King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 19:8 Mean?
“And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him. him: Heb. his face”
1 Samuel 19:8 · KJV
Context
6
And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.
7
And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past . in times: Heb. yesterday, third day
8
And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him. him: Heb. his face
9
And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.
10
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.
The cycle continues: renewed Philistine conflict provided occasion for David's military success, which triggered Saul's jealousy. The Hebrew makkah gedolah ('great slaughter') emphasizes decisive victory. 'They fled from him' indicates total rout. David continued faithful service despite past persecution, demonstrating character that served Israel's good regardless of personal danger. Ironically, the very victories that protected Israel from enemies made David a target of Israel's king. Faithful service in hostile environments often means blessing those who would harm us.
The cycle continues: renewed Philistine conflict provided occasion for David's military success, which triggered Saul's jealousy. The Hebrew makkah gedolah ('great slaughter') emphasizes decisive victory. 'They fled from him' indicates total rout. David continued faithful service despite past persecution, demonstrating character that served Israel's good regardless of personal danger. Ironically, the very victories that protected Israel from enemies made David a target of Israel's king. Faithful service in hostile environments often means blessing those who would harm us.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Philistine conflicts were recurrent throughout Saul's reign, providing ongoing military challenges. David's consistent success in these engagements built his reputation while depleting Philistine strength. The great slaughter indicated significant strategic victory.
Reflection Questions
- How do you continue faithful service to those who may wish you harm?
- What does David's ongoing military excellence despite court danger teach about compartmentalizing personal conflict from duty?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsהַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה2 of 13
“And there was war”
H4421a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
לִֽהְי֑וֹת3 of 13
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וַיֵּצֵ֨א4 of 13
“went out”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בָּהֶם֙9 of 13
H0מַכָּ֣ה10 of 13
“slaughter”
H4347a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
וַיָּנֻ֖סוּ12 of 13
“and they fled”
H5127to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
מִפָּנָֽיו׃13 of 13
“from”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
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 19:8 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 19:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge