1 Samuel 18:26

1 Samuel 18:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When the servants reported these terms to David, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. Before the wedding day arrived,

King James Version KJV

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son in law: and the days were not expired.

American Standard Version ASV

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. And the days were not expired;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when his servants said these words to David, he was well pleased to be the son-in-law of the king. And the days were still not past.

Free Bible Version FBV

When the servants reported what the king had said back to David, he was happy to become the king's son-in-law. While there was still time,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when his seruantes tolde Dauid these wordes, it pleased Dauid well, to be the Kings sonne in law: and the dayes were not expired.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And his servants declare to David these words, and the thing is right in the eyes of David, to be son-in-law to the king; and the days have not been full,

World English Bible WEB

When his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the deadline,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son-in-law: and the days had not expired.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when his servants had told David the words that Saul had said, the word was pleasing in the eyes of David to be the king’s son in law.

Translation for Translators T4T

When the servants told that to David, he was very pleased that he could become the king’s son-in-law by doing that. The king had said how many days he would allow for David to do that. But before that time ended,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:26

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 18:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּגִּ֨דוּ עֲבָדָ֤י/ו לְ/דָוִד֙ אֶת הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה וַ/יִּשַׁ֤ר הַ/דָּבָר֙ בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י דָוִ֔ד לְ/הִתְחַתֵּ֖ן בַּ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ וְ/לֹ֥א מָלְא֖וּ הַ/יָּמִֽים

וַ/יַּגִּ֨דוּ nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

עֲבָדָ֤י/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

לְ/דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David Prep | N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-mp

הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron

וַ/יִּשַׁ֤ר yâshar H3474 to smooth Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ/דָּבָר֙ dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-ms

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

דָוִ֔ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

לְ/הִתְחַתֵּ֖ן châthan H2859 relative Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

בַּ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

מָלְא֖וּ mâlêʼ H4390 to fill V-Qal-Perf-3cp

הַ/יָּמִֽים yôwm H3117 day Art | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:26

וַ/יַּגִּ֨דוּ 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.

עֲבָדָ֤י/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

לְ/דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 "David" Prep | 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.

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.

הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-mp

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.

הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

וַ/יִּשַׁ֤ר 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/דָּבָר֙ 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

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

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.

דָוִ֔ד 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.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

לְ/הִתְחַתֵּ֖ן châthan H2859 "relative" Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

To be related by marriage means to become connected through wedding vows. In the Bible, this word describes the relationship between a husband and his wife's family, including his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Definition: a son-in-law, a daughter's husband, wife's father, wife's mother, father-in-law, mother-in- law

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: join in affinity, father in law, make marriages, mother in law, son in law. See also: Genesis 34:9; Deuteronomy 7:3; Ezra 9:14.

בַּ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

מָלְא֖וּ mâlêʼ H4390 "to fill" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.

Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)

Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.

הַ/יָּמִֽים yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:26 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:26
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:26
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:26
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:26
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:26
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:26
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:26
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:26

Context — David Marries Michal

24And the servants told Saul what David had said. 25Saul 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.

26When the servants reported these terms to David, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. Before the wedding day arrived,

27David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage. 28When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	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.”

1 Samuel 18:26 Summary

[This verse shows that David was willing to do whatever it took to become part of the royal family and serve the Lord, even if it meant facing danger and challenges, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:26. He trusted God to guide him and protect him, just like we can trust God to guide us through difficult times (Proverbs 3:5-6). David's story teaches us to have faith and obedience, even when things seem impossible, and to trust in God's plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). By trusting God and following His plan, we can experience His peace and guidance, just like David did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David agree to Saul's terms for marriage?

David was pleased to become the king's son-in-law, indicating his desire to be part of the royal family and to serve the Lord in this new role, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:26, similar to his faithfulness in 1 Samuel 17:37.

What was Saul's true intention in setting the terms for David's marriage?

Saul intended to cause David's death at the hands of the Philistines, as stated in 1 Samuel 18:25, showing his growing distrust and jealousy of David, similar to the jealousy of King Herod in Matthew 2:16.

How does this verse show David's character?

This verse shows David's bravery, faith, and obedience, as he is willing to take on the challenge set by Saul in order to become his son-in-law, demonstrating his trust in God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-5.

What can we learn from David's attitude towards becoming the king's son-in-law?

We can learn the importance of humility and trust in God's plan, as David's desire to serve the Lord and be part of the royal family is evident, similar to the attitude of Joseph in Genesis 41:38-40.

Reflection Questions

What are some challenges you are facing in your life, and how can you trust God to guide you through them, just like David trusted God in 1 Samuel 18:26?
How can you demonstrate faith and obedience in your daily life, just like David did when he agreed to Saul's terms?
What are some ways you can show humility and trust in God's plan, even when faced with difficult circumstances, as seen in David's story?
How can you apply the lesson of trusting God's sovereignty, as seen in David's life, to your own life and circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:26

And when his servants told David these words,.... That the king desired no other dowry than an hundred foreskins of the Philistines: it pleased David well to be the king's son in law; on such

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:26

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired. The days were not expired - the period within which this exploit was to be achieved was not exhausted.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:26

It pleased David; as for other reasons, so especially because this opened the door to the kingdom which God had promised him. The days, i.e. the time allowed by Saul to David for the execution of this exploit.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:26

1 Samuel 18:26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’ s son in law: and the days were not expired.Ver. 26. It pleased David well.] Saul’ s envy serveth but to enhance David’ s zeal, and valour, and glory. Difficulty doth but whet on heroic spirits. When Alexander understood of any desperate adventure, he would rejoice and say, Iam periculum par animo Alexandri. Oh, this is brave! Conditionem implevit David, idque mature et ample.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:26

(26) It pleased David well.—The king’s design succeeded well, and the prospect of the alliance with Saul spurred on this brave soldier to more daring achievements, and yet wilder feats of arms. The savage, half-barbarous state of the age, however, comes prominently into view when we reflect upon the ferocious cruelty of such an offer being made and accepted, and carried out with even more than the required number of victims.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:26

26. the days were not expired] Apparently referring to some time which had been fixed for David to accept or decline the king’s offer. The Sept. (B) omits the words.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:26

The days were not expired - David was so rapid in his attack upon the Philistines that he was able to bring the required dowry within the time, and to receive his wife (Michal), before the time had

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:26

26. The days were not expired — The days required by custom or designated by the king (1 Samuel 18:21) for the consummation of the marriage.

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