King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:39 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:39 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 17:39 · KJV

Context

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

41

And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

David's rejection of Saul's armor - 'I have not proved them' - demonstrates spiritual self-awareness. The Hebrew nasah (to test, prove) indicates David recognized the need for tested equipment. His willingness to appear foolish by facing Goliath with shepherd's implements showed confidence in God's ways over human expectations. Authenticity in spiritual warfare requires using the means God has proven in our own experience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Military equipment required extensive training for effective use. David's lack of armor training would have made Saul's gear a hindrance in combat. The public removal of armor would have appeared foolish to observers accustomed to conventional warfare.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual resources has God proven in your own experience that you should rely upon?
  2. How do you resist pressure to adopt methods that work for others but are not proven for you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיַּחְגֹּ֣ר1 of 25

“girded”

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

דָּוִ֖ד2 of 25

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 25
H853

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

חַ֠רְבּוֹ4 of 25

“his sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

מֵעַ֨ל5 of 25
H5921

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

לְמַדָּ֜יו6 of 25

“upon his armour”

H4055

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

וַיֹּ֣אֶל7 of 25

“and he assayed”

H2974

properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition

לָלֶכֶת֮8 of 25
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כִּ֣י9 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹֽא10 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִסִּ֑יתִי11 of 25

“for he had not proved”

H5254

to test; by implication, to attempt

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר12 of 25

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֖ד13 of 25

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל14 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֗וּל15 of 25

“unto Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לֹ֥א16 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אוּכַ֛ל17 of 25

“I cannot”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לָלֶ֥כֶת18 of 25
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָּאֵ֖לֶּה19 of 25
H428

these or those

כִּ֣י20 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֣א21 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִסִּ֑יתִי22 of 25

“for he had not proved”

H5254

to test; by implication, to attempt

וַיְסִרֵ֥ם23 of 25

“put”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

דָּוִ֖ד24 of 25

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֵֽעָלָֽיו׃25 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great 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 17:39 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 17:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 10:4-5Zechariah 4:6Hosea 1:7

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