1 Samuel 8:9 net — So now do as they say. But you must warn them and make them aware of the policies of the king who will rule over them.”

NET Bible

"So now do as they say. But you must warn them and make them aware of the policies of the king who will rule over them.”"

— 1 Samuel 8:9, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Samuel 8:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Samuel 8 — Context

6

But this request displeased Samuel, for they said,“Give us a king to lead us.” So Samuel prayed to the LORD.

7

The LORD said to Samuel,“Do everything the people request of you. For it is not you that they have rejected, but it is me that they have rejected as their king.

8

Just as they have done from the day that I brought them up from Egypt until this very day, they have rejected me and have served other gods. This is what they are also doing to you.

9

So now do as they say. But you must warn them and make them aware of the policies of the king who will rule over them.”

10

So Samuel spoke all of the LORD’S words to the people who were asking him for a king.

11

He said,“Here are the policies of the king who will rule over you: He will conscript your sons and put them in his chariot forces and in his cavalry; they will run in front of his chariot.

12

He will appoint for himself leaders of thousands and leaders of fifties, as well as those who plow his ground, reap his harvest, and make his weapons of war and his chariot equipment.

1 Samuel 8:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 8:9 say?
1 Samuel 8:9 in the NET Bible reads: “So now do as they say. But you must warn them and make them aware of the policies of the king who will rule over them.””
Where is 1 Samuel 8:9 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 8:9 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 8, 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 8:9.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 8:9 in?
1 Samuel 8:9 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 8:9?
1 Samuel 8:9 reads (NET): “So now do as they say. But you must warn them and make them aware of the policies of the king who will rule over them.”” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2