1 Samuel 12:21 Parallel Translations
NASB: "You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile. (NASB ©1995)
GWT: Don't turn away to follow other gods. They can't help or rescue you, because they don't exist.(GOD'S WORD®)
KJV: And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
ASV: and turn ye not aside; for then would ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain.
BBE: And do not go from the right way turning to those false gods in which there is no profit and no salvation, for they are false.
DBY: and turn ye not aside; for it would be after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
ERV: and turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain.
JPS: and turn ye not aside; for then should ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain.
WBS: And turn ye not aside: for then would ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
WEB: Don't turn aside; for then you would go after vain things which can't profit nor deliver, for they are vain.
YLT: and ye do not turn aside after the vain things which do not profit nor deliver, for they are vain,
1 Samuel 12:21 Cross References
XREF:Deuteronomy 11:16 "Beware that your hearts are not deceived, and that you do not turn away and serve other gods and worship them.

Isaiah 41:29 "Behold, all of them are false; Their works are worthless, Their molten images are wind and emptiness.

Habakkuk 2:18 "What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, Or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork When he fashions speechless idols. (NASB ©1995)
Commentaries and Concordances
WES: 12:21 Turn aside - After idols; as they had often done before; and, notwithstanding this warning, did afterwards. Vain things - So idols are called, Deut 32:21 Jer 2:5, and so they are, being mere nothings, having no power in them; no influence upon us, nor use or benefit to us.
MHC: 12:16-25 At Samuel's word, God sent thunder and rain, at a season of the year when, in that country, the like was not seen. This was to convince them they had done wickedly in asking a king; not only by its coming at an unusual time, in wheat harvest, and on a clear day, but by the prophet's giving notice of it before. He showed their folly in desiring a king to save them, rather than God, or Samuel; promising themselves more from an arm of flesh, than from the arm of God, or from the power of prayer. Could their prince command such forces as the prophet could do by his prayers? It startled them very much. Some will not be brought to see their sins by any gentler methods than storms and thunders. They entreat Samuel to pray for them. Now they see their need of him whom shortly before they slighted. Thus many who will not have Christ to reign over them, would yet be glad to have him intercede for them, to turn away the wrath of God. Samuel aims to confirm the people in their religion. Whatever we make a god of, we shall find it deceive us. Creatures in their own places are good; but when put in God's place, they are vain things. We sin if we restrain prayer, and in particular if we cease praying for the church. They only asked him to pray for them; but he promises to do more, to teach them. He urges that they were bound in gratitude to serve God, considering what great things he had done for them; and that they were bound in interest to serve him, considering what he would do against them, if they should still do wickedly. Thus, as a faithful watchman, he gave them warning, and so delivered his own soul. If we consider what great things the Lord hath done for us, especially in the great work of redemption, we can neither want motive, encouragement, nor assistance in serving him.
CONC:Aside Can't Deliver Futile Gods Idols Profit Rescue Salvation Save Turn Turning Useless Vain
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GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved.
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