King James Version
1 Samuel 17:15 in the King James Version says “But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.”
1 Samuel 17:15 · KJV
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.
And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.
But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.
And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.
And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;
KJV Study — Public Domain
“and returned”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“to feed”
H7462to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“sheep”
H6629a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
“his father's”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
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 17:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Samuel 17:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge