And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.

1 SAMUEL 8:15KJV
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1 Samuel 8:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 8:15 mean?

1 Samuel 8:15 warns that a king will take a tenth of the people's crops and vineyards and give them to his officials and servants. This verse describes one of the burdens the Israelites would face if they chose to have a human king rule over them.

The prophet Samuel is speaking to the Israelites, explaining what life under a king would be like. The people had asked for a king to be like other nations, and Samuel is making clear that this choice will come with costs, including taxes and the loss of some personal produce to support the king’s administration.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 8:15

  • "tenth" (עָשַׂר, ʿasar): This word means a tenth part, or a tithe. In this context, it is not a voluntary offering but a required tax imposed by the king, showing a shift from giving to God to giving to a human ruler.
  • "seed" (זֶרַע, zeraʿ): This refers to the grain or produce from the fields. The king would claim a portion of the basic food supply, which would have been a significant burden for farming families.
  • "vineyards" (כֶּרֶם, kerem): This word means vineyards, highlighting that not only grain but also wine and fruit would be taxed.
  • "officers" (סָרִיס, saris): This term often means officials or high-ranking servants. The king’s court would be supported by the resources taken from the people.
  • "servants" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word means servants or workers, referring to those employed by the king who would benefit from the people’s produce.

Why 1 Samuel 8:15 matters

  • 1 Samuel 8:15 clarifies that the king’s demands would not be limited to military service or leadership but would also include economic burdens, affecting everyday life.
  • This verse helps explain why Samuel was warning the people: asking for a king would mean accepting a new kind of authority, one that could take from their livelihoods.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the desire to be like other nations would come at a real, personal cost, challenging the idea that a king would only bring benefits.