King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.
1
When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders.
2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.
2
The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba.
3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
3
But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,
4
So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.
5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
5
They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
6
But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.