King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:48 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:48 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 17:48 · KJV

Context

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.

50

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 14 words
וְהָיָה֙1 of 14
H1961

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

כִּֽי2 of 14
H3588

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

קָ֣ם3 of 14

“arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּֽי׃4 of 14

“And it came to pass when the Philistine”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ5 of 14
H1980

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

וַיִּקְרַ֖ב6 of 14

“and drew nigh”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לִקְרַ֥את7 of 14

“to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

דָּוִ֔ד8 of 14

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיְמַהֵ֣ר9 of 14

“hasted”

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

דָּוִ֔ד10 of 14

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיָּ֥רָץ11 of 14

“and ran”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

הַמַּֽעֲרָכָ֖ה12 of 14

“toward the army”

H4634

an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array

לִקְרַ֥את13 of 14

“to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּֽי׃14 of 14

“And it came to pass when the Philistine”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

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 17:48 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 17:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 27:1Proverbs 28:1

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