1 Samuel 11:5 Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. "What troubles the people?" asked Saul. "Why are they weeping?" And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh.

◄ 1 Samuel 11:5 ►

New International Version
Just then Saul was returning from the fields, behind his oxen, and he asked, “What is wrong with everyone? Why are they weeping?” Then they repeated to him what the men of Jabesh had said.

New Living Translation
Saul had been plowing a field with his oxen, and when he returned to town, he asked, “What’s the matter? Why is everyone crying?” So they told him about the message from Jabesh.

English Standard Version
Now, behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen. And Saul said, “What is wrong with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh.

Berean Standard Bible
Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh.

King James Bible
And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.

New King James Version
Now there was Saul, coming behind the herd from the field; and Saul said, “What troubles the people, that they weep?” And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh.

New American Standard Bible
Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and Saul said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they reported to him the words of the men of Jabesh.

NASB 1995
Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh.

NASB 1977
Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen; and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they recounted to him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Amplified Bible
Now Saul was coming out of the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they are weeping?” So they told him about the report of the men of Jabesh.

Christian Standard Bible
Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind his oxen. “What’s the matter with the people? Why are they weeping? ” Saul inquired, and they repeated to him the words of the men from Jabesh.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind his oxen. “What’s the matter with the people? Why are they weeping?” Saul inquired, and they repeated to him the words of the men from Jabesh.

American Standard Version
And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Contemporary English Version
Just then, Saul came in from the fields, walking behind his oxen. "Why is everyone crying?" Saul asked. They told him what the men from Jabesh had said.

English Revised Version
And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Just then Saul was coming from the field behind some oxen. "Why are these people crying?" Saul asked. So they told him the news about the men of Jabesh.

Good News Translation
Saul was just then coming in from the field with his oxen, and he asked, "What's wrong? Why is everyone crying?" They told him what the messengers from Jabesh had reported.

International Standard Version
Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind the oxen and he said, "What's with the people? Why are they crying?" They reported to him what the men of Jabesh had said.

Majority Standard Bible
Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. ?What troubles the people?? asked Saul. ?Why are they weeping?? And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh.

NET Bible
Now Saul was walking behind the oxen as he came from the field. Saul asked, "What has happened to the people? Why are they weeping?" So they told him about the men of Jabesh.

New Heart English Bible
Look, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, "What ails the people that they weep?" They told him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Webster's Bible Translation
And behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.

World English Bible
Behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, “What ails the people that they weep?” They told him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and behold, Saul has come out of the field after the herd, and Saul says, “What [is that] to the people, that they weep?” And they recount the words of the men of Jabesh to him.

Young's Literal Translation
and lo, Saul hath come after the herd out of the field, and Saul saith, 'What -- to the people, that they weep?' and they recount to him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Smith's Literal Translation
And behold, Saul came after the cattle from the field; and Saul will say, What to the people that they will weep? and they will recount to him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And behold Saul came, following oxen out of the field, and he said: What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabes.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And behold, Saul arrived, following oxen from the field. And he said, “What has happened to the people that they would weep?” And they explained to him the words of the men from Jabesh.

New American Bible
Just then Saul came in from the field, behind his oxen. “Why are the people weeping?” he asked. They repeated the message of the inhabitants of Jabesh for him.

New Revised Standard Version
Now Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen; and Saul said, “What is the matter with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the message from the inhabitants of Jabesh.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And, behold, Saul was coming behind the oxen from the field; and Saul said, What ails the people that they are weeping? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And behold, Shaul came after the oxen from the field, and Shaul said: “What is it with the people, that they weep?” And they related to him the words of the men of Lakish

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said: 'What aileth the people that they weep?' And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And, behold, Saul came after the early morning out of the field: and Saul said, Why does the people week? and they tell him the words of the men of Jabis.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Saul Defeats the Ammonites
…4When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. 5Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. 6When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Judges 6:11-12
Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. / And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”

1 Samuel 10:26-27
Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. / But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.

1 Samuel 15:17
And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel

1 Samuel 16:11
And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

1 Samuel 17:34-37
David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ...

2 Samuel 7:8
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.

1 Kings 19:19
So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him.

Psalm 78:70-72
He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

Amos 7:14-15
“I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. / But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’

Luke 2:8-9
And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. / Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

John 10:11-14
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

Acts 9:4-6
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. / “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 13:21-22
Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. / After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Treasury of Scripture

And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What ails the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.

after the herd

1 Samuel 9:1
Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

1 Kings 19:19
So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

Psalm 78:71
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

What aileth thee

Genesis 21:17
And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

Judges 18:23
And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?

Isaiah 22:1
The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

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Aileth Ails Driving Herd Jabesh Matter Oxen Recount Related Returning Saul Tidings Weep Weeping Word Words Wrong

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1 Samuel 11

1. Nahash offers them of Jabesh Gilead a reproachful condition
4. They send messengers, and are delivered by Saul
12. Saul thereby is confirmed, and his kingdom renewed

Berean Study Bible

Just then Saul was returning from the field
This phrase sets the scene for Saul's introduction as a leader. The Hebrew word for "returning" (שָׁב, shav) implies a sense of coming back to a place of origin or duty. Saul, though anointed as king, is still engaged in the humble work of farming, indicating his humility and connection to the common people. This moment marks a transition from his private life to his public role as king, highlighting the divine timing in God's plan for leadership.

behind his oxen
The image of Saul behind his oxen underscores his initial reluctance to embrace kingship fully. The oxen symbolize strength and service, reflecting Saul's role as a servant-leader. In ancient Israel, oxen were vital for agriculture, representing sustenance and provision. Saul's position behind them suggests a readiness to lead with strength and a servant's heart, aligning with the biblical principle that true leadership involves serving others.

'What is the matter with the people?'
Saul's inquiry reveals his concern and empathy for his people. The Hebrew word for "matter" (דָּבָר, davar) can mean word, thing, or matter, indicating Saul's desire to understand the situation fully. His question shows a leader's heart, attentive to the needs and emotions of his people, and foreshadows his role as a protector and deliverer.

Saul asked
The act of asking signifies Saul's active engagement and willingness to listen. In the Hebrew context, asking questions is a method of teaching and understanding. Saul's inquiry demonstrates his openness to communication and his desire to be informed before taking action, a crucial trait for effective leadership.

'Why are they weeping?'
Weeping in the biblical context often signifies deep distress or mourning. Saul's question indicates his sensitivity to the emotional state of his people. The Hebrew culture places significant emphasis on communal emotions, and Saul's awareness of their weeping shows his connection to their collective experience, preparing him to respond appropriately to their needs.

And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh
The act of relaying information highlights the importance of communication in leadership. The men from Jabesh were under threat from Nahash the Ammonite, and their plight required immediate attention. This phrase underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation, setting the stage for Saul's decisive action. It also reflects the interconnectedness of the tribes of Israel and the need for unity and support in times of crisis.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field.--Saul was still busied with his old pursuits. At first this would seem strange, but it must be remembered that the regal authority was something quite new in republican Israel, and that the new king's duties and privileges at first were vague, and but little understood; besides which, jealousies, such as have already been noticed (1Samuel 10:27), no doubt induced Saul and his advisers to keep the royalty in the background till some opportunity for bringing it to the front should present itself. It is, therefore, quite to be understood that the newly-elected king should be spending at least a portion of his time in pursuits which hitherto had occupied his whole life. He was not the first hero summoned from agricultural labours to assume, in a national emergency, the command of an army. Gideon, we read, was called from the threshing-floor to do his great deeds; and to quote from profane history, one of the noblest of the sons of Rome, like Saul, was ploughing when the Senate fetched him to be the dictator and the general of their armies; and to the plough we know that that great man returned when his work was successfully accomplished and his country saved.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Just then
וְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

Saul
שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

was returning
בָּ֣א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the field,
הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה (haś·śā·ḏeh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

behind
אַחֲרֵ֤י (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

his oxen.
הַבָּקָר֙ (hab·bā·qār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd

“What [troubles]
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

the people?”
לָּעָ֖ם (lā·‘ām)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

asked
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Saul.
שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

“Why
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

are they weeping?”
יִבְכּ֑וּ (yiḇ·kū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan

And they relayed
וַיְסַ֨פְּרוּ־ (way·sap·pə·rū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

to him
ל֔וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

the words of
דִּבְרֵ֖י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

the men
אַנְשֵׁ֥י (’an·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

from Jabesh.
יָבֵֽישׁ׃ (yā·ḇêš)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3003: Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelite

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OT History: 1 Samuel 11:5 Behold Saul came following the oxen out (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)