1 Samuel 17:38
1 Samuel 17:38 in Multiple Translations
Then Saul clothed David in his own tunic, put a bronze helmet on his head, and dressed him in armor.
¶ And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
And Saul clad David with his apparel, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail.
Then Saul gave David his clothing of war, and put a head-dress of brass on his head and had him clothed with a coat of metal.
Saul gave David his own battle clothes to wear, placed a bronze helmet on his head, and put armor on him.
And Saul put his rayment vpon Dauid, and put an helmet of brasse vpon his head, and put a brigandine vpon him.
And Saul clotheth David with his long robe, and hath put a helmet of brass on his head, and doth clothe him with a coat of mail.
Saul dressed David with his clothing. He put a helmet of bronze on his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail.
And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
And Saul clothed David with his garments, and put a helmet of brass upon his head, and armed him with a coat of mail.
Then Saul gave to David his own clothes that he always wore in battles, and he gave him a bronze helmet and a coat made of metal plates.
Saul had some iron plates there, to use in a fight. He used to put them on to cover his body. Those things were really heavy. He gave them to David to put on. He also gave him a hat made of bronze, to cover the head.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:38
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 17:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּלְבֵּ֨שׁ
שָׁא֤וּל
אֶת
דָּוִד֙
מַדָּ֔י/ו
וְ/נָתַ֛ן
ק֥וֹבַע
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת
עַל
רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ
וַ/יַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ
אֹת֖/וֹ
שִׁרְיֽוֹן
וַ/יַּלְבֵּ֨שׁ
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֤וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
מַדָּ֔י/ו
mad
H4055
garment
N-mp | Suff
וְ/נָתַ֛ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ק֥וֹבַע
qôwbaʻ
H6959
helmet
N-ms
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
bronze
N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
שִׁרְיֽוֹן
shiryôwn
H8302
lance
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:38
וַ/יַּלְבֵּ֨שׁ
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
שָׁא֤וּל
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּוִד֙
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.
מַדָּ֔י/ו
mad
H4055
"garment"
N-mp | Suff
A garment or measure, describing something that is measured or fitted. This word is used in the Bible to describe clothing, armor, or a carpet.
Definition: 1) measure, cloth garment 1a) measure 1b) cloth, carpet 1c) garment (outer)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: armour, clothes, garment, judgment, measure, raiment, stature. See also: Leviticus 6:3; 1 Samuel 17:39; Psalms 109:18.
וְ/נָתַ֛ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ק֥וֹבַע
qôwbaʻ
H6959
"helmet"
N-ms
A helmet is a protective head covering, and this word is used in the Bible to describe a helmet worn for protection, such as in battle.
Definition: helmet
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: helmet. See also: 1 Samuel 17:38; Ezekiel 23:24.
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
"bronze"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וַ/יַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שִׁרְיֽוֹן
shiryôwn
H8302
"lance"
N-cs
This word refers to a type of armor worn for protection, including breastplates and coats of mail. It is used to describe the defensive gear worn by soldiers in battle, providing them with safety and security. The armor was often made of metal or leather.
Definition: 1) a weapon 1a) perhaps a lance, javelin
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: breastplate, coat of mail, habergeon, harness. See H5630 (סִרְיֹן). See also: 1 Samuel 17:5; 2 Chronicles 26:14; Isaiah 59:17.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 17:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:38
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:38
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:38
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:38
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:38
Context — David Slays Goliath
36Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”
37David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.”
38Then Saul clothed David in his own tunic, put a bronze helmet on his head, and dressed him in armor.
39David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not accustomed to them. “I cannot walk in these,” David said to Saul. “I am not accustomed to them.” So David took them off. 40And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine.1 Samuel 17:38 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 17:38, Saul tries to help David by giving him his own armor, but David is not used to wearing it. This shows that sometimes our attempts to help others may not be what they need. David trusts in God's power and deliverance, not in the armor or physical protection, as seen in Psalm 28:7. We can learn from David's example to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than relying on our own strength or resources, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul give David his own armor?
Saul gave David his own armor because he wanted to help David feel more prepared and protected for the battle against Goliath, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:38, but David was not accustomed to wearing such armor, as stated in 1 Samuel 17:39.
What can we learn from Saul's attempt to dress David in his armor?
We can learn that sometimes our attempts to help others may not be what they need, and it's essential to trust in God's plan and provision, as David did when he said in 1 Samuel 17:37, 'The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.'
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse shows that David's faith and trust in God were not in the armor or the physical protection, but in God's power and deliverance, as seen in Psalm 28:7, where it says, 'The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.'
What does this verse teach us about humility and dependence on God?
This verse teaches us that true strength and victory come not from our own abilities or resources, but from our dependence on God, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.'
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'armors' in my life that I rely on for protection and strength, and how can I learn to trust in God's power and provision instead?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's deliverance and provision in the face of overwhelming challenges and fears?
- What are the areas in my life where I need to take off the 'armor' of self-reliance and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28, 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.'
- How can I apply the lesson of 1 Samuel 17:38 to my daily life, recognizing that my strength and protection come from God, not from my own abilities or resources?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:38
And Saul armed David with his armour,.... Not with what he wore himself; for it cannot be thought he would strip himself of his armour in the field of battle, and when just going to it; and besides
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:38
And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. Saul armed David with his armour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:38
With his armour; either, 1. With Saul’ s own armour which he used to wear in battle; which seems not to agree with the extraordinary height of Saul’ s stature, ; nor is it like that Saul would disarm himself, when he was going forth to the battle, ,21. Or, 2. With armour taken out of his armoury. Not that the whole armory of Saul was brought into the field; but that some chosen arms were taken out thence, and brought for any emergent occasion. Or rather, 3. With his vestments, or garments. For, 1. So the Hebrew word properly and usually signifies; and so this same word is translated, . 2. His armour is distinguished from this, and is particularly described in the following words.
He seems therefore to speak of some military vestments which were then used in war, and were contrived for defence; such as buff-coats now are.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:38
1 Samuel 17:38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.Ver. 38. And Saul armed David with his armour.] Not the same that himself used to wear, for there would have been no proportionableness; but with armour taken out of Saul’ s armory or storehouse, and meet for David’ s body.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:38
(38) And Saul armed David with his armour.—But the king was determined to omit no earthly means of securing victory to his young champion, and we read how he made him try on his own various pieces of fighting array, doubtless the best-tempered and costliest that the camp of Israel possessed. The word rendered “his armour” literally signifies his garments, that is, the dress worn beneath the mail. Upon this was buckled on the heavy metal armour suit, with the great fighting sword and the royal helm. It is not necessary to suppose David was at all of the same proportions as Saul, for much of the dress could have been speedily adjusted to the requirements of one slighter and shorter than the king; besides, the result shows they were, in spite of alteration, far too heavy and cumbersome. “I cannot go with these,” simply said the brave boy, his purpose, however, of meeting the Philistine giant quite unshaken, though he found his comparatively weak person unable to bear the weight of the king’s panoply or to wield his arms.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:38
Verse 38. Saul armed David] He knew that although the battle was the Lord's, yet prudent means should be used to secure success.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:38
38. armed David with his armour] Clothed David with his dress: probably a special military dress adapted to be worn with armour. The sword was fastened to it (1 Samuel 17:39). Cp. 1 Samuel 18:4 (E. V. garments). a coat of mail] A corselet. The fact that he could wear Saul’s armour at all shews that he must have been full grown, perhaps about twenty years old.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Modern Truths From the Conflict of David and Goliath by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, Dr. Ian Paisley emphasizes the importance of relying on the Word of God as the ultimate weapon in spiritual warfare. He uses the story of David and Goliath from 1 S |
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Surviving the Anointing - Part 2 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surviving the anointing by returning to God and embracing His presence. It highlights the dangers of rejecting wisdom, standing in the path |