1 Samuel 23:3 net — But David’s men said to him,“We are afraid while we are still here in Judah! What will it be like if we go to Keilah ag…

NET Bible

"But David’s men said to him,“We are afraid while we are still here in Judah! What will it be like if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”"

— 1 Samuel 23:3, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 23:3 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 23 — Context

1

David Delivers the City of Keilah They told David,“The Philistines are fighting in Keilah and are looting the threshing floors.”

2

So David asked the LORD,“Should I go and strike down these Philistines?” The LORD said to David,“Go, strike down the Philistines and deliver Keilah.”

3

But David’s men said to him,“We are afraid while we are still here in Judah! What will it be like if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”

4

So David asked the LORD once again. But again the LORD replied,“Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.”

5

So David and his men went to Keilah and fought the Philistines. He took away their cattle and thoroughly defeated them. David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah.

6

David Eludes Saul Again Now when Abiathar son of Ahimelech had fled to David at Keilah, he had brought with him an ephod.

1 Samuel 23:3 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 23:3 say?
1 Samuel 23:3 in the NET Bible reads: “But David’s men said to him,“We are afraid while we are still here in Judah! What will it be like if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?””
Where is 1 Samuel 23:3 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 23:3 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 23, verse 3.
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 23:3.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 23:3 in?
1 Samuel 23:3 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 23:3?
1 Samuel 23:3 reads (NET): “But David’s men said to him,“We are afraid while we are still here in Judah! What will it be like if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”” 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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