1 Samuel 14:50 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 14:50 mean?

1 Samuel 14:50 gives the names of King Saul’s wife, Ahinoam (daughter of Ahimaaz), and his military commander, Abner (son of Ner, who was Saul’s uncle). This verse identifies key family members and leaders in Saul’s reign, showing the family connections within Israel’s leadership.

This verse is part of a section listing Saul’s relatives and officials, providing background on the people closest to Israel’s first king. The writer is giving readers a sense of Saul’s household and the structure of his rule, which helps set the stage for later events involving these individuals.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:50

• "name" (שֵׁם, shem): This word appears twice, highlighting the importance of identity and lineage in the passage. Naming Ahinoam and Abner shows their recognized roles in Saul’s life and leadership.
• "wife" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): The term used for Saul’s wife, Ahinoam, clarifies her official status and role in the royal family.
• "captain" (שַׂר, sar): This word means a chief or leader, here referring to Abner’s position as the commander of Saul’s army. It shows Abner’s authority and importance in the kingdom.
• "host" (צָבָא, tsava): This word means army or military force, emphasizing that Abner was not just a relative but held a significant military command.

Why 1 Samuel 14:50 matters

• This verse helps clarify the family relationships in Saul’s household, which become important in later stories about Saul, David, and Abner.
• By naming both Saul’s wife and his military commander, the verse underlines the close connection between family and leadership in early Israelite monarchy.
• The details here help readers track the roles and loyalties of these individuals as the narrative unfolds, especially as Abner and Ahinoam appear in later events.