King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 19:8 Mean?

1 Samuel 19:8 in the King James Version says “And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.

Read 1 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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

  1. How do you continue faithful service to those who may wish you harm?
  2. What does David's ongoing military excellence despite court danger teach about compartmentalizing personal conflict from duty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַתּ֥וֹסֶף1 of 13

“again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה2 of 13

“And there was war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

לִֽהְי֑וֹת3 of 13
H1961

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

וַיֵּצֵ֨א4 of 13

“went out”

H3318

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

דָוִ֜ד5 of 13

“and David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּלָּ֣חֶם6 of 13

“and fought”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֗ים7 of 13

“with the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיַּ֤ךְ8 of 13

“and slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בָּהֶם֙9 of 13
H0
מַכָּ֣ה10 of 13

“slaughter”

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

גְדוֹלָ֔ה11 of 13

“them with a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַיָּנֻ֖סוּ12 of 13

“and they fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

מִפָּנָֽיו׃13 of 13

“from”

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

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

Psalms 18:32-50Psalms 27:3

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