And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

1 SAMUEL 6:20KJV
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1 Samuel 6:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 6:20 mean?

1 Samuel 6:20 describes the men of Bethshemesh reacting in fear and awe after witnessing God's power, asking who could possibly stand before such a holy LORD God and wondering where the ark should go next. The verse shows their realization that God's holiness is overwhelming and dangerous when not approached with respect.

The people speaking are the men of Bethshemesh, a town in Israel, after the ark of the covenant was returned by the Philistines and some of the townspeople died for looking into it. Their question, "Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God?" shows their fear and respect for God's holiness, as well as their uncertainty about what to do with the ark now that it is in their care.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 6:20

  • "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." Here, it emphasizes that the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is not like anyone or anything else, and His presence is not to be treated casually.
  • "stand" (עָמַד, amad): This word often means to remain or endure in someone's presence. The men are expressing that no one can endure being before such a holy God without consequence.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): Using both titles together highlights both God's personal name and His power as the supreme God, underlining the seriousness of their encounter.

Why 1 Samuel 6:20 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God's presence is safe or manageable; it shows that even well-meaning people can face serious consequences if they do not treat God's holiness with proper respect.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by explaining why the people of Bethshemesh wanted to send the ark away—they felt unworthy and afraid to keep it after what happened.
  • It highlights a turning point in Israel's relationship with the ark, showing that God's holiness is not just a concept but a reality that affects people's lives directly.

Where else these words appear

“Bethshemesh” Hebrew H1053 · used in 19 verses

  • Joshua 15:10 And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:
  • 1 Samuel 6:12 And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

“holy” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.