King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 16:18 Mean?

1 Samuel 16:18 in the King James Version says “Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in pla... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 16:18 · KJV


Context

16

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.

17

And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.

18

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

19

Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.

20

And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid , and sent them by David his son unto Saul.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, 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.

This remarkable description of David encompasses multiple excellencies: musical skill, physical prowess, military capability, wisdom in speech, physical attractiveness, and - most importantly - 'the LORD is with him.' This final phrase (Yahweh 'immo) is the summary assessment that explains all other qualities. Divine presence, not natural talent alone, produced David's exceptional development during his years of faithful shepherding.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wilderness shepherding had developed David's courage (facing predators), musical skill (passing solitary hours), and leadership (managing flocks). His combat experience against lions and bears prepared him for larger battles. The comprehensive description suggests David was already known in the region.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has faithful service in obscure assignments developed capabilities you now use?
  2. What does it mean practically for 'the LORD to be with' someone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיַּעַן֩1 of 22

Then answered

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֶחָ֨ד2 of 22

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֜ים3 of 22

of the servants

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר4 of 22

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֨ה5 of 22
H2009

lo!

רָאִ֜יתִי6 of 22

Behold I have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בֵּ֣ן7 of 22

a son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לְיִשַׁי֮8 of 22

of Jesse

H3448

jishai, david's father

בֵּ֣ית9 of 22
H0
הַלַּחְמִי֒10 of 22

the Bethlehemite

H1022

a beth-lechemite, or native of bethlechem

יֹדֵ֣עַ11 of 22

that is cunning

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

נַ֠גֵּן12 of 22

in playing

H5059

properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music

וְגִבּ֨וֹר13 of 22

and a mighty

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חַ֜יִל14 of 22

valiant man

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וְאִ֣ישׁ15 of 22

and a man

H376

a 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)

מִלְחָמָ֛ה16 of 22

of war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וּנְב֥וֹן17 of 22

and prudent

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

דָּבָ֖ר18 of 22

in matters

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְאִ֣ישׁ19 of 22

and a man

H376

a 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)

תֹּ֑אַר20 of 22

and a comely

H8389

outline, i.e., figure or appearance

וַֽיהוָ֖ה21 of 22

and the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עִמּֽוֹ׃22 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 16:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 16:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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