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1 Samuel 15:22

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Samuel said, 'Does the LORD take as much pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as He does in people obeying His voice? Look, obeying God is better than making sacrifices, and listening to Him is better than offering the best parts of rams.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Samuel is teaching that God values obedience and listening to Him far more than religious ceremonies or sacrifices.

📚 Historical Context

Samuel spoke these words to King Saul after Saul had disobeyed God's specific command to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions. Instead, Saul kept the best livestock and tried to justify his disobedience by claiming he saved them to sacrifice to God. This confrontation marked the beginning of the end of Saul's reign as king.

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Translation & Methodology Sources

The original manuscript text provided is based on the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain. Our modern English simplifications are generated via proprietary philological synthesis, cross-referenced against Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and the Textus Receptus to ensure unwavering theological and etymological precision.

Read our full translation methodology →