Old Testament
1 Samuel 13:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They had a file for sharpening the mattocks, coulters, forks, axes, and goads.
Compare translations
Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.
What 1 Samuel 13:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a practical detail about the tools used by the people. They had a file, which is a tool for sharpening various agricultural implements like mattocks, coulters, forks, axes, and goads. This indicates that they were engaged in farming and needed to maintain their tools for effective work. The mention of these specific tools highlights the importance of preparation and upkeep in their daily lives. It also reflects a time when people relied heavily on manual labor and the tools they had. The ability to sharpen tools was essential for productivity, showing that even in ancient times, efficiency was valued. This verse reminds us that taking care of our resources is crucial for success in any endeavor, whether in farming or other aspects of life. It emphasizes the need for diligence and attention to detail in our work, ensuring that we are always ready to tackle the tasks at hand. Overall, this verse illustrates the significance of being well-prepared and maintaining the tools we use in our daily lives.
How to apply 1 Samuel 13:21 to your life
Just like the people in this verse, we need to take care of our tools and resources. Whether it's our skills, relationships, or physical tools, regular maintenance is key. By being diligent and prepared, we can achieve greater success in our personal and professional lives. Remember, a little effort in upkeep goes a long way!
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 13:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 13:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 13:21 mean?
1 Samuel 13:21 describes the tools used by the people for farming, specifically mentioning a file for sharpening various agricultural implements. This highlights the importance of maintaining tools for effective work and reflects their reliance on manual labor.
What is the significance of sharpening tools in 1 Samuel 13:21?
Sharpening tools in 1 Samuel 13:21 signifies the need for preparation and upkeep in daily tasks. It shows that maintaining tools was essential for productivity and efficiency in their agricultural work.
What types of tools are mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:21?
The tools mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:21 include mattocks, coulters, forks, axes, and goads. These are all agricultural implements used for farming and land cultivation.
How does 1 Samuel 13:21 relate to daily life?
1 Samuel 13:21 relates to daily life by emphasizing the importance of taking care of our tools and resources. Just as the people maintained their farming tools, we should also ensure our skills and resources are well-kept for success.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.