1 Samuel 17:14
1 Samuel 17:14 in Multiple Translations
And David was the youngest. The three oldest had followed Saul,
And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.
And David was the youngest; and the three eldest followed Saul.
And David was the youngest: and the three oldest were with Saul's army.
David was the youngest. The three oldest were with Saul,
So Dauid was the least: and the three eldest went after Saul.
And David is the youngest, and the three eldest have gone after Saul,
David was the youngest; and the three oldest followed Saul.
And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.
But David was the youngest. So the three eldest having followed Saul,
David was Jesse’s youngest son. While his three oldest brothers were with Saul,
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:14
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 17:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
ה֣וּא
הַ/קָּטָ֑ן
וּ/שְׁלֹשָׁה֙
הַ/גְּדֹלִ֔ים
הָלְכ֖וּ
אַחֲרֵ֥י
שָׁאֽוּל
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Conj | N-proper
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הַ/קָּטָ֑ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Art | Adj
וּ/שְׁלֹשָׁה֙
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Conj | Adj
הַ/גְּדֹלִ֔ים
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
הָלְכ֖וּ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
שָׁאֽוּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:14
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Conj | 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.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הַ/קָּטָ֑ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
וּ/שְׁלֹשָׁה֙
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
הַ/גְּדֹלִ֔ים
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הָלְכ֖וּ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
שָׁאֽוּל
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 17:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:14
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:14
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:14
Context — David Accepts the Challenge
12Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons. And in the days of Saul, Jesse was old and well along in years.
13The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah.
14And David was the youngest. The three oldest had followed Saul,
15but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem. 16For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening to take his stand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 16:11 | And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” |
| 2 | Genesis 25:23 | and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” |
1 Samuel 17:14 Summary
This verse tells us that David was the youngest son in his family, and his older brothers had gone to fight in the army with King Saul. David, on the other hand, was taking care of his father's sheep, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:15. This shows that David was not considered important or qualified for battle by his family or society, but God had other plans for him, as stated in Psalm 78:70-72. It reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 55:8-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bible mention the age and birth order of David and his brothers?
The Bible mentions the age and birth order of David and his brothers to highlight David's humble beginnings and to contrast him with his older brothers, who had followed Saul into battle, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:14 and 1 Samuel 16:6-13. This emphasizes God's ability to choose and use the unlikely and the humble, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29.
What can we learn from the fact that David's brothers had followed Saul, while David was left to tend the sheep?
The fact that David's brothers had followed Saul, while David was left to tend the sheep, shows that David was not considered important or qualified for battle by his family or society, but God had other plans for him, as seen in Psalm 78:70-72 and 1 Samuel 16:11-13.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of David and Goliath?
This verse sets the stage for the story of David and Goliath, as it introduces David as the youngest and seemingly insignificant brother, who will soon face the giant Goliath and trust in God for victory, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-51. It highlights David's faith and trust in God, which will be demonstrated in the upcoming battle.
What does this verse teach us about God's sovereignty and plan?
This verse teaches us that God's plan and sovereignty often involve using the unlikely and the humble, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:14 and Jeremiah 29:11. It reminds us that God's ways are not our ways, and He can use anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to accomplish His purposes, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like the 'youngest' or the 'least qualified', and how can I trust God to use me in those areas?
- How can I, like David, prioritize my relationship with God and trust in His plan, even when I feel overshadowed or underestimated by others?
- What are some 'giants' in my life that I need to face, and how can I, like David, trust in God's power and promises to overcome them?
- How can I balance my desire for recognition and importance with the humility and trust that David demonstrated in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:14
And David was the youngest,.... For the sake of whom this account is given of Jesse and his family, and who after this makes a considerable figure in the camp and court of Saul: and the three eldest
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:14
Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. Compare the notes at 1 Samuel 16:14-23.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:14
1 Samuel 17:14 And David [was] the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.Ver. 14. And David was the youngest.] Yet second to none of them in valour; which yet he is not too forward to put forth, till fairly called to it. One would have thought that Jesse, who knew of David’ s anointing, should have sent him above all the rest of his sons to the wars. But God had a holy hand in all.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:14
12–31. David’s errand to the camp 12–31. This section is not found in the Vatican MS. of the Sept. On the difficulties it presents, and the question of its genuineness see Note VI. p. 241.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:14
12-31. By many critics this passage has been regarded as an interpolation, chiefly for the following reasons:(1.) It is wanting in the Vatican Codex of the Septuagint.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Feeding and Leading by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a person of integrity and using one's unique gifts and message in preaching. He encourages preachers to not be imitat |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the new birth and how God does not choose individuals based on their natural abilities or birth order. The preacher uses t |
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(The Life of David) 05 Purpose and Power in David's Life by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God has a purpose for every young person's life. He uses the example of David from the Bible to illustrate this point. The speaker encou |
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Vessels of Recovery Ii by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the condition of the people of Israel during the time of Eli. The Word of God was rare and the people were spiritually low. Despite being deli |
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(1 Samuel) Strengthening Your Hand in God by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of David in 1 Samuel 23 and his response to a difficult situation. David finds himself in a dark and challenging time, but instead |
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The Testing of David by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David, highlighting how God chose David for his faithfulness and concern for God's glory, contrasting him with Saul, who failed God's tests. Da |
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(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 |