King James Version
1 Samuel 16:17 in the King James Version says “And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.”
1 Samuel 16:17 · KJV
And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. matters: or, speech
Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Provide”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
“me now a man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“well”
H3190to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
“that can play”
H5059properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
1 Samuel 16:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.