King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 18:26 Mean?

1 Samuel 18:26 in the King James Version says “And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not e...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired. expired: Heb. fulfilled”

1 Samuel 18:26 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired. expired: Heb. fulfilled

27

Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.

28

And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him.

Read 1 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.

David's pleasure at the arrangement - even knowing its dangerous requirement - reveals his confidence in God's protection. The phrase 'the days were not expired' indicates a deadline for completing the bride-price, adding urgency to an already dangerous mission. David's positive response may reflect genuine desire to marry Michal, recognition of the political advantage, or confidence that God would preserve him as He had against Goliath. What Saul designed as an impossible death trap, David received as an achievable challenge. Faith transforms perspective on impossible circumstances.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Time limits on bride-price completion were common, preventing indefinite delay. The deadline intensified the danger by requiring rapid military action. David's acceptance bound him to attempt the mission regardless of its risks.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does faith transform your perception of seemingly impossible challenges?
  2. What does David's eager acceptance of dangerous tasks reveal about his confidence in God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּגִּ֨דוּ1 of 15

“told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

עֲבָדָ֤יו2 of 15

“And when his servants”

H5650

a servant

דָוִ֔ד3 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת4 of 15
H853

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

הַדָּבָר֙5 of 15

“these words”

H1697

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

הָאֵ֔לֶּה6 of 15
H428

these or those

וַיִּשַׁ֤ר7 of 15

“it pleased”

H3474

to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous

הַדָּבָר֙8 of 15

“these words”

H1697

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

בְּעֵינֵ֣י9 of 15
H5869

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

דָוִ֔ד10 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְהִתְחַתֵּ֖ן11 of 15

“son in law”

H2859

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

בַּמֶּ֑לֶךְ12 of 15

“well to be the king's”

H4428

a king

וְלֹ֥א13 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מָֽלְא֖וּ14 of 15

“were not expired”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

הַיָּמִֽים׃15 of 15

“and the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 18:26 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 18:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 18:21

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 18 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes