1 Samuel 14:38
New International Version
Saul therefore said, “Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has been committed today.

New Living Translation
Then Saul said to the leaders, “Something’s wrong! I want all my army commanders to come here. We must find out what sin was committed today.

English Standard Version
And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

Berean Literal Bible
And Saul said, “Draw near here, all the chiefs of the people, and know and see what this sin was today.

King James Bible
And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

New King James Version
And Saul said, “Come over here, all you chiefs of the people, and know and see what this sin was today.

New American Standard Bible
Then Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today.

NASB 1995
Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today.

NASB 1977
And Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and know and see how this sin has happened today.

Amplified Bible
Then Saul said, “Come here, all you who are leaders of the people, and let us find out how this sin [causing God’s silence] happened today.

Berean Annotated Bible
Therefore Saul (desired) said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

Christian Standard Bible
Saul said, “All you leaders of the troops, come here. Let’s investigate how this sin has occurred today.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul said, “All you leaders of the troops, come here. Let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

American Standard Version
And Saul said, Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people; and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

Contemporary English Version
Saul called his army officers together and said, "We have to find out what sin has kept God from answering.

English Revised Version
And Saul said, Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Saul ordered all the leaders of the troops, "Come here! Find out what sin was committed today.

Good News Translation
Then Saul said to the leaders of the people, "Come here and find out what sin was committed today.

International Standard Version
Saul said, "All you army officers are to come here to find out what constitutes this sin today.

NET Bible
Then Saul said, "All you leaders of the army come here. Find out how this sin occurred today.

New Heart English Bible
And Saul said, "Come here, all you leaders of the people; and investigate and see how this sin has arisen today.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul said, Draw ye near hither all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

World English Bible
Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and know and see in whom this sin has been today.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul says, “Everyone draw near here, the chiefs of the people, and know and see in what this sin has been today;

Berean Literal Bible
And Saul said, “Draw near here, all the chiefs of the people, and know and see what this sin was today.

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul saith, 'Draw ye nigh hither all, the chiefs of the people, and know and see in what this sin hath been to-day;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will say, Draw near here all the corners of the people: and know and see in what was this sin this day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul said: Bring hither all the corners of the people: and know, and see by whom this sin hath happened to day.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul said: “Bring here every single leader of the people. And we shall know and see by whom this sin was committed this day.

New American Bible
“All officers of the army,” Saul announced, “come forward. Find out how this sin was committed today.

New Revised Standard Version
Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people; and let us find out how this sin has arisen today.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul said, Bring here all the families of the people; and know and see wherein this sin has been committed this day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul said: “Bring to me here all the tribes of the people, and know and see in what was this sin today
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul said: 'Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people; and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul said, Bring hither all the chiefs of Israel, and know and see by whom this sin has been committed this day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People Save Jonathan
37So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day. 38Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. 39As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word.…

Cross References
Therefore Saul said,

Joshua 7:13
Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.

Deuteronomy 19:18-19
The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, / you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Numbers 32:23
But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out.
“Come here, all you leaders of the troops,

1 Chronicles 13:1
Then David conferred with all his leaders, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds.

Deuteronomy 31:28
Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

Exodus 18:21-25
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. / If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.” …
and let us investigate

Deuteronomy 13:14
then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,

Deuteronomy 17:4
and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel,

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.
how this sin has occurred today.

Joshua 7:20-21
“It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: / When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”

Psalm 90:8
You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence.

Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Joshua 7:10-15
But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face? / Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions. / This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction. …

Numbers 27:21
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”

Judges 20:26-28
Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. That day they fasted until evening and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. / And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, / and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”

1 Samuel 10:20-21
Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. / Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul said, Draw you near here, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin has been this day.

Draw ye near

1 Samuel 10:19,20
And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands…

Joshua 7:14
In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.

chief [heb] corners

Numbers 24:17
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Judges 20:2
And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.

2 Samuel 18:3
But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.

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1 Samuel 14
1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison
15. A divine terror makes them beat themselves
17. Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them
21. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.
24. Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory
31. He restrains the people from eating blood
35. He builds an altar
37. Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people
47. Saul's victories, strength, and family












Therefore Saul said,
This phrase indicates a response to a preceding event. Saul, the first king of Israel, is reacting to a situation that requires immediate attention. The context is a military campaign against the Philistines, where Saul's leadership and decision-making are under scrutiny. Saul's actions often reflect his struggle with obedience to God, as seen in previous chapters.

“Come here, all you leaders of the troops,
Saul calls upon the leaders, or commanders, of his army. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite military organization. The leaders were responsible for their men and played crucial roles in battle strategies. Saul's summoning of these leaders indicates the seriousness of the situation and his need for counsel and support.

and let us investigate
The call to investigate suggests a judicial or formal inquiry. In ancient Israel, such investigations were often conducted to determine guilt or innocence, especially in matters of sin or disobedience to God's commands. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where religious and civil matters were intertwined.

how this sin has occurred today.
The "sin" refers to a violation of God's command, which in this context is related to Saul's earlier oath that cursed anyone who ate before evening. This highlights the importance of obedience to divine commands in Israel's covenant relationship with God. The concept of sin in the Old Testament often involves breaking God's law, which has communal implications, affecting the entire nation. Saul's concern with the sin indicates his awareness of its potential to hinder Israel's success and relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God but often acting impulsively and without seeking God's guidance. In this passage, he is attempting to address a sin that has occurred among the Israelites.

2. Leaders of the Troops
These are the commanders or chiefs of the Israelite army. Saul calls them to investigate the sin, indicating their role in leadership and accountability.

3. The Sin
Although not specified in this verse, the context reveals that Saul is concerned about a sin that has led to God's silence. This refers to the breaking of Saul's oath by Jonathan, who unknowingly ate honey.

4. Israelites
The people of God, who are under Saul's leadership and are affected by the decisions and actions of their leaders.

5. The Battle
The broader context involves a battle against the Philistines, where Saul's leadership and decisions are critical to the outcome.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Leadership Accountability
Leaders are responsible for the spiritual and moral direction of their people. Saul's call to the leaders emphasizes the need for accountability in leadership.

The Consequences of Rash Decisions
Saul's impulsive oath led to unintended consequences. This teaches the importance of seeking God's guidance before making decisions.

The Need for Community Investigation and Repentance
Addressing sin within the community is crucial for maintaining God's favor. Like Saul, we must be willing to investigate and correct wrongs.

The Role of Wisdom in Leadership
Wise leadership involves seeking God's wisdom and counsel from others, as seen in Saul's gathering of the leaders.

The Impact of Sin on the Community
Sin affects not just the individual but the entire community. Saul's investigation shows the need for communal responsibility in addressing sin.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:38?

2. How does 1 Samuel 14:38 emphasize the importance of seeking God's guidance?

3. What role does accountability play in resolving conflicts, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:38?

4. How can we apply the principle of seeking truth in our daily lives?

5. What scriptural connections highlight the importance of divine guidance in decision-making?

6. How can leaders today implement the pursuit of truth demonstrated in 1 Samuel 14:38?

7. Why did Saul call for the leaders in 1 Samuel 14:38?

8. What was the significance of Saul's oath in 1 Samuel 14:38?

9. How does 1 Samuel 14:38 reflect on Saul's leadership qualities?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14?

11. Who were the Old Testament prophets in the Bible?

12. Does 1 Samuel 9:15-17, describing God's direct revelation to Samuel about Saul, conflict with other biblical texts suggesting a more gradual or indirect selection of leaders?

13. Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)?

14. (1 Chronicles 12:19-20) Why do some texts describe the tribes' allegiance shifts differently, and are these accounts consistent with earlier biblical narratives?
What Does 1 Samuel 14:38 Mean
Therefore Saul said

• Saul initiates the response, underscoring his conviction that something is spiritually wrong in the camp (1 Samuel 14:24, 33).

• His words reveal an immediate sense of urgency, similar to when Joshua confronted Israel after Achan’s sin (Joshua 7:10–13).

• The king’s leadership role obliges him to act; failure to deal with sin once before cost Saul dearly (1 Samuel 13:13–14).


Come here

• The summons gathers the community into one place, reflecting the biblical pattern of assembling God’s people for discernment (Judges 20:1–2; 2 Chronicles 20:4).

• Physically drawing together encourages unity and transparency; no one can claim ignorance of what follows.

• It models how spiritual issues must be addressed openly rather than in isolation (Matthew 18:15–17).


all you leaders of the troops

• Saul singles out the heads of the army—decision-makers and influencers within Israel (Exodus 18:21, 25; Numbers 1:16).

• Scripture often places heavier responsibility on leaders (James 3:1); their obedience or disobedience affects the whole nation (2 Samuel 24:10–17).

• By involving them, Saul seeks shared accountability, mirroring Moses’ use of elders to guide investigations (Deuteronomy 19:12).


and let us investigate

• The phrase signals a formal inquiry, consistent with God’s call to “inquire, probe, and investigate thoroughly” when sin is suspected (Deuteronomy 13:14; 17:4).

• Saul recognizes that discernment requires evidence, witnesses, and divine guidance, not rumor or haste (Proverbs 18:13, 17).

• His readiness to discover truth reflects the biblical principle that hidden sin cripples victory (Psalm 66:18; 1 John 1:9).


how this sin has occurred today

• Saul believes a specific violation—Jonathan’s unknowing breach of the oath (1 Samuel 14:27)—has stalled God’s favor.

• The wording acknowledges corporate consequence: “sin in the camp” affects everyone (Joshua 7:11–12; 1 Corinthians 5:6).

• “Today” highlights immediacy; unresolved sin must be dealt with before another sunset (Ephesians 4:26).

• Saul’s concern for God’s holiness, though flawed in execution, recognizes that victory depends on obedience (Leviticus 26:7–9; 1 Samuel 14:45).


summary

1 Samuel 14:38 shows Saul acting decisively to uncover communal sin that he believes has hindered Israel’s success. By summoning the leaders, insisting on a thorough investigation, and identifying the offense as a present, corporate issue, the verse illustrates the biblical themes of leadership accountability, the deadly seriousness of sin, and the necessity of swift, transparent action to restore fellowship with God.

(38) Draw ye near hither.--Round that rough unfinished altar, in the dark night, King Saul hastily summoned his leading officers and the prominent chiefs of the Israelites who had joined him in the late battle. The word rendered "chief of the people" (pinnoth) is literally, corner stones (as in Judges 20:2).

He would ask God's help in the casting of lots, to discover who of these was the transgressor, whose sin made dumb the Divine Oracle.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Therefore Saul
שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

said,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Come
גֹּ֣שֽׁוּ (gō·šū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

here,
הֲלֹ֔ם (hă·lōm)
Adverb
Strong's 1988: Hith-er

all
כֹּ֖ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you leaders
פִּנּ֣וֹת (pin·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6438: An angle, a pinnacle, a chieftain

of the troops,
הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and let us investigate
וּדְע֣וּ (ū·ḏə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

how
בַּמָּ֗ה (bam·māh)
Preposition-b | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

this
הַזֹּ֖את (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

sin
הַחַטָּ֥את (ha·ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender

has occurred
הָֽיְתָ֛ה (hā·yə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

today.
הַיּֽוֹם׃ (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day


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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:38 Saul said Draw near here all you (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 14:37
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