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1 Samuel 4:7 – NASB vs. HCSB vs. ESV
1 Samuel 4:7 NASB The Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.
1 Samuel 4:7 HCSB they panicked. “The gods have entered their camp!” they said. “Woe to us, nothing like this has happened before.
1 Samuel 4:7 ESV the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “A god has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.
It is interesting to note the three different ways that these translations handle “elohim.” When used of the God of the Bible (i.e., Genesis 1.1) this plural Hebrew word is rightfully translated as singular – God. And while 1 Samuel 4.7 is referring to the one true God, it is not coming from a prophet or inspired writer, but rather from a pagan. So how would an idolater use it? As a plural word, “gods.” Therefore I think the HCSB is correct in translating, “The gods have entered their camp.”
The NASB and ESV show inconsistency because in the very next verse, they translate elohim as gods.
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