King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 18:29 Mean?

And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.”

1 Samuel 18:29 · King James Version

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

29

And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.

30

Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by. set by: Heb. precious

Read 1 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.

Saul's perpetual enmity ('oyev) toward David had become settled disposition rather than passing emotion. The Hebrew indicates permanent hostile status - 'enemy continually' marks the relationship's sad deterioration. What began as appreciation (16:21) degraded to jealousy, then fear, then murder attempts, finally settling into implacable opposition. Sin's trajectory is ever downward without divine intervention.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The term 'enemy' carried legal and covenant implications in ancient Israel. David would later refuse to harm Saul despite this enmity, demonstrating the higher standard of God's kingdom. Saul's enmity would dominate his remaining years.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does unchecked sin progress from attitude to action to settled disposition?
  2. What does Saul's trajectory warn about the importance of early repentance?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֹּ֣אסֶף
1 of 13

“was yet the more”

H3254
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
שָׁא֛וּל
2 of 13

“And Saul”

H7586
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
לֵרֹ֛א
3 of 13

“afraid”

H3372
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מִפְּנֵ֥י
4 of 13

“of”

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
דָּוִ֖ד
5 of 13

“David”

H1732
david, the youngest son of jesse
ע֑וֹד
6 of 13
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וַיְהִ֥י
7 of 13
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׁא֛וּל
8 of 13

“And Saul”

H7586
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
אֹיֵ֥ב
9 of 13

“enemy”

H341
hating; an adversary
אֶת
10 of 13
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דָּוִ֖ד
11 of 13

“David”

H1732
david, the youngest son of jesse
כָּל
12 of 13
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיָּמִֽים׃
13 of 13

“continually”

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 18:29 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 18:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 4:4Genesis 4:4-81 Samuel 18:121 John 3:12-15Psalms 37:12-14James 2:19

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