King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:30 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:30 in the King James Version says “And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the form...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. manner: Heb. word”

1 Samuel 17:30 · KJV

Context

28

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

29

And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

30

And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. manner: Heb. word

31

And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him. sent: Heb. took him

32

And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.

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 · 13 words
וַיִּסֹּ֤ב1 of 13

“And he turned”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

מֵֽאֶצְלוֹ֙2 of 13

“from him”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מ֣וּל4 of 13

“toward”

H4136

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

אַחֵ֔ר5 of 13

“another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר6 of 13

“and spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כַּדָּבָ֖ר7 of 13

“after the same manner”

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֑ה8 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיְשִׁבֻ֤הוּ9 of 13

“him again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הָעָם֙10 of 13

“and the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כַּדָּבָ֖ר11 of 13

“after the same manner”

H1697

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

כַּדָּבָ֖ר12 of 13

“after the same manner”

H1697

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

הָֽרִאשֽׁוֹן׃13 of 13

“after the former”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

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 17:30 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 17:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 17:26-27

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