1 Samuel 6:17: Meaning Explained

And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod...

1 Samuel 6:17

“These are the gold tumors the Philistines sent as a guilt offering to the Lord—one each for Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron.”

What Does This Verse Mean?

The five gold statues of the tumors were sent - one for each of the five main Philistine cities.

What’s Happening Here

Each of the five Philistine cities sent a gold tumor as part of their apology gift to God.

tumorsswellings from the disease

guilt offeringa gift given as an apology

Each city acknowledged their part in disrespecting God and took responsibility by sending a gift.

Gaza is a city that still exists today and is still famous in the news.

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emerodsטְחֹרֵ֣י

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And these are the goldenהַזָּהָ֔ב

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returnedהֵשִׁ֧יבוּ

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which the Philistinesפְלִשְׁתִּ֛ים

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for a trespass offeringאָשָׁ֖ם

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unto the LORDלַֽיהוָ֑ה

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for Ashdodלְאַשְׁדּ֨וֹד

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oneאֶחָֽד׃

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for Gazaלְעַזָּ֤ה

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for Askelonלְאַשְׁקְל֣וֹן

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for Gathלְגַ֥ת

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for Ekronלְעֶקְר֥וֹן

Continue Exploring

Read 1 Samuel 6:17 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.