1 Samuel 2:9 net — He watches over his holy ones, but the wicked are made speechless in the darkness, for it is not by one’s own strength…

NET Bible

"He watches over his holy ones, but the wicked are made speechless in the darkness, for it is not by one’s own strength that one prevails."

— 1 Samuel 2:9, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 2:9 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 2 — Context

6

The LORD both kills and gives life; he brings down to the grave and raises up.

7

The LORD impoverishes and makes wealthy; he humbles and he exalts.

8

He lifts the weak from the dust; he raises the poor from the ash heap to seat them with princes– he bestows on them an honored position. The foundations of the earth belong to the LORD– he placed the world on them.

9

He watches over his holy ones, but the wicked are made speechless in the darkness, for it is not by one’s own strength that one prevails.

10

The LORD shatters his adversaries; he thunders against them from the heavens. The LORD executes judgment to the ends of the earth. He will strengthen his king and exalt the power of his anointed one.”

11

Then Elkanah went back home to Ramah. Eli’s Sons Misuse Their Sacred OfficeThe boy was serving the LORD with the favor of Eli the priest.

12

But the sons of Eli were wicked men. They did not acknowledge the LORD’s authority.

1 Samuel 2:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 2:9 say?
1 Samuel 2:9 in the NET Bible reads: “He watches over his holy ones, but the wicked are made speechless in the darkness, for it is not by one’s own strength that one prevails.”
Where is 1 Samuel 2:9 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 2:9 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 2, verse 9.
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 2:9.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 2:9 in?
1 Samuel 2:9 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 2:9?
1 Samuel 2:9 reads (NET): “He watches over his holy ones, but the wicked are made speechless in the darkness, for it is not by one’s own strength that one prevails.” 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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