1 Samuel 16:17
1 Samuel 16:17 in Multiple Translations
And Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him to me.”
And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
And Saul said to his servants, Then get me a man who is an expert player, and make him come to me.
Saul gave the order to his servants, “Find me someone who is good at playing the harp and bring him to me.”
Saul then saide vnto his seruantes, Prouide me a man, I pray you, that can play well, and bring him to me.
And Saul saith unto his servants, 'Provide, I pray you, for me a man playing well — then ye have brought [him] in unto me.'
Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.”
And Saul said to his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
And Saul said to his servants: Provide me then some man that can play well, and bring him to me.
Saul replied, “Fine/Okay, find for me a man who can play the harp well, and bring him to me.”
Saul said to them, “Yes, go and look for somebody, a good guitar player. Bring him to me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 16:17
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 16:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
שָׁא֖וּל
אֶל
עֲבָדָ֑י/ו
רְאוּ
נָ֣א
לִ֗/י
אִ֚ישׁ
מֵיטִ֣יב
לְ/נַגֵּ֔ן
וַ/הֲבִיאוֹתֶ֖ם
אֵלָֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עֲבָדָ֑י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
רְאוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
לִ֗/י
Prep | Suff
אִ֚ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵיטִ֣יב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Hiphil
לְ/נַגֵּ֔ן
nâgan
H5059
to play
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
וַ/הֲבִיאוֹתֶ֖ם
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 16:17
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
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.
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.
עֲבָדָ֑י/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.
רְאוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
לִ֗/י
""
Prep | Suff
אִ֚ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מֵיטִ֣יב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Hiphil
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
לְ/נַגֵּ֔ן
nâgan
H5059
"to play"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This word means to play a musical instrument, especially a stringed one. In the Bible, it is used to describe musicians who play instruments, such as harps or lyres, to make music or sing songs.
Definition: 1) to play or strike strings, play a stringed instrument 1a) (Qal) 1a1) player (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to play 1b1a) player, minstrel (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: player on instruments, sing to the stringed instruments, melody, ministrel, play(-er, -ing). See also: 1 Samuel 16:16; 2 Kings 3:15; Psalms 33:3.
וַ/הֲבִיאוֹתֶ֖ם
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 16:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David Serves Saul
15Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely a spirit of distress from God is tormenting you.
16Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.”
17And Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him to me.”
18One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.” 19So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.”1 Samuel 16:17 Summary
[In this verse, Saul is looking for someone to play music for him because he's feeling overwhelmed and distressed. He thinks that music might help him feel better, and he asks his servants to find someone who can play well, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:17. This shows that even though Saul is a king, he's still struggling with difficult emotions and is looking for ways to cope, much like we do today, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:15-17. As we read this verse, we can remember that God is our ultimate source of comfort and peace, as seen in Philippians 4:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul want someone to play music for him?
Saul wanted someone to play music for him because he was being tormented by a spirit of distress from God, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:15, and his servants suggested that music might bring him relief, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:16.
What kind of music was Saul looking for?
The Bible doesn't specify the type of music Saul was looking for, but it mentions that he wanted someone who could play well, implying that he was looking for someone with musical skill, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:17.
Was Saul's request for a musician a sign of his faith in God?
Saul's request for a musician doesn't necessarily indicate a strong faith in God, but rather a desire to alleviate his distress, as noted in 1 Samuel 16:15-17, and it's only later that we see God's plan to replace Saul with David, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:13.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of David and Saul?
This verse sets the stage for the introduction of David, who will eventually become Saul's successor as king, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, and it highlights the contrast between Saul's declining faith and David's growing relationship with God, as seen in Psalms 23:1-4 and 1 Samuel 18:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Saul, might be trying to find comfort or relief in things that are not God?
- How can I, like David, use my talents and gifts to serve others and bring glory to God?
- What are some areas in my life where I might be experiencing 'distress' or difficulty, and how can I turn to God for relief, as seen in Psalms 34:17-18?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, as seen in Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:17
And Saul said unto his servants,.... Approving of, and pleased with the advice they gave: provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me; for being a sovereign prince, he could command
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:17
Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:17
1 Samuel 16:17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring [him] to me.Ver. 17. Provide me now a man.] Not a wise man, as they call wizards, or a white witch, - Saul, as bad as he was, was yet an utter enemy to such, - but a man that can play well. Musica maestae medicina mentis, Pythagoras cured a frantic young man by music, saith Seneca. And Xenocrates lymphatos carminum modulis a dementia liberavit, saith another, Elisha called for a musician to settle his distempers. And what strange alterations that excellent minstrel Timotheus could work in great Alexander, either to enrage or appease him, is well known out of historians. Movit Amphion lapides canendo. Lib. iii. De Ira., cap. 9. Martianus Capella. Alex., Ab Alex.
Genial., lib. ii. cap. 17.