King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 18:30 Mean?

1 Samuel 18:30 in the King James Version says “Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself m... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 18:30 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Chapter 18 concludes with David's reputation ascending while Saul's enmity deepens. The Philistine princes' campaigns provided context for David's continued military success. His wisdom (sakal) exceeded 'all the servants of Saul' - a comparative superlative emphasizing his exceptional ability. The phrase 'his name was much set by' (yaqar, precious/honored) indicates his reputation became increasingly valuable. Every circumstance that should have destroyed David - Saul's schemes, dangerous missions, court intrigue - instead elevated him. God was systematically preparing His chosen king through the very opposition meant to eliminate him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philistine military activity was cyclical, with princes leading campaigns during favorable seasons. David's success against these ongoing threats built his reputation among both military personnel and common people. The contrast between David's rising star and Saul's declining effectiveness became increasingly obvious.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has opposition in your life become the very means of your growth and preparation?
  2. What does David's continued excellence despite danger teach about faithfulness under pressure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
צֵאתָ֗ם1 of 14

they went forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

שָׂרֵ֣י2 of 14

Then the princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים3 of 14

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיְהִ֣י׀4 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִדֵּ֣י5 of 14

and it came to pass after

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

צֵאתָ֗ם6 of 14

they went forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

שָׂכַ֤ל7 of 14

behaved himself more wisely

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

דָּוִד֙8 of 14

that David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִכֹּל֙9 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַבְדֵ֣י10 of 14

than all the servants

H5650

a servant

שָׁא֔וּל11 of 14

of Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיִּיקַ֥ר12 of 14

set by

H3365

properly, apparently, to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) valuable; causatively, to make rare (figuratively, to inhibit)

שְׁמ֖וֹ13 of 14

so that his name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מְאֹֽד׃14 of 14

was much

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or


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 18:30 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 18:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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