King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:38 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:38 in the King James Version says “And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. armed David: Heb. clothed David with his clothes”

1 Samuel 17:38 · KJV

Context

36

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

37

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

38

And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. armed David: Heb. clothed David with his clothes

39

And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

40

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. brook: or, valley bag: Heb. vessel

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.

Saul's attempt to equip David with his own armor represents the human instinct to face spiritual battles with conventional weapons. The image of small David overwhelmed by tall Saul's armor visually illustrates the mismatch between human methods and divine calling. Well-intentioned provision of inappropriate resources can hinder rather than help. David would fight in his own way, with means God had prepared.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Royal armor was typically bronze with some iron components, heavy and requiring training to use effectively. Coat of mail (scale armor) could weigh over 60 pounds. Such equipment would restrict movement for one untrained in its use.

Reflection Questions

  1. What well-intentioned human provisions might actually hinder your spiritual effectiveness?
  2. How do you discern between helpful equipping and inappropriate conformity to others' methods?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ1 of 13

“also he armed”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

שָׁא֤וּל2 of 13

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶת3 of 13
H853

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

דָּוִד֙4 of 13

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מַדָּ֔יו5 of 13

“with his armour”

H4055

properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet

וְנָתַ֛ן6 of 13

“and he put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ק֥וֹבַע7 of 13

“an helmet”

H6959

a helmet

נְחֹ֖שֶׁת8 of 13

“of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

עַל9 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹאשׁ֑וֹ10 of 13

“upon his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ11 of 13

“also he armed”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

אֹת֖וֹ12 of 13
H853

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

שִׁרְיֽוֹן׃13 of 13

“him with a coat of mail”

H8302

a corslet (as if twisted)

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 17:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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