1 Samuel 17:42
1 Samuel 17:42 in Multiple Translations
When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome.
And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance.
And when the Philistine, taking note, saw David, he had a poor opinion of him: for he was only a boy, red-haired and good-looking.
When the Philistine looked closely he could see that David was just a red-faced handsome youth, and so he treated David with contempt.
Now when the Philistim looked about and saw Dauid, he disdeined him: for he was but yong, ruddie, and of a comely face.
and the Philistine looketh attentively, and seeth David, and despiseth him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a fair appearance.
When the Philistine looked around and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and had a good looking face.
And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
And when the Philistine looked, and beheld David, he despised him. For he was a young man, ruddy, and of a comely countenance.
he looked at David closely. He saw that David had a handsome face and healthy body, but that he was only a young man. So he sneered at David.
That big man laughed and made fun of David, “You are just a young man, a pretty boy.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:42
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 17:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּבֵּ֧ט
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י
וַ/יִּרְאֶ֥ה
אֶת
דָּוִ֖ד
וַ/יִּבְזֵ֑/הוּ
כִּֽי
הָיָ֣ה
נַ֔עַר
וְ/אַדְמֹנִ֖י
עִם
יְפֵ֥ה
מַרְאֶֽה
וַ/יַּבֵּ֧ט
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Art | Ngmsa
וַ/יִּרְאֶ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וַ/יִּבְזֵ֑/הוּ
bâzâh
H959
to despise
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָיָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
נַ֔עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
וְ/אַדְמֹנִ֖י
ʼadmônîy
H132
red
Conj | Adj
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יְפֵ֥ה
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
מַרְאֶֽה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:42
וַ/יַּבֵּ֧ט
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Art | Ngmsa
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.
וַ/יִּרְאֶ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
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.
דָּוִ֖ד
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.
וַ/יִּבְזֵ֑/הוּ
bâzâh
H959
"to despise"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To despise or hold in contempt, as seen in Proverbs where it warns against despising wisdom. It can also mean to be despised or worthless, as in the case of a vile person.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, disdain 1a) (Qal) to despise, regard with contempt 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be despised 1b2) to be despicable 1b3) to be vile, worthless 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to despise Also means: ba.zoh (בָּזֹה "to despise" H0960)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible), [phrase] think to scorn, vile person. See also: Genesis 25:34; Psalms 102:18; Psalms 15:4.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָיָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
נַ֔עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וְ/אַדְמֹנִ֖י
ʼadmônîy
H132
"red"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for red describes Esau's appearance at birth, as well as someone with a reddish complexion or hair. It is used to describe Esau in Genesis. The word is also translated as ruddy.
Definition: red, ruddy (of Esau as infant)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: red, ruddy. See also: Genesis 25:25; 1 Samuel 16:12; 1 Samuel 17:42.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יְפֵ֥ה
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
מַרְאֶֽה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:42
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 17:42 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:42
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:42
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:42
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:42
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:42
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:42
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:42
Context — David Slays Goliath
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.
41Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him.
42When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome.
43“Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44“Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 16:12 | So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 17:33 | But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” |
| 3 | Psalms 123:3–4 | Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 11:27–29 | in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief? |
| 6 | 1 Kings 20:18 | “If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.” |
| 7 | Nehemiah 4:2–4 | before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!” Hear us, O God, for we are despised. Turn their scorn back upon their own heads, and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 18:23–24 | Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? |
1 Samuel 17:42 Summary
This verse shows us that the Philistine looked down on David because of his young age and appearance, as stated in 1 Samuel 17:42. However, as we see in the rest of the story, God was with David and gave him the victory, reminding us that God's power is not limited by our weaknesses or appearances, as noted in 2 Corinthians 12:9. We can learn from David's example to trust in God's power and wisdom, even when others may doubt or despise us, and to remember that God looks at the heart, not just our outward appearance, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7. By trusting in God, we can overcome our own limitations and achieve great things, just like David did in 1 Samuel 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistine despise David?
The Philistine despised David because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome, which likely made him appear weak and inexperienced in the eyes of the Philistine, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:42. This reminds us of the importance of not judging by appearances, as noted in 1 Samuel 16:7.
What does it mean that David was 'ruddy and handsome'?
The description of David as 'ruddy and handsome' in 1 Samuel 17:42 may indicate that he had a healthy and youthful appearance, which contrasted with the Philistine's expectation of a strong and intimidating warrior, much like the contrast between the outward appearance and inward faith seen in 2 Corinthians 10:7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the contrast between the world's values and God's values, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:42, where the Philistine's judgment of David is based on outward appearance, whereas God looks at the heart, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, reminding us to trust in God's power and wisdom rather than our own abilities or appearances.
What can we learn from the Philistine's reaction to David?
The Philistine's reaction to David serves as a warning against underestimating others based on their appearance or perceived weaknesses, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:42, and reminds us of the importance of humility and trust in God, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 20:7.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when others underestimate or despise me, and what can I learn from David's example in this situation?
- In what ways do I judge others based on their appearance or perceived abilities, and how can I cultivate a more humble and trusting attitude towards God and others?
- What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to trust in my own strength or abilities rather than God's power and wisdom, and how can I apply the lesson of 1 Samuel 17:42 to these areas?
- How can I balance the need to be confident in my abilities with the importance of humility and trust in God, as seen in the contrast between the Philistine's arrogance and David's faith in 1 Samuel 17:42?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:42
And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him,.... He looked about for his antagonist, to take a view of him, what sort of a man he was, expecting to see one much like
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:42
And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:42
Not having so much as the countenance of a martial person.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:42
1 Samuel 17:42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was [but] a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.Ver. 42. For hewas but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.] No son of Mars, hardened and habituated in feats of chivalry, but some effeminate Adonis he took him for, a knight of Venus rather than Bellona, fitter for a canopy than a camp, for language than a lance: cuius bella, labella; spicula, pocula; spolia, dolia; scutum, scortum; stratagemata, tragemata. Militia est operis altera digna tui.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:42
Verse 42. He disdained him] He held him in contempt; he saw that he was young, and from his ruddy complexion supposed him to be effeminate.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:42
42. he disdained him] See Proverbs 16:18.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:42
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Five Stones - Part 1 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He emphasizes that this story is not just a familiar tale, but a love story that is often tol |
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Making of a Man of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing a desire to draw closer to God and be broken before Him. He emphasizes that even in the midst of trials and confusion, God is at w |
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(Men God Made) Gideon by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher announces that the next week's topic will be the life of David. He mentions that there are about 42 chapters dedicated to David in the Bible, and he pr |
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A New King in Preparation by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes God's sovereign plan in raising David as a new king-priest after Saul's failure, illustrating how God fulfills His purposes despite human shortcomings. He |
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I Chronicles 12:8 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the parallels between David and Christ, emphasizing how David, anointed by God, faced rejection and exile yet gathered a diverse group of followers who were wi |
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Out of the Paw of the Lion by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past deliverances to strengthen our faith in facing current crises. He draws parallels between David's confrontation |
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Are You Facing a Giant? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past miracles as a source of strength when facing life's giants. He draws on the example of Moses reminding Israel to |