Old Testament
1 Samuel 6:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
These are the golden tumors the Philistines sent as a guilt offering to the LORD: one for Ashdod, one for Gaza, one for Ashkelon, one for Gath, and one for Ekron.
Compare translations
And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;
What 1 Samuel 6:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Philistines are returning golden tumors as a way to make amends with God after experiencing severe consequences for capturing the Ark of the Covenant. Each city mentioned—Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron—received a tumor as part of their guilt offering. This act reflects their recognition of wrongdoing and a desire to seek forgiveness. The tumors symbolize the afflictions they suffered, which they believed were a punishment from God. By sending these offerings, they hoped to appease God and avoid further calamity. This moment highlights the importance of acknowledging our mistakes and taking steps to make things right. It also shows how even those outside of Israel recognized the power of the God of Israel. The act of offering something valuable, like gold, signifies the seriousness of their repentance and the hope for restoration. It serves as a reminder that genuine remorse can lead to healing and reconciliation, both with God and with others.
How to apply 1 Samuel 6:17 to your life
When we make mistakes, it's important to acknowledge them and seek forgiveness. Just like the Philistines, we can take steps to make amends, whether through sincere apologies or acts of kindness. This process can lead to healing in our relationships and a deeper understanding of our actions. Remember, taking responsibility is a sign of strength, not weakness. It opens the door to growth and reconciliation in our lives and communities.
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 6:17
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 6:17
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 6:17 mean by golden tumors?
In 1 Samuel 6:17, the golden tumors represent the Philistines' guilt offering to God after they suffered plagues for capturing the Ark of the Covenant. The tumors symbolize the physical afflictions they experienced, which they believed were divine punishment. By sending these golden replicas, the Philistines aimed to acknowledge their wrongdoing and seek forgiveness from the God of Israel.
Why did the Philistines send offerings to God?
The Philistines sent offerings to God as a way to make amends after experiencing severe consequences for taking the Ark of the Covenant. They believed that their suffering was a punishment from God, and by offering golden tumors, they sought to express their remorse and desire for reconciliation. This act reflects their recognition of God's power and their hope to avoid further calamity.
What cities are mentioned in 1 Samuel 6:17 and why?
The cities mentioned in 1 Samuel 6:17—Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron—were key Philistine cities that each received a golden tumor as part of their guilt offering. Each city had suffered from the plagues sent by God, and the offerings were a collective acknowledgment of their wrongdoing and an attempt to appease God. This highlights the communal aspect of their repentance.
What can we learn about repentance from this verse?
1 Samuel 6:17 teaches us that genuine repentance involves acknowledging our mistakes and taking concrete steps to make amends. The Philistines recognized their wrongdoing and offered valuable gifts to seek forgiveness, illustrating that true remorse often requires action. This serves as a reminder that seeking restoration in our relationships, whether with God or others, is essential for healing and growth.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.