King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:50 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:50 in the King James Version says “So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 17:50 · KJV

Context

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.

52

And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The narrative emphasizes 'there was no sword in the hand of David' - victory came through means humanly insufficient, ensuring God received glory. This verse summarizes the theological point: divine power, not human weaponry, determines outcomes. David's lack of conventional weapons made God's intervention unmistakable. The same pattern appears throughout Scripture: God chooses weak instruments to shame the strong.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The author's emphasis on David's lack of sword highlights the miraculous nature of victory. Standard combat required close-quarter weapons after initial engagement. David's victory subverted every military expectation of his era.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God deliberately use inadequate resources to ensure He receives glory for victories?
  2. What does this principle mean for your evaluation of your own resources for spiritual battles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֨ק1 of 14

“prevailed”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

דָּוִֽד׃2 of 14

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִן3 of 14

“over”

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י4 of 14

“the Philistine”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

בַּקֶּ֣לַע5 of 14

“with a sling”

H7050

a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself

וּבָאֶ֔בֶן6 of 14

“and with a stone”

H68

a stone

וַיַּ֥ךְ7 of 14

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת8 of 14
H853

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

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י9 of 14

“the Philistine”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיְמִתֵ֑הוּ10 of 14

“and slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְחֶ֖רֶב11 of 14

“him but there was no sword”

H2719

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

אֵ֥ין12 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בְּיַד13 of 14

“in the 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

דָּוִֽד׃14 of 14

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

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 17:50 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 17:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 15:151 Samuel 23:211 Samuel 17:391 Samuel 21:9Judges 3:311 Samuel 13:22

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1 Samuel 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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