King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:23 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:23 in the King James Version says “And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion , the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the arm...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion , the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.”

1 Samuel 17:23 · KJV

Context

21

For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.

22

And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. his carriage: Heb. the vessels from upon him saluted: Heb. asked his brethren of peace

23

And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion , the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.

24

And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. from: Heb. from his face

25

And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.

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 · 18 words
וְה֣וּא׀1 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר2 of 18

“And as he talked”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עִמָּ֗ם3 of 18
H5973

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

וְהִנֵּ֣ה4 of 18
H2009

lo!

אִ֣ישׁ5 of 18

“the champion”

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)

הַבֵּנַ֡יִם6 of 18
H1143

a double interval, i.e., the space between two armies

עוֹלֶ֞ה7 of 18

“with them behold there came up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

גָּלְיָת֩8 of 18

“Goliath”

H1555

goljath, a philistine

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים9 of 18

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

שְׁמ֤וֹ10 of 18

“by name”

H8034

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

מִגַּת֙11 of 18

“of Gath”

H1661

gath, a philistine city

מִמַּֽעַרְוֹ֣ת12 of 18
H4630

an open spot

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים13 of 18

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר14 of 18

“And as he talked”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

כַּדְּבָרִ֣ים15 of 18

“words”

H1697

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

הָאֵ֑לֶּה16 of 18

“according to the same”

H428

these or those

וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע17 of 18

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דָּוִֽד׃18 of 18

“and David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

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 17:23 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 17:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 17:8-10

Places in This Verse

Gath 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Safi · 31.70°N, 34.85°E38 verses across 10 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 17 →

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