King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:31 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:31 in the King James Version says “And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him. sent: Heb. took h...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 17:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 9 words
וַיְּשָּֽׁמְעוּ֙1 of 9

“were heard”

H8085

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

הַדְּבָרִ֔ים2 of 9

“And when the words”

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר3 of 9
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֣ר4 of 9

“spake”

H1696

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

דָּוִ֑ד5 of 9

“which David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּגִּ֥דוּ6 of 9

“they rehearsed”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִפְנֵֽי7 of 9

“them before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

שָׁא֖וּל8 of 9

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיִּקָּחֵֽהוּ׃9 of 9

“and he sent”

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 17:31 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 17:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 22:29

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 17 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes