And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

1 SAMUEL 4:6KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 4:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 4:6 mean?

1 Samuel 4:6 describes how the Philistines heard a loud shout coming from the camp of the Hebrews and wondered what it meant. When they realized that the ark of the LORD had arrived in the Israelite camp, they understood the reason for the great excitement.

In this scene, the Philistines are reacting to the sudden, overwhelming noise coming from the Israelites, who are celebrating the arrival of the ark—an object they believe represents God's presence. The Philistines, hearing this, become aware that something significant has happened among their enemies, and the verse sets up their growing concern about facing Israel in battle.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 4:6

  • קוֹל (qol) — "noise": This word can mean voice, sound, or noise. Here, it emphasizes the intensity and volume of the Israelites' celebration, not just a casual shout but a powerful, attention-grabbing uproar.
  • תְּרוּעָה (teru‘ah) — "shout": This word often refers to a trumpet blast or a loud, jubilant shout, especially in a military or religious context. It highlights that the Israelites' reaction was both public and emotionally charged.
  • אֲרוֹן (aron) — "ark": The ark is the sacred chest representing God's covenant and presence with Israel. Its arrival in the camp is the cause of the great shout, showing its deep significance to the people.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH) — "LORD": This is the personal name of Israel's God, underlining that the ark's arrival is not just about an object but about the presence of their God among them.

Why 1 Samuel 4:6 matters

  • This verse shows the psychological impact the ark's arrival had not just on the Israelites but also on their enemies, the Philistines, who recognized its importance.
  • It highlights the central role of the ark in Israel's faith and military confidence, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the chapter.
  • The verse helps explain why the Philistines become fearful and anxious in the next verses, giving insight into the ancient world's understanding of divine presence in warfare.

Where else these words appear

“Hebrews” Hebrew H5680 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Exodus 2:7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?
  • Deuteronomy 15:12 And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.

“shout” Hebrew H8643 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • 2 Samuel 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
  • Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.