1 Samuel 18:7
1 Samuel 18:7 in Multiple Translations
And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
And the women sang one to another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.
And the women, answering one another in their song, said, Saul has put to death his thousands and David his tens of thousands.
As they danced the women sang, “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
And the women sang by course in their play, and sayd, Saul hath slayne his thousand, and Dauid his ten thousand.
and the women answer — those playing, and say, 'Saul hath smitten among his thousands, And David among his myriads.'
The women sang to one another as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
And the women sung as they played, and they said: I Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
As they danced, they sang this song to each other: “Saul has killed 1,000 enemy soldiers, But David has killed 10,000 of them.”
They sang like this as they went, “Saul killed dead a thousand enemy soldiers. David killed dead 10,000 of them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:7
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 18:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/תַּעֲנֶ֛ינָה
הַ/נָּשִׁ֥ים
הַֽ/מְשַׂחֲק֖וֹת
וַ/תֹּאמַ֑רְןָ
הִכָּ֤ה
שָׁאוּל֙
ב/אלפ/ו
בַּ/אֲלָפָ֔י/ו
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
בְּ/רִבְבֹתָֽי/ו
וַֽ/תַּעֲנֶ֛ינָה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הַ/נָּשִׁ֥ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fp
הַֽ/מְשַׂחֲק֖וֹת
sâchaq
H7832
to laugh
Art | V-Piel
וַ/תֹּאמַ֑רְןָ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הִכָּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
ב/אלפ/ו
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Prep | Adj | Suff
בַּ/אֲלָפָ֔י/ו
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Prep | Adj | Suff
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Conj | N-proper
בְּ/רִבְבֹתָֽי/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
myriad
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:7
וַֽ/תַּעֲנֶ֛ינָה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
הַ/נָּשִׁ֥ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fp
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.
הַֽ/מְשַׂחֲק֖וֹת
sâchaq
H7832
"to laugh"
Art | V-Piel
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.
וַ/תֹּאמַ֑רְןָ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
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.
הִכָּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
שָׁאוּל֙
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.
ב/אלפ/ו
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Prep | Adj | Suff
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
בַּ/אֲלָפָ֔י/ו
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Prep | Adj | Suff
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Conj | 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.
בְּ/רִבְבֹתָֽי/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
"myriad"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a large number, like a multitude or ten thousand. It is used in the Bible to describe big groups of people or things. In the KJV, it is translated as many, million, or ten thousand.
Definition: multitude, myriad, ten thousand
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand. See also: Genesis 24:60; 1 Samuel 18:8; Psalms 3:7.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 18:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:7
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:7
Context — Saul Envies David
5So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.
6As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments.
7And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
8And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” 9And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 21:11 | But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 29:5 | Is this not the David about whom they sing in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” |
| 3 | Exodus 15:21 | And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.” |
| 4 | Psalms 24:7–8 | Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. |
1 Samuel 18:7 Summary
This verse shows us how the women celebrated David's big win over the Philistine by singing and dancing, giving him credit for killing tens of thousands of enemies, while King Saul had only killed thousands. This celebration, however, made Saul jealous and resentful, as we see in the next verse, 1 Samuel 18:8. We can learn from this that it's essential to give praise and credit to God for our successes, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5, and to be careful not to let jealousy or resentment creep into our hearts when others experience success. By focusing on God's goodness and faithfulness, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and jealousy, and instead, celebrate the victories and successes of those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the women's song in 1 Samuel 18:7?
The women's song in 1 Samuel 18:7 is a celebration of David's victory over the Philistine, as seen in the preceding verses, 1 Samuel 18:5-6, where David returns from battle and the women come out to meet King Saul with singing and dancing.
Why does the song mention Saul killing thousands and David killing tens of thousands?
The song highlights David's greater military success, which is a testament to God's favor and anointing on his life, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, where the Spirit of the Lord comes upon David.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of David and Saul?
This verse marks a turning point in the relationship between David and Saul, as Saul becomes jealous and resentful of David's success, leading to a series of events that will ultimately lead to David's rise to the throne, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:14 and 2 Samuel 2:4.
What can we learn from the women's song about praising God for victories?
The women's song shows us the importance of giving praise and credit to God for our successes, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5, where we are called to shout for joy and sing praises to God for His goodness and faithfulness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can praise God for His victories and successes?
- How can I, like the women in this verse, use my voice and actions to celebrate God's work in the lives of others?
- What are some ways that I can avoid the trap of jealousy and resentment, like Saul, when others experience success or recognition?
- How can I apply the principle of giving credit to God for my successes, as seen in this verse, to my daily life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:7
And the women answered [one another] as they played,.... They sung vocally to their instruments, and that by turns, one rehearsing one line or verse in the song, and then the other another: and said,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:7
And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
Answered one another; singing by parts alternately. David his ten thousands; so they said, because David killed Goliath, which was the principal cause of all the following slaughter of the Philistines.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
1 Samuel 18:7 And the women answered [one another] as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.Ver. 7. Saul hath slain his thousands, &c., ] q.d., Saul is to be commended, but David ten times more. This praise of the women given to David flew far and near, and was the rise of all his following troubles: likeas in the gospel, he whom our Saviour cured, - and in addition charged him to say nothing, - when he divulged the miracle, though of a good intent, caused a persecution by the spiteful Pharisees.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
(7) Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.—These words, which sing of the early glory of David in battle, are quoted again in 1 Samuel 29:5. They were, no doubt, the favourite refrain of an old national or folk-song.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
Verse 7. Saul hath slain his thousands] As it cannot literally be true that Saul had slain thousands, and David ten thousands; it would be well to translate the passage thus: Saul hath smitten or fought against thousands; David against tens of thousands. "Though Saul has been victorious in all his battles; yet he has not had such great odds against him as David has had; Saul, indeed, has been opposed by thousands; David, by ten thousands." We may here remark that the Philistines had drawn out their whole forces at this time: and when Goliath was slain, they were totally discomfited by the Israelites, led on chiefly by David.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:7
7. answered one another] The women who “played”—i.e. danced and gesticulated—sang in antiphonal chorus (Exodus 15:21) the refrain of a popular song, which evidently became widely current, as it was well known even among the Philistines (1 Samuel 21:11, 1 Samuel 29:5). David his ten thousands] For the Philistine champion was a host in himself. Comp. the people’s words to David: “thou art worth ten thousand of us” (2 Samuel 18:3).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:7
As they played - Or danced with vocal and instrumental music (see Judges 16:25 note).
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:7
7. Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands — A neat poetic parallelism. The enthusiastic throng intimate, in an exultant hour, that David’s triumph is of more importance than all Saul’s victories.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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I Samuel 26:21 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the life of Saul, emphasizing how despite his physical advantages and opportunities to lead God's people, he ultimately played the fool by failing to submit fu |
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God Is Still Faithful by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite David's moment of unfaithfulness when he sought refuge in Gath, God remained faithful to His promises and purpose for David's life. Anointed |
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What Does God Require of You by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding what the Lord requires of believers. He challenges the idea that extravagant offerings or sacrifices can ple |
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A Guiding Voice in the Storm by Carter Conlon | The sermon titled 'A Guiding Voice in the Storm' based on Acts chapter 27 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's direction and being a guiding voice in the midst of societal st |
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The Ark of God by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the story of David and the ark of God, highlighting the consequences of mishandling holy things, the importance of obedience over sacrifice, and the need fo |
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Necessity of Seeing Jesus as King by David Smithers | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of how surrendering their heart to God allowed the word of God to have a deeper impact on their life. They emphasize the im |
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Jap-04 True Fellowship by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling burdened and convicted to confess their faults in church. They emphasize the importance of confession in buildin |