King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 18:23 Mean?

1 Samuel 18:23 in the King James Version says “And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?”

1 Samuel 18:23 · KJV

Context

21

And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.

22

And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law.

23

And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?

24

And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David. On: Heb. According to these words

25

And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.

Read 1 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?

David's response to the servants reveals continued humility: he describes himself as 'a poor man, and lightly esteemed.' The Hebrew rush (poor) and qalal (light/insignificant) contrast sharply with his actual reputation as national hero. Either David maintained genuine self-perception despite success, or he wisely recognized the social realities that made royal marriage an unlikely honor for one of his station. His question 'Seemeth it to you a light thing?' invites the servants to consider the enormity of what they propose.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bride prices for royal marriages were substantial, beyond the means of common families. David's military position provided income but not wealth appropriate for royal alliance. His humble response may also reflect wariness given Merab's previous denial.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain humble self-perception despite external success or recognition?
  2. What wisdom might lie in David's caution about seemingly generous offers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַֽיְדַבְּר֞וּ1 of 18

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עַבְדֵ֤י2 of 18

“servants”

H5650

a servant

שָׁאוּל֙3 of 18

“And Saul's”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

בְּאָזְנֵ֣י4 of 18

“in the ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

דָּוִ֗ד5 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת6 of 18
H853

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

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים7 of 18

“those words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֑לֶּה8 of 18
H428

these or those

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר9 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֗ד10 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הַֽנְקַלָּ֤ה11 of 18

“it to you a light”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

בְעֵֽינֵיכֶם֙12 of 18

“Seemeth”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הִתְחַתֵּ֣ן13 of 18

“son in law”

H2859

to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage

בַּמֶּ֔לֶךְ14 of 18

“thing to be a king's”

H4428

a king

וְאָֽנֹכִ֖י15 of 18
H595

i

אִֽישׁ16 of 18

“man”

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)

רָ֥שׁ17 of 18

“seeing that I am a poor”

H7326

to be destitute

וְנִקְלֶֽה׃18 of 18

“and lightly esteemed”

H7034

to be light (as implied in rapid motion), but figuratively, only (be [causatively, hold] in contempt)

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 18:23 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 18:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 9:21Ecclesiastes 9:15-161 John 3:1Proverbs 19:6-7Psalms 119:141Proverbs 14:20

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