nor spear in the hand of the entire people who were with Saul and Jonathan, except for Saul and his son Jonathan.

23

Then the army of the Philistines went out in order to go across Michmash.

1 Samuel 13:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 13:20 say?
1 Samuel 13:20 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “Therefore, all of Israel descended to the Philistines, so that each man could sharpen his plowshare, or pick axe, or hatchet, or hoe. ”
Where is 1 Samuel 13:20 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 13:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 13, 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 13:20.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 13:20 in?
1 Samuel 13:20 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 13:20?
1 Samuel 13:20 reads (CPDV): “Therefore, all of Israel descended to the Philistines, so that each man could sharpen his plowshare, or pick axe, or hatchet, or hoe. ” 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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