1 Samuel 17:21
1 Samuel 17:21 in Multiple Translations
And Israel and the Philistines arrayed in formation against each other.
For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.
And Israel and the Philistines put the battle in array, army against army.
And Israel and the Philistines had put their forces in position, army against army.
The Israelites took up their battle line and the Philistines took up their battle line on the opposite side.
For Israel and the Philistims had put themselues in araie, armie against armie.
and Israel and the Philistines set in array rank to meet rank.
Israel and the Philistines put the battle in array, army against army.
For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.
For Israel had put themselves in array, and the Philistines who stood against them were prepared.
The Philistine army and the Israeli army stood on the hillsides, facing each other, ready for the battle.
The Israel mob and the Philistia mob watched each other across the valley.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:21
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 17:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּעֲרֹ֤ךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
מַעֲרָכָ֖ה
לִ/קְרַ֥את
מַעֲרָכָֽה
וַ/תַּעֲרֹ֤ךְ
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Conj | Ngmpa
מַעֲרָכָ֖ה
maʻărâkâh
H4634
rank
N-fs
לִ/קְרַ֥את
qârâʼ
H7122
to encounter
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַעֲרָכָֽה
maʻărâkâh
H4634
rank
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:21
וַ/תַּעֲרֹ֤ךְ
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Conj | Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
מַעֲרָכָ֖ה
maʻărâkâh
H4634
"rank"
N-fs
It refers to a row or rank, often used for military arrays or armies, as in a battle-line or ordered place.
Definition: 1) row, rank, battle-line 1a) battle-line 1b) rank 1c) row Also means: ma.a.rah (מַעֲרָה "army" H4630)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: army, fight, be set in order, ordered place, rank, row. See also: Exodus 39:37; 1 Samuel 17:21; 1 Chronicles 12:39.
לִ/קְרַ֥את
qârâʼ
H7122
"to encounter"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.
Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.
מַעֲרָכָֽה
maʻărâkâh
H4634
"rank"
N-fs
It refers to a row or rank, often used for military arrays or armies, as in a battle-line or ordered place.
Definition: 1) row, rank, battle-line 1a) battle-line 1b) rank 1c) row Also means: ma.a.rah (מַעֲרָה "army" H4630)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: army, fight, be set in order, ordered place, rank, row. See also: Exodus 39:37; 1 Samuel 17:21; 1 Chronicles 12:39.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David Accepts the Challenge
19They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.”
20So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry.
21And Israel and the Philistines arrayed in formation against each other.
22Then David left his supplies in the care of the quartermaster and ran to the battle line. When he arrived, he asked his brothers how they were doing. 23And as he was speaking with them, suddenly the champion named Goliath, the Philistine from Gath, came forward from the ranks of the Philistines and shouted his usual words, which David also heard.1 Samuel 17:21 Summary
In this verse, we see the armies of Israel and the Philistines lining up to face each other in battle, which sets the stage for the famous battle between David and Goliath. This scene reminds us that, as followers of God, we will often face opposition and challenges, but we can trust in God's power and presence to help us, just as David did (1 Samuel 17:45-47). As we face our own battles, we can remember that God is with us and will give us the strength and courage we need to overcome them (Deuteronomy 31:6). By trusting in God and preparing ourselves spiritually, we can confidently step into the midst of challenging situations, just like David did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for armies to 'array in formation against each other'?
This phrase suggests that the armies of Israel and the Philistines are lining up in a battle-ready position, preparing for combat, much like the armies in 2 Kings 9:14 or 2 Chronicles 35:20.
Is this verse describing a specific battle or a general state of war?
This verse is describing a specific moment in time when the armies of Israel and the Philistines are facing each other in the Valley of Elah, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 17:19.
What is the significance of the Valley of Elah in this context?
The Valley of Elah is the location where the Israelites are camping and preparing to fight the Philistines, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 17:19, and it will be the site of David's famous battle with Goliath, as told in 1 Samuel 17:48-51.
How does this verse set the stage for the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter by establishing the tense and confrontational atmosphere between the Israelites and the Philistines, which will ultimately lead to David's confrontation with Goliath, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:23 and following verses.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'stand against' something or someone in my own life, and how can I prepare myself for those battles?
- How can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's power and presence even when faced with overwhelming opposition?
- What are some ways that I can 'array myself' spiritually, making sure I am prepared and ready to face the challenges of the day?
- In what ways can I, like David, confidently step into the midst of a difficult situation, trusting in God's power and provision?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:21
For Israel and all the Philistines had put the battle in array,.... Both sides prepared for it, and drew up in line of battle: army against army; rank against rank, battalion against battalion, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:21
For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:21
1 Samuel 17:21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.Ver. 21. For Israel and the Philistines.] See on 1 Samuel 17:3.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:21
21. For Israel … had put] And Israel … put, &c.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:21
21. Army against army — Render: And Israel and the Philistines set battle array against battle array — That is, they formed their respective armies in battle array on the mountains on either side of