1 Samuel 23:3
New International Version
But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!”

New Living Translation
But David’s men said, “We’re afraid even here in Judah. We certainly don’t want to go to Keilah to fight the whole Philistine army!”

English Standard Version
But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”

Berean Standard Bible
But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”

King James Bible
And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

New King James Version
But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”

New American Standard Bible
But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are fearful here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?”

NASB 1995
But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?”

NASB 1977
But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?”

Legacy Standard Bible
But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the battle lines of the Philistines?”

Amplified Bible
But David’s men said to him, “Listen, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the battle lines of the Philistines?”

Christian Standard Bible
But David’s men said to him, “Look, we’re afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But David’s men said to him, “Look, we’re afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!”

American Standard Version
And David's men said unto him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

Contemporary English Version
But David's men said, "Look, even here in Judah we're afraid of the Philistines. We will be terrified if we try to fight them at Keilah!"

English Revised Version
And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David's men told him, "We're afraid of staying here in Judah. How much more [afraid do you think we'll be] if we go to Keilah against the Philistine army?"

Good News Translation
But David's men said to him, "We have enough to be afraid of here in Judah; it will be much worse if we go to Keilah and attack the Philistine forces!"

International Standard Version
David's men told him, "Look, we're afraid here in Judah. How much then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine army?"

Majority Standard Bible
But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”

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?"

New Heart English Bible
David's men said to him, "Look, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And David's men said to him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

World English Bible
David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David’s men say to him, “Behold, we here in Judah are afraid; and how much more when we go to Keilah, to the ranks of the Philistines?”

Young's Literal Translation
And David's men say unto him, 'Lo, we here in Judah are afraid; and how much more when we go to Keilah, unto the ranks of the Philistines?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David's men will say to him, Behold us here in Judah being afraid, and even more if we shall go to Keilah against the ranks of the rovers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the men that were with David, said to him: Behold we are in fear here in Judea, how much more if we go to Ceila against the hands of the Philistines?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the men who were with David said to him, “Behold, we continue in fear here in Judea; how much more so, if we go into Keilah against the troops of the Philistines?”

New American Bible
But David’s men said to him: “Even in Judah we have reason to fear. How much more so if we go to Keilah against the forces of the Philistines!”

New Revised Standard Version
But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David's men said to him, We are afraid here in Judea, how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And his men said to David: “Here we are suddenly afraid! How will we go to Qayla to the ranks of the Philistines?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David's men said unto him: 'Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the men of David said to him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judea; and how shall it be if we go to Keila? Shall we go after the spoils of the Philistines?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Delivers Keilah
2So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 3But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” 4Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”…

Cross References
Numbers 13:31
But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!”

Joshua 14:8
Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God.

Judges 7:10-11
But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah / and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp.

1 Samuel 17:33
But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

2 Samuel 10:12
Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.

Nehemiah 4:10-14
Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.” / And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.” / At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” ...

Psalm 3:6
I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.

Psalm 27:1-3
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Jeremiah 1:6-8
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Matthew 14:30-31
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” / Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”


Treasury of Scripture

And David's men said to him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

Behold

1 Samuel 23:15,23,26
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood…

Psalm 11:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

Jeremiah 12:5
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

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Afraid Armies David's Judah Keilah Kei'lah Philistine Philistines Ranks
1 Samuel 23
1. David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah
7. God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites,
13. he escapes from Keilah
14. In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him
19. The Ziphites discover him to Saul
25. At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines
29. He dwells at En Gedi














But David’s men said to him
This phrase introduces the response of David's men, highlighting their collective voice and concern. The Hebrew word for "men" here is "אֲנָשִׁים" (anashim), which often denotes not just male individuals but a group bound by loyalty and purpose. David's men were not just followers; they were his loyal warriors, sharing in his struggles and victories. Their voice reflects the human element of fear and caution, reminding us that even the bravest can experience doubt.

Look, we are afraid here in Judah
The word "afraid" is translated from the Hebrew "יָרֵא" (yare), which conveys a deep sense of fear or reverence. This fear is not just a personal feeling but a collective anxiety about their precarious situation. Judah, their own territory, should have been a place of safety, yet they felt vulnerable. This highlights the constant threat from Saul and the Philistines, emphasizing the tension and danger surrounding David and his men. It serves as a reminder of the trials faced by God's people and the need for faith amidst fear.

How much more, then, if we go to Keilah
The phrase "how much more" indicates a logical progression of their fear. The Hebrew "אַף כִּי" (af ki) suggests an escalation of concern. Keilah was a fortified city in Judah, and the prospect of engaging the Philistines there seemed daunting. This reflects the strategic considerations of ancient warfare, where terrain and fortifications played crucial roles. The men’s apprehension underscores the reality of their military disadvantage and the need for divine guidance in their endeavors.

against the Philistine forces!
The Philistines were a perennial enemy of Israel, known for their military prowess and advanced weaponry. The term "forces" translates from "מַעֲרָכוֹת" (ma'arakhot), meaning battle lines or troops. This highlights the organized and formidable nature of the Philistine army. Historically, the Philistines were a significant threat to Israel, often oppressing them and challenging their sovereignty. The mention of the Philistine forces serves as a reminder of the external threats faced by Israel and the need for reliance on God for victory.

(3) Here in Judah.--This does not imply that Keilah was out of the territory of Judah, but simply that the district in the neighbourhood round Keilah was at that time under Philistine domination. The open country in times of Philistine supremacy first fell under their control; their strong places, like Keilah, would resist for a much longer period.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But David’s
דָוִד֙ (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

men
אַנְשֵׁ֤י (’an·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

said
וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to him,
אֵלָ֔יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

“Look,
הִנֵּ֨ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

we
אֲנַ֥חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū)
Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

are afraid
יְרֵאִ֑ים (yə·rê·’îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

here
פֹ֛ה (p̄ōh)
Adverb
Strong's 6311: This place, here

in Judah;
בִּֽיהוּדָ֖ה (bî·hū·ḏāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

how much more
וְאַף֙ (wə·’ap̄)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

if
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

we go
נֵלֵ֣ךְ (nê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to Keilah
קְעִלָ֔ה (qə·‘i·lāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7084: Keilah -- a city in Judah

against
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the armies of
מַֽעַרְכ֖וֹת (ma·‘ar·ḵō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4634: An arrangement, a pile, a military array

the Philistines?”
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia


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OT History: 1 Samuel 23:3 David's men said to him Behold we (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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