King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:47 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:47 in the King James Version says “And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he wil... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

1 Samuel 17:47 · KJV


Context

45

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

46

This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. deliver: Heb. shut thee up

47

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

48

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

49

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

The declaration 'the battle is the LORD's' (ki YHWH hamilchamah) expresses the central theological truth of this narrative. God does not merely help in battle; the battle belongs to Him. 'Not with sword and spear' negates human military confidence while affirming divine sovereignty. This principle echoes throughout Scripture: 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD' (Zechariah 4:6).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient near eastern royal inscriptions invariably credited military victories to national deities. Israel's distinctive contribution was absolute attribution of victory to Yahweh alone, with human warriors as mere instruments. David's statement represents this theology's clearest expression.

Reflection Questions

  1. What battles in your life need to be surrendered to God's ownership rather than fought in your own strength?
  2. How does 'the battle is the LORD's' reshape your approach to conflict and opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְיֵֽדְעוּ֙1 of 16

shall know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כָּל2 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַקָּהָ֣ל3 of 16

And all this assembly

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

הַזֶּ֔ה4 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּֽי5 of 16
H3588

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

לֹ֛א6 of 16
H3808

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

בְּחֶ֥רֶב7 of 16

not with sword

H2719

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

וּבַֽחֲנִ֖ית8 of 16

and spear

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

יְהוֹשִׁ֣יעַ9 of 16

saveth

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

לַֽיהוָה֙10 of 16

is the LORD'S

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֤י11 of 16
H3588

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

לַֽיהוָה֙12 of 16

is the LORD'S

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה13 of 16

for the battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וְנָתַ֥ן14 of 16

and he will give

H5414

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

אֶתְכֶ֖ם15 of 16
H853

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

בְּיָדֵֽנוּ׃16 of 16

you into our hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v


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 17:47 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 17:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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