But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.

1 SAMUEL 8:6KJV
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1 Samuel 8:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 8:6 mean?

1 Samuel 8:6 describes how Samuel was upset when the people of Israel asked him to appoint a king to rule over them, and in response, Samuel brought the matter to God in prayer. The verse shows Samuel’s displeasure with the people’s request and his habit of seeking God’s guidance in difficult situations.

Samuel, the prophet and judge of Israel, was approached by the elders who wanted a king “to judge us” like other nations. Samuel did not like their demand, feeling it was a rejection of the current way God led Israel through judges. Instead of reacting on his own, Samuel turned to the LORD (God’s personal name, often written as יהוה / YHWH / Yahweh) for direction, showing his reliance on God’s wisdom.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 8:6

  • The word “thing” is דָּבָר (davar), which often means “matter” or “word.” Here, it refers to the request itself, highlighting that it was the content of the people’s demand that troubled Samuel.
  • “Displeased” is based on יָרַע (yara‘), which means “to be evil or bad,” and עַיִן (‘ayin), meaning “eye.” The Hebrew phrase literally means “it was evil in the eyes of Samuel,” showing that Samuel saw the request as not just disappointing but morally wrong or troubling.
  • “Prayed” is פָּלַל (palal), which means “to intercede or mediate.” Samuel’s response was not just a casual prayer but an act of seeking God’s judgment and wisdom about what to do next.

Why 1 Samuel 8:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Samuel’s objection was not personal stubbornness but a deep concern about the people’s spiritual direction, as shown by the strong language in the Hebrew.
  • It highlights Samuel’s role as a mediator between the people and God, modeling how to respond to difficult or upsetting situations by turning to prayer.
  • This moment sets up the rest of the chapter, where God explains to Samuel why the people’s request is significant and instructs him on how to respond, shaping the future of Israel’s leadership.

Where else these words appear

“displeased” Hebrew H3415 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 21:11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.
  • 1 Samuel 1:8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?
  • Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

“prayed” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 2 Kings 4:33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.