King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:49 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:49 in the King James Version says “And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 17:49 · KJV

Context

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.

51

Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The stone sinking into Goliath's forehead accomplished what no sword could - divine precision guided by humble faith. The Hebrew tava' (to sink, penetrate) emphasizes complete penetration. Goliath's fall 'upon his face to the earth' fulfilled David's prophecy and demonstrated the living God's superiority over the Philistine champion's lifeless gods. What seemed impossible became simple through divine intervention.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Head wounds were often fatal in ancient combat. Goliath's helmet apparently left his forehead vulnerable. The forehead was considered a symbol of pride and defiance (Ezekiel 3:7-9), making its penetration symbolically appropriate.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you witnessed God's precision in accomplishing what seemed impossible?
  2. What does Goliath's fall 'upon his face' teach about the ultimate humiliation of all who defy God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩1 of 22

“put”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

דָּוִ֨ד2 of 22

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 22
H853

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

יָד֜וֹ4 of 22

“his hand”

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

אֶל5 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֶּ֗לִי6 of 22

“in his bag”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וַיִּקַּ֨ח7 of 22

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִשָּׁ֥ם8 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הָאֶ֙בֶן֙9 of 22

“that the stone”

H68

a stone

וַיְקַלַּ֔ע10 of 22

“and slang”

H7049

to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)

וַיַּ֥ךְ11 of 22

“it and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת12 of 22
H853

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

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י13 of 22

“the Philistine”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

אֶל14 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּמִצְח֔וֹ15 of 22

“in his forehead”

H4696

the forehead (as open and prominent)

וַתִּטְבַּ֤ע16 of 22

“sunk”

H2883

to sink

הָאֶ֙בֶן֙17 of 22

“that the stone”

H68

a stone

בְּמִצְח֔וֹ18 of 22

“in his forehead”

H4696

the forehead (as open and prominent)

וַיִּפֹּ֥ל19 of 22

“and he fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עַל20 of 22
H5921

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

פָּנָ֖יו21 of 22

“upon his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אָֽרְצָה׃22 of 22

“to the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 17:49 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 17:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1:27-282 Kings 9:241 Kings 22:34

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