1 Samuel 18:17

1 Samuel 18:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”

King James Version KJV

¶ And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD’s battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.

American Standard Version ASV

And Saul said to David, Behold, my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight Jehovah’s battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Saul said to David, Here is my oldest daughter Merab, whom I will give you for your wife: only be strong for me, fighting in the Lord's wars. For Saul said, Let it not be through me that his fate comes to him, but through the Philistines.

Free Bible Version FBV

One day Saul told David, “Here's my oldest daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage, but only if you prove to me you're a brave warrior and fight the battles of the Lord.” For Saul was thinking, “I don't need to be the one to kill him—let the Philistines do it!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Saul sayd to Dauid, Beholde mine eldest daughter Merab, her I will giue thee to wife: onely be a valiant sonne vnto me, and fight the Lordes battels: for Saul thought, Mine hand shall not be vpon him, but the hand of the Philistims shalbe vpon him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Saul saith unto David, 'Lo, my elder daughter Merab — her I give to thee for a wife; only, be to me for a son of valour, and fight the battles of Jehovah;' and Saul said, 'Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.'

World English Bible WEB

Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight the LORD’s battles.” For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Saul said to David, Behold, my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee for a wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Saul said to David: Behold my elder daughter Merob, her will I give thee to wife: only be a valiant man, and fight the battles of the Lord. Now Saul said within himself: Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hands of the Philistines be upon him.

Translation for Translators T4T

One day Saul said to David, “I am ready to give you my oldest daughter, Merab, to be your wife. I will do that if you serve me bravely by fighting battles for Yahweh against the Philistines”. He said that because he thought, “I will not try to get rid of David by myself. I will allow the Philistines to do that.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:17

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 18:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר שָׁא֜וּל אֶל דָּוִ֗ד הִנֵּה֩ בִתִּ֨/י הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֤ה מֵרַב֙ אֹתָ/הּ֙ אֶתֶּן לְ/ךָ֣ לְ/אִשָּׁ֔ה אַ֚ךְ הֱיֵה לִּ֣/י לְ/בֶן חַ֔יִל וְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם מִלְחֲמ֣וֹת יְהוָ֑ה וְ/שָׁא֣וּל אָמַ֗ר אַל תְּהִ֤י יָדִ/י֙ בּ֔/וֹ וּ/תְהִי ב֖/וֹ יַד פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁא֜וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

דָּוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

הִנֵּה֩ hinnêh H2009 behold Part

בִתִּ֨/י bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fs | Suff

הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֤ה gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Art | Adj

מֵרַב֙ Mêrâb H4764 Merab N-proper

אֹתָ/הּ֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

אֶתֶּן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

לְ/ךָ֣ Prep | Suff

לְ/אִשָּׁ֔ה ʼishshâh H802 woman Prep | N-fs

אַ֚ךְ ʼak H389 surely DirObjM

הֱיֵה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לִּ֣/י Prep | Suff

לְ/בֶן bên H1121 son Prep | N-ms

חַ֔יִל chayil H2428 Helech N-ms

וְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם lâcham H3898 to fight Conj | V-Niphal-Impv-2ms

מִלְחֲמ֣וֹת milchâmâh H4421 battle N-fp

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וְ/שָׁא֣וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul Conj | N-proper

אָמַ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תְּהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Juss-3fs

יָדִ/י֙ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

בּ֔/וֹ Prep | Suff

וּ/תְהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3fs

ב֖/וֹ Prep | Suff

יַד yâd H3027 hand N-cs

פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:17

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

שָׁא֜וּל 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.

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.

דָּוִ֗ד 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.

הִנֵּה֩ hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

בִתִּ֨/י bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.

Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')

Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.

הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֤ה 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.

מֵרַב֙ Mêrâb H4764 "Merab" N-proper

Merab was a daughter of King Saul, mentioned in 1 Samuel, and the sister of Jonathan and Michal. She was married to Adriel and had several half-brothers, including Ish-bosheth and Mephibosheth.

Definition: A woman of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.49; daughter of: Saul (H7586G) and Ahinoam (H0293); married to Adriel (H5741); sister of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444) and Michal (H4324); half-brother of: Ish-bosheth (H0378), Armoni (H0764) and Mephibosheth (H4648H) Also named: mi.khal (מִיכַל "Merab" H4324H) § Merab = "increase" the eldest daughter of king Saul; promised to David but given instead to Adriel the Meholathite; mother of 5 children

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Merab. See also: 1 Samuel 14:49; 1 Samuel 18:17; 1 Samuel 18:19.

אֹתָ/הּ֙ 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.

אֶתֶּן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

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.

לְ/ךָ֣ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/אִשָּׁ֔ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Prep | N-fs

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

אַ֚ךְ ʼak H389 "surely" DirObjM

This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.

Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.

הֱיֵה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

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.

לִּ֣/י "" Prep | Suff

לְ/בֶן bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

חַ֔יִל chayil H2428 "Helech" N-ms

This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.

Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.

וְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם lâcham H3898 "to fight" Conj | V-Niphal-Impv-2ms

In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.

Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.

מִלְחֲמ֣וֹת milchâmâh H4421 "battle" N-fp

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/שָׁא֣וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" Conj | N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

אָמַ֗ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תְּהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Juss-3fs

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.

יָדִ/י֙ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

בּ֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

וּ/תְהִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3fs

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.

ב֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

יַד yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs

פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" 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.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:17
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:17
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17
Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:17

Context — David Marries Michal

15When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him. 16But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back.

17Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”

18And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” 19So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 17:25	Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see this man who keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.”
2	1 Samuel 25:28	Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live.
3	1 Samuel 18:25	Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines.
4	1 Samuel 18:21	“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”
5	1 Samuel 17:47	And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”
6	Numbers 32:20	Moses replied, “If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle,
7	Psalms 55:21	His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
8	Deuteronomy 17:7	The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you.
9	Numbers 32:29	And Moses said to them, “If the Gadites and Reubenites cross the Jordan with you, with every man armed for battle before the LORD, and the land is subdued before you, then you are to give them the land of Gilead as a possession.
10	Numbers 21:14	Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: “Waheb in Suphah and the wadis of the Arnon,

1 Samuel 18:17 Summary

In 1 Samuel 18:17, Saul offers his daughter Merab to David as a way to test his bravery and loyalty, but secretly hopes the Philistines will kill David. This shows how people can say one thing but mean another, like in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27:1-40. It teaches us to be careful who we trust and to always look to God for guidance, as He sees the heart and knows all our thoughts, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:7 and Jeremiah 17:10. By trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 19:21, we can navigate complex situations with faith and integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul offer his daughter Merab to David in marriage?

Saul offered Merab to David as a way to test his loyalty and bravery, but also with the ulterior motive of using the Philistines to kill David, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:17, rather than directly raising his hand against him, much like what is described in 1 Samuel 15:3 where God instructs Saul to attack the Amalekites.

What was Saul's true intention in giving Merab to David?

Saul's true intention was not to genuinely reward David or form a familial bond, but to subtly plot against him, hoping the Philistines would be the ones to eliminate David, as stated in 1 Samuel 18:17, which shows the contrast between Saul's outward actions and inner thoughts, similar to the deception seen in Genesis 27:35.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?

This verse illustrates God's sovereignty in that despite Saul's deceitful plans, God remains in control, as seen in His protection of David and the ultimate fulfillment of His plans, echoing the principle found in Proverbs 19:21 that 'many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.'

What lesson can be drawn from Saul's behavior in this verse?

A key lesson from Saul's behavior is the danger of allowing jealousy and fear to guide our actions, leading to sinful plotting, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:17, and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and righteousness, as taught in Psalm 37:7-8.

Reflection Questions

How can I discern when someone's words or actions might be hiding ulterior motives, and what should my response be?
In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty in my own life, especially when faced with situations that seem beyond my control?
What are some areas where I might be allowing fear or jealousy to influence my decisions, and how can I seek God's guidance to overcome these?
How does this verse encourage me to examine my own heart and intentions, ensuring they align with God's will and principles?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:17

And Saul said to David,.... Not in friendship and good will to him, but designing to lay a snare for him: behold, my eldest daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife; most interpreters understand

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:17

And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17

Her will I give thee to wife: this was no more than Saul was obliged to do by his former promise, , which here he renews and pretends to perform, though he intended nothing less, as the sequel shows; whereby he makes himself guilty of ingratitude, injustice, and breach of trust, and withal of gross hypocrisy. Let the hand of the Philistines be upon him; he thought so great an offer would oblige him, who was of himself valiant enough to give proofs of more than common valour, and to venture upon the most dangerous enterprises.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17

1 Samuel 18:17 And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD’ S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.Ver. 17. Behold mine elder daughter Merab.] She was due to him before by promise, for killing Goliath; yet he that twice inquired into the reward of that enterprise before he undertook it, never demanded it after that achievement. Now, no remedy but he must be a son, where he was a rival. Love is pretended, but mischief purposed. So dealt Herod, Domitian, Charles IX. Let not mine hand be upon him.] Saul did not kill David, because he durst not for fear of the people; or, as Kimchi thinketh, lest he should afterwards have been brought into question for murder.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17

(17) Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife.—This was but the fulfilment of a much earlier promise. The king had said he would give his daughter in marriage to the hero who should slay the Philistine giant champion. For one cause or other he had declined, or at least postponed, the carrying out of his pledge; and the dark thought crossed his mind, Could he not endanger the hated life, while seeming to wish to keep the old promise? He speaks of the Philistine war as the Lord’s battles. This was a feeling which inspired every patriotic Israelite. “He was,” when fighting with the idolatrous nations, “warring for the Lord”—so David felt when he spoke of the Philistine giant as having defied the ranks of the living God, and alluded to the battle as the Lord’s (1 Samuel 17:26; 1 Samuel 17:47). The same idea is expressed in the title of that most ancient collection of songs which has not been preserved to us—“Book of the Wars of the Lord” (Numbers 21:14).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17

Verse 17. Fight the Lord's battles.] Mr. Calmet properly remarks that the wars of the Hebrews, while conducted by the express orders of God, were truly the wars of the Lord; but when the spirit of worldly ambition and domination became mingled with them, they were no longer the wars of the Lord, but wars of lust and profanity.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:17

17–19. Saul’s treacherous offer of his daughter Merab to David 17–19 This section and the clause of 1 Samuel 18:21 which refers to it are omitted in the Sept. (B). See Note VI. p. 241.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:17

Saul had not hitherto fulfilled the promise of which David had heard (marginal reference); nor was it unnatural that Saul should delay to do so, until the shepherd’s boy had risen to a higher rank.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:17

17. My elder daughter — Perceiving the growing popularity and influence of David, Saul feels under obligation to redeem his promise, recorded 1 Samuel 17:25.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:17

	Sermon	Description
	Jesus, Wash My Feet by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on John chapter 13, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the true source of power. He emphasizes that power is not found in worldly wealth,
	Human Remedies. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes the futility of human remedies in addressing spiritual afflictions, using Saul's disobedience and subsequent torment as a cautionary tale. He illustrates
	Abigail's Advice to David by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study of the Bible, focusing on 1 Samuel chapter 25. The sermon centers around Abigail's advice to David, who is bei
	The Reformation Spirit - Dead or Alive? by Quek Suan Yew	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the word of God and defending it. He encourages believers to be witnesses for Christ and share the gospel with u
	Not So Fast, Goliath. Not So Fast by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of courage and self-preservation mindset prevalent in the church today. He emphasizes the erosion of godliness in America and the n
	Psalm 34:1 by Bakht Singh	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and his experience in a cave with 400 men seeking protection from their enemies. Despite their dire circumstances, David is
	Victory Comes When Victory Can No Longer Come by Carter Conlon	This sermon from 1 Kings chapter 18 emphasizes that victory comes when all other sources of victory have failed. It calls for a return to God's original purpose for our lives, high