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1 Samuel 16:21

1 Samuel 16:21 in Multiple Translations

When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer.

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armorbearer.

And David came to Saul, waiting before him: and he became very dear to Saul, who made him his servant, giving him the care of his arms.

David came to Saul and began working for him. Saul thought a great deal of him, and David became his armor-bearer.

And Dauid came to Saul, and stoode before him: and he loued him verie well, and he was his armour bearer.

And David cometh in unto Saul, and standeth before him, and he loveth him greatly; and he is a bearer of his weapons.

David came to Saul and stood before him. He loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armor-bearer.

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him exceedingly, and made him his armourbearer.

Then David went to Saul and started to work for him. Saul liked David very much, and he became the man who carried Saul’s weapons when Saul went to fight in battles.

From then on, David worked for Saul. He liked David very much, so he gave him another job. Whenever the Israel mob went to fight their enemies, David carried Saul’s spear and shield for him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 16:21

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 16:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֤א דָוִד֙ אֶל שָׁא֔וּל וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ד לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו וַ/יֶּאֱהָבֵ֣/הֽוּ מְאֹ֔ד וַֽ/יְהִי ל֖/וֹ נֹשֵׂ֥א כֵלִֽים
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
וַ/יֶּאֱהָבֵ֣/הֽוּ ʼâhab H157 to love Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
מְאֹ֔ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv
וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff
נֹשֵׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal
כֵלִֽים kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 16:21

וַ/יָּבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַ/יֶּאֱהָבֵ֣/הֽוּ ʼâhab H157 "to love" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
מְאֹ֔ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
נֹשֵׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
כֵלִֽים kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 16:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 41:46 Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.
2 Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
3 Psalms 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.
4 Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.
5 Psalms 118:9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
6 1 Kings 10:8 How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!
7 Deuteronomy 1:38 Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter it. Encourage him, for he will enable Israel to inherit the land.
8 Psalms 62:9 Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.

1 Samuel 16:21 Summary

[This verse tells us that David came to work for King Saul and became his armor-bearer, which means he carried Saul's armor and weapons into battle. This was an important job that required trust and responsibility, as seen in Judges 9:54. David's willingness to serve Saul shows us the importance of humility and obedience to God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and 1 Samuel 24:1-22. As we read this verse, we can reflect on how we can use our own gifts and talents to serve others, just like David did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that David became Saul's armor-bearer?

As Saul's armor-bearer, David was responsible for carrying Saul's armor and weapons into battle, a position of great trust and responsibility, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Judges 9:54 and 1 Samuel 31:4.

Why did Saul admire David so greatly?

The Bible doesn't give a specific reason why Saul admired David, but it may be because of David's faith, his skills as a musician, or his bravery, as seen in his encounter with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:1-58.

What can we learn from David's willingness to serve Saul?

David's willingness to serve Saul, despite Saul being the king who would later try to kill him, demonstrates David's humility and obedience to God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and 1 Samuel 24:1-22.

How does this verse relate to David's future role as king?

This verse shows how David, who would later become king, began his relationship with Saul, the current king, in a position of service and humility, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and Psalm 78:70-72.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and obedience to God, like David did in this verse?
  2. How can I use my gifts and talents to serve others, like David used his music to serve Saul?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God and be faithful, even when it's difficult or uncertain?
  4. How can I cultivate a heart of service and humility, like David did in his relationship with Saul?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:21

And David came to Saul, and stood before him,.... As a servant, and ministered to him in the way, and for the purpose for which he was sent: and he loved him greatly; being a comely person, and a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:21

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. David came to Saul. Providence thus prepared David for his destiny, by placing him in a way to become David came to Saul.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:21

Stood before him, i.e. ministered unto him; or (as we use to speak) waited upon him, as that phrase oft signifies; as 10:8. He became his armour-bearer; he had that place conferred upon him, though we do not read that he ever exercised it; for it seems he was gone back to his father upon some occasion not related, and had abode with him some considerable time before the war described, 1 Samuel 17, happened.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:21

1 Samuel 16:21 And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.Ver. 21. And he loved him greatly.] But better he had loved him little, so he had loved him long. Trust not in princes. Alvarez de Luna told them that admired his fortune and great favour with the king of Castile, You do wrong to commend the building before it is finished.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:21

(21) And he became his armour-bearer.—But probably only for a very short time. David returned, we should conclude, to Samuel, whose pupil and friend we know he was. The seer was watching over the young man with a view to his lofty destiny. Saul apparently, from his question in 1 Samuel 17:55, “Whose son is this youth?” had forgotten all about him. There is no “note of time,” so we are not able to determine how long a period had elapsed between the events narrated in this chapter and the combat with the Philistines told in 1 Samuel 17. It is, however, likely that the king’s malady, which was making rapid progress in this period of his reign, had already obscured his once powerful mind; his memory for the past was likely enough to have been treacherous.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 16:21

The difficulty of reconciling this verse with 1 Samuel 17:55-58, is met thus: The words here are the ultimate sequence of David’s first visit to Saul, and of his skill in music, and are therefore

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:21

21. He became his armourbearer — That is, Saul conferred upon him this office as a token of confidence and love; but he never actually exercised its duties, unless, perhaps, for a short time after his victory over Goliath.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 16:21

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 41:46-49 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph in the Bible and how he managed the abundance and scarcity of food during his time in Egypt. Joseph gathered and stored gr
Warren Wiersbe How Long Can You Wait? by Warren Wiersbe Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the danger of impatience with God, using examples of everyday frustrations to illustrate the impatience we often feel. He delves into Psalm 13:1-6, where
J.R. Miller Practical Lessons From the Story of Joseph by J.R. Miller J.R. Miller explores the life of Joseph, emphasizing God's providence in his journey from being a favored son to a slave and then a prisoner, ultimately rising to power in Egypt. H
Zac Poonen (Gaining God's Approval) 7. the Testing of David by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting his faithfulness in mundane tasks, concern for God's glory, and refusal to take revenge agai
William MacDonald Lessons From Daniel by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dark days in Israel described in the first two verses of the Bible. The people of God are in captivity in Babylon under the rule of Nebuch
Joshua Daniel The Sin of Covetousness by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the dangers of convenient, non-scriptural religion, highlighting the importance of living a holy life free from sins like fornication, uncleanness, and covet
George Verwer Ict Meeting on Logos 20.9.83 by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and unpredictability of doing God's work in Brahman. They mention the lack of funds and the need to be flexible in their transp

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