King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:42 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:42 in the King James Version says “And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

1 Samuel 17:42 · KJV


Context

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.

42

And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

43

And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

44

And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

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
וַיַּבֵּ֧ט1 of 13

looked about

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י2 of 13

And when the Philistine

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיִּרְאֶ֥ה3 of 13

and saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת4 of 13
H853

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

דָּוִ֖ד5 of 13

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּבְזֵ֑הוּ6 of 13

he disdained

H959

to disesteem

כִּֽי7 of 13
H3588

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

הָיָ֣ה8 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נַ֔עַר9 of 13

him for he was but a youth

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וְאַדְמֹנִ֖י10 of 13

and ruddy

H132

reddish (of the hair or the complexion)

עִם11 of 13
H5973

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

יְפֵ֥ה12 of 13

and of a fair

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

מַרְאֶֽה׃13 of 13

countenance

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),


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 17:42 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 17:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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