King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:52 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:52 in the King James Version says “And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and t...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 17:52 · KJV

Context

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.

53

And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.

54

And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 23 words
וַיָּקֻ֣מוּ1 of 23

“arose”

H6965

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

אַנְשֵׁי֩2 of 23
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל3 of 23

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וִֽיהוּדָ֜ה4 of 23

“and of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיָּרִ֗עוּ5 of 23

“and shouted”

H7321

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

וַֽיִּרְדְּפוּ֙6 of 23

“and pursued”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אֶת7 of 23
H853

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

פְלִשְׁתִּים֙8 of 23

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

עַד9 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בּֽוֹאֲךָ֣10 of 23

“until thou come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

גַ֔יְא11 of 23

“to the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

וְעַ֖ד12 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שַֽׁעֲרֵ֣י13 of 23

“and to the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

עֶקְרֽוֹן׃14 of 23

“and unto Ekron”

H6138

ekron, a place in palestine

וַֽיִּפְּל֞וּ15 of 23

“fell down”

H5307

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

חַֽלְלֵ֤י16 of 23

“And the wounded”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

פְלִשְׁתִּים֙17 of 23

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ18 of 23

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

שַֽׁעֲרַ֔יִם19 of 23

“to Shaaraim”

H8189

shaarajim, a place in palestine

וְעַד20 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גַּ֖ת21 of 23

“even unto Gath”

H1661

gath, a philistine city

וְעַד22 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֶקְרֽוֹן׃23 of 23

“and unto Ekron”

H6138

ekron, a place in palestine

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 17:52 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 17:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 15:112 Samuel 23:10Joshua 15:33-361 Samuel 14:21-22Joshua 15:45-46Judges 7:23

Places in This Verse

EkronSettlement · Modern: Tel Miqne · 31.78°N, 34.85°E20 verses across 8 books
Gath 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Safi · 31.70°N, 34.85°E38 verses across 10 books
Shaaraim 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet es Sira · 31.74°N, 35.03°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 17 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 17 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes