Old Testament
1 Samuel 16:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Samuel did what the LORD told him and traveled to Bethlehem. When the town elders came out to meet him, they were trembling. "Are you here in peace?" they asked.
Compare translations
And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
What 1 Samuel 16:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Samuel, a prophet, follows God's command and goes to Bethlehem. His arrival causes a stir among the town's elders, who are understandably anxious. They approach him with trepidation, questioning whether he comes in peace. This moment highlights the weight of Samuel's role and the seriousness of his mission. The elders' fear reflects their awareness of the potential consequences of a prophet's visit. They know that such visits can bring either good news or dire warnings. Samuel's obedience to God sets the stage for significant events to unfold in Bethlehem, emphasizing the importance of listening to divine guidance. This encounter serves as a reminder of the impact that spiritual leaders can have on their communities, often evoking strong emotions and reactions. It also illustrates the tension between divine purpose and human apprehension, showing how God's plans can create both hope and fear in those who encounter them. Samuel's journey is not just physical; it represents a deeper spiritual quest.
How to apply 1 Samuel 16:4 to your life
When faced with uncertainty, remember that following your convictions can lead to significant outcomes. Like Samuel, be attentive to your inner guidance and act on it. Your actions may inspire or challenge those around you, so approach your journey with courage and clarity. Trust that your path can bring peace and purpose to others as well as yourself.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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 16:4
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 16:4
Related Bible verses
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 16:4 mean?
1 Samuel 16:4 describes the moment when the prophet Samuel arrives in Bethlehem following God's command. The town elders are fearful of his visit, indicating the seriousness of his mission and the potential implications of his presence.
What is the significance of the elders trembling in 1 Samuel 16:4?
The trembling of the elders in 1 Samuel 16:4 signifies their anxiety about Samuel's visit, as prophets often bring important messages that could mean either good or bad news for the community.
How does 1 Samuel 16:4 relate to obedience?
In 1 Samuel 16:4, Samuel's obedience to God's command is central to the narrative, showing that following divine guidance can lead to significant events and impact the community.
What themes are present in 1 Samuel 16:4?
Key themes in 1 Samuel 16:4 include obedience, fear, divine guidance, the impact of spiritual leadership, and the community's response to prophetic authority.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.