King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:12 in the King James Version says “Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah , whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man we...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah , whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.”

1 Samuel 17:12 · KJV

Context

10

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

11

When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

12

Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah , whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

13

And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

14

And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

The Goliath narrative demonstrates that human impossibilities create opportunities for divine glory. David's confidence rests not in weapons or military training but in the character of the God who delivered him from lion and bear. His declaration that 'the battle is the LORD's' establishes the theological principle that spiritual victory comes through faith in God's power rather than confidence in human strength. The contrast between Saul's armor (representing human methods) and simple shepherd's weapons (representing faith) teaches that God uses unexpected means to accomplish His purposes and receive glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְדָוִד֩1 of 19

“Now David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בָנִ֑ים2 of 19

“sons”

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

בַֽאֲנָשִֽׁים׃3 of 19

“and the 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)

אֶפְרָתִ֜י4 of 19
H673

an ephrathite or an ephraimite

הַזֶּ֗ה5 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מִבֵּ֥ית6 of 19
H0
לֶ֙חֶם֙7 of 19

“of Bethlehemjudah”

H1035

beth-lechem, a place in palestine

יְהוּדָ֔ה8 of 19
H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּשְׁמ֣וֹ9 of 19

“whose name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יִשַׁ֔י10 of 19

“was Jesse”

H3448

jishai, david's father

וְל֖וֹ11 of 19
H0
שְׁמֹנָ֣ה12 of 19

“and he had eight”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

בָנִ֑ים13 of 19

“sons”

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

בַֽאֲנָשִֽׁים׃14 of 19

“and the 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)

בִּימֵ֣י15 of 19

“in the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שָׁא֔וּל16 of 19

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

זָקֵ֖ן17 of 19

“for an old man”

H2204

to be old

בָּ֥א18 of 19

“went”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַֽאֲנָשִֽׁים׃19 of 19

“and the 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)

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 17:12 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 17:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 16:10-11Genesis 35:191 Samuel 16:181 Samuel 17:581 Chronicles 2:13-16Ruth 4:22

Places in This Verse

Bethlehem 1Settlement · Modern: Bethlehem · 31.70°N, 35.21°E52 verses across 14 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 17 →

Test Your Knowledge

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