Old Testament

1 Samuel 5:9

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this passage, the people of a city had taken the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's presence, and moved it around carelessly.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
Written
Around 930 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites of the early monarchy
CBTClear Bible Translation

But after they had moved it around, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction. He struck the men of the city, both small and great, and they had tumors in their secret parts.

KJVKing James Version

And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, the people of a city had taken the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's presence, and moved it around carelessly. As a result, they faced severe consequences. The hand of the LORD was against them, leading to widespread destruction. Both the leaders and ordinary citizens suffered, experiencing painful tumors in their private areas. This was a clear sign of God's displeasure. The story illustrates the seriousness of treating sacred things with disrespect. It serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, especially when we disregard what is holy. The people learned that they could not manipulate or control God's presence without facing dire repercussions. This event emphasizes the importance of honoring God and recognizing His power in our lives. It teaches us to approach the divine with reverence and humility, understanding that our choices matter significantly in our relationship with God and others. The consequences of their actions were not just physical but also spiritual, highlighting the need for respect and acknowledgment of God's authority. Explore related gods.

How to apply 1 Samuel 5:9 to your life

We should treat sacred things with respect and honor. This passage reminds us that our actions have consequences, especially regarding our relationship with God. Approach your faith with humility and recognize the importance of honoring what is holy in your life. Reflect on how you treat spiritual matters daily. Make choices that align with respect for the divine and others around you.  In doing so, you cultivate a deeper connection with God.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Samuel 5:9 mean?

1 Samuel 5:9 describes how the people of a city faced severe consequences after disrespecting the Ark of the Covenant. The verse illustrates that God's presence is powerful and should be treated with reverence, as their actions led to destruction and suffering.

What is the significance of the tumors in 1 Samuel 5:9?

The tumors mentioned in 1 Samuel 5:9 symbolize the physical and spiritual consequences of disrespecting God. They serve as a warning that disregarding sacred things can lead to serious repercussions.

Why did God strike the men in 1 Samuel 5:9?

God struck the men in 1 Samuel 5:9 as a response to their careless handling of the Ark of the Covenant. This act demonstrates that God takes the treatment of sacred things seriously and that there are consequences for disrespect.

How does 1 Samuel 5:9 relate to respecting sacred things?

1 Samuel 5:9 teaches that disrespecting sacred things, like the Ark of the Covenant, can lead to severe consequences. It reminds us to approach spiritual matters with humility and respect.

The Book of 1 Samuel
Book Summary

The Book of 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 1: The Birth of Samuel

The book opens during the time of the judges, introducing a man named Elkanah with two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah has children, Hannah is barren and is cruelly taunted by her rival. During their annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary at Shiloh, the deeply distressed Hannah prays silently to the Lord, weeping and vowing that if God will give her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. Eli, the high priest, sees her lips moving and initially mistakes her for a drunken woman, but after she explains her sorrowful prayer, he blesses her, saying, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition."

Premium

Unlock the full 1 Samuel summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of 1 Samuel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 31 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of 1 Samuel summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.