King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:57 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:57 in the King James Version says “And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.”

1 Samuel 17:57 · King James Version

Context

55

And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.

56

And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is.

57

And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.

58

And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.

The visual image is striking: the young shepherd standing before the tall king, holding the severed head of the giant who had terrorized Israel's army. David carries the trophy that proves his victory - evidence that what seemed impossible through human strength became simple through faith. Abner's role in presenting David formally introduces him to court life. The Hebrew harag (slaughter) emphasizes the completeness of Goliath's defeat. This moment marks David's transition from obscure shepherd to public figure, a trajectory ordained by God but accomplished through faith-filled action.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Presenting severed heads of defeated enemies was standard ancient Near Eastern practice, documented in Egyptian and Assyrian records. Such trophies served as proof of victory and were sometimes displayed publicly. Abner's role as military commander made him the appropriate intermediary for presenting a warrior to the king.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'trophies' of God's faithfulness can you point to as evidence of His work in your life?
  2. How does David's presentation before Saul illustrate the transition from hidden preparation to public ministry?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּכְשׁ֣וּב1 of 14

“returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

דָּוִ֗ד2 of 14

“And as David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֵֽהַכּוֹת֙3 of 14

“from the slaughter”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת4 of 14
H853

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

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י5 of 14

“of the Philistine”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיִּקַּ֤ח6 of 14

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֹתוֹ֙7 of 14
H853

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

אַבְנֵ֔ר8 of 14

“Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

וַיְבִאֵ֖הוּ9 of 14

“him and brought”

H935

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

לִפְנֵ֣י10 of 14

“him before”

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

שָׁא֑וּל11 of 14

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְרֹ֥אשׁ12 of 14

“with the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י13 of 14

“of the Philistine”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

בְּיָדֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“in 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

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 17:57 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 17:57 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 17:54

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