1 Samuel 18:20
1 Samuel 18:20 in Multiple Translations
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.
And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
And Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
And Saul's daughter Michal was in love with David: and Saul had word of it and was pleased.
Meanwhile Saul's daughter Michal had fallen in love with David, and when Saul was told, he was happy about it.
Then Michal Sauls daughter loued Dauid: and they shewed Saul, and the thing pleased him.
And Michal daughter of Saul loveth David, and they declare to Saul, and the thing is right in his eyes,
Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
But Michol the other daughter of Saul loved David. And it was told Saul, and it pleased him.
But Saul’s other daughter, Michal, fell in love with David. When they told Saul about that, he was pleased.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:20
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 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֶּאֱהַ֛ב
מִיכַ֥ל
בַּת
שָׁא֖וּל
אֶת
דָּוִ֑ד
וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ
לְ/שָׁא֔וּל
וַ/יִּשַׁ֥ר
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
בְּ/עֵינָֽי/ו
וַ/תֶּאֱהַ֛ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מִיכַ֥ל
Mîykâl
H4324
Merab
N-proper
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּשַׁ֥ר
yâshar
H3474
to smooth
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
בְּ/עֵינָֽי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:20
וַ/תֶּאֱהַ֛ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
מִיכַ֥ל
Mîykâl
H4324
"Merab"
N-proper
Michal, the daughter of King Saul, was married to David and is an important figure in the Bible. Her name is also spelled Merab, and she is mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:49. Michal's story is significant in the context of David's rise to power.
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) Another spelling of me.rav (מֵרָב "Merab" H4764) § Michal = "who is like God" daughter of king Saul, sister of Jonathan, wife of king David, and mother of five; given to David as wife for the bride price of 100 Philistine foreskins; while still married to David, her father gave her in marriage to another, Phaltiel; at the death of Saul, David forced her to return
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Michal. See also: 1 Samuel 14:49; 1 Samuel 25:44; 1 Chronicles 15:29.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
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.
שָׁא֖וּל
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.
דָּוִ֑ד
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/יַּגִּ֣דוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לְ/שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יִּשַׁ֥ר
yâshar
H3474
"to smooth"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
בְּ/עֵינָֽי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 18:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:20
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:20
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:20
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:20
Context — David Marries Michal
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.
20Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.
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.” 22Then Saul ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 18:28 | When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, |
1 Samuel 18:20 Summary
This verse tells us that Michal, the daughter of King Saul, loved David, and when her father found out, he was pleased. However, as we see in the next verse, Saul's pleasure was not genuine, but rather a scheme to trap David. This reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes, even in uncertain circumstances (Proverbs 16:9, Romans 8:28). We can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, just like David did, and seek to love and follow Him with all our hearts, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:14 and Matthew 22:37.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Michal love David?
The Bible does not explicitly state why Michal loved David, but it may be because of his faithfulness to God and his bravery in battle, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51, where David defeated the giant Goliath.
Did Saul genuinely want David to marry Michal?
No, Saul did not genuinely want David to marry Michal, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:21, where it says that Saul thought Michal could be a snare to David, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him, similar to the schemes against David in 1 Samuel 19:10.
What can we learn from Michal's love for David?
We can learn that even in the midst of uncertainty and danger, as seen in the story of David and Saul, God can bring people together for His purposes, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:14 and Proverbs 19:21.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the chapter, as it shows Saul's attempt to use his daughter Michal to trap David, but ultimately, it is part of God's plan to establish David as the future king of Israel, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my love and devotion to God, just like Michal demonstrated her love for David?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertain or difficult circumstances, like David in this chapter?
- What are some potential 'snares' in my life that could be used by God to refine my faith, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:21?
- In what ways can I show kindness and compassion to those around me, just like David showed kindness to Saul, despite Saul's attempts to harm him, as seen in 1 Samuel 24:5-7?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:20
And Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David,.... His youngest daughter fell in love with him, because of the comeliness of his person, his gallant behaviour, his wise conduct, and the general esteem and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:20
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Michal [Septuagint, Melchol], Saul's daughter, loved David. This must have happened some time after.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:20
Not for any respect he had to David, but for his own malicious and wicked ends, that he might make use of her love to David, to insnare and ruin him, which he thought might be done many ways, whereof one is here expressed.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:20
1 Samuel 18:20 And Michal Saul’ s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Ver. 20. And Michal Saul’ s daughter loved David.] Some Latin copies have it, And David loved Michal, Saul’ s other daughter. Both may be true; there was mutual liking.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:20
(20) And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David.—But the love of the younger of the two royal princesses for her father’s brilliant officer gave the unhappy king a fresh excuse to expose David’s life to peril, while at the same time he appeared to be endeavouring to carry out an old formal promise.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:20
20–30. David’s marriage with Michal 20. Michal Saul’s daughter loved David] According to the text of the Sept. this follows immediately upon 1 Samuel 18:16. By his bravery David won the affections of the people, and even of the king’s daughter.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:20
The thing pleased him - It partly relieved him from the charge of breaking his faith.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:20
20. Michal… loved David — Keil infers from this that perhaps one reason why Saul broke his promise was that Merab did not love David.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Couples Night - Part 5 by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the challenges and dynamics of marriage, drawing examples from historical figures like John Wesley and biblical characters like David and his wife. It explo |