King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 18:8 Mean?

1 Samuel 18:8 in the King James Version says “And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? displeased him: Heb. was evil in his eyes”

1 Samuel 18:8 · KJV

Context

6

And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. Philistine: or, Philistines instruments: Heb. three stringed instruments

7

And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

8

And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? displeased him: Heb. was evil in his eyes

9

And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

10

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.

Read 1 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

Saul's question 'what can he have more but the kingdom?' reveals the root of his jealousy - fear of losing power. The Hebrew charah (to burn with anger) indicates intense emotional response. Saul correctly perceived that popular acclaim could translate into political power. His spiritual condition transformed what should have been national celebration into personal threat. Fear of man replaced fear of God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient monarchies frequently faced challenges from successful military commanders who leveraged popularity into coups. Saul's fear had historical precedent, though David gave no indication of such ambitions. The progression from anger to suspicion ('eyed David') marks Saul's descent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does insecurity corrupt perception of others' success?
  2. What does Saul's fear teach about the relationship between spiritual health and leadership security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּ֨חַר1 of 18

“wroth”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

לְשָׁא֜וּל2 of 18

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מְאֹ֗ד3 of 18

“was very”

H3966

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

וַיֵּ֤רַע4 of 18

“displeased”

H3415

properly, to be broken up (with any violent action) i.e., (figuratively) to fear

בְּעֵינָיו֙5 of 18
H5869

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר6 of 18

“and the saying”

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֔ה7 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר8 of 18

“him and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָֽתְנ֖וּ9 of 18

“They have ascribed”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְדָוִד֙10 of 18

“unto David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

רְבָב֔וֹת11 of 18

“ten thousands”

H7233

abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)

וְלִ֥י12 of 18
H0
נָֽתְנ֖וּ13 of 18

“They have ascribed”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

הָֽאֲלָפִ֑ים14 of 18

“but thousands”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְע֥וֹד15 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

ל֖וֹ16 of 18
H0
אַ֥ךְ17 of 18
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

הַמְּלוּכָֽה׃18 of 18

“and what can he have more but the kingdom”

H4410

something ruled, i.e., a realm

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 18:8 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 18:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:28Proverbs 13:10Esther 3:51 Samuel 20:31James 4:5Proverbs 27:4

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