King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:18 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:18 in the King James Version says “And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. c...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. cheeses: Heb. cheeses of milk of: Heb. of a thousand”

1 Samuel 17:18 · KJV

Context

16

And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.

17

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;

18

And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. cheeses: Heb. cheeses of milk of: Heb. of a thousand

19

Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

20

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. trench: or, place of the carriage fight: or, battle array, or, place of fight

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

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 · 15 words
וְ֠אֵת1 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲשֶׂ֜רֶת2 of 15

“these ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

חֲרִצֵ֤י3 of 15
H2757

properly, incisure or (passively) incised; hence, a threshing-sledge (with sharp teeth); also a slice (as cut)

הֶֽחָלָב֙4 of 15

“cheeses”

H2461

milk (as the richness of kine)

הָאֵ֔לֶּה5 of 15
H428

these or those

תָּבִ֖יא6 of 15

“And carry”

H935

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

לְשַׂר7 of 15

“unto the captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָאָ֑לֶף8 of 15

“of their thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְאֶת9 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַחֶ֙יךָ֙10 of 15

“how thy brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

תִּפְקֹ֣ד11 of 15

“and look”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

לְשָׁל֔וֹם12 of 15

“fare”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וְאֶת13 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲרֻבָּתָ֖ם14 of 15

“their pledge”

H6161

something given as security, i.e., (literally) a token (of safety) or (metaphorically) a bondsman

תִּקָּֽח׃15 of 15

“and take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

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 17:18 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 17:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 37:141 Samuel 16:20Acts 15:36Job 10:101 Thessalonians 3:5-62 Samuel 17:29

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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