1 Samuel 17:18
1 Samuel 17:18 in Multiple Translations
Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them.
And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
and bring these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
And take these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and see how your brothers are and come back with a sign to say how they are.
Take these ten cheese pieces to their commander. Check carefully to see how your brothers are doing and bring back their news.”
Also carie these ten fresh cheeses vnto the captaine, and looke howe thy brethren fare, and receiue their pledge.
and these ten cuttings of the cheese thou dost take in to the head of the thousand, and thy brethren thou dost inspect for welfare, and their pledge dost receive.'
and bring these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand; and see how your brothers are doing, and bring back news.”
And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and see how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
And carry these ten little cheeses to the tribune: and go see thy brethren, if they are well: and learn with whom they are placed.
And here are ten large chunks of cheese. Take them to their commander. And see how things are going with your older brothers. Then if they are okay, bring back something to show they are all right.”
And take 10 big lumps of cheese too, and give them to the boss soldier. Go quickly. I’m worried about your big brothers. Bring back some news from them. Bring back something to show that they are still all right.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:18
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 17:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֠/אֵת
עֲשֶׂ֜רֶת
חֲרִצֵ֤י
הֶֽ/חָלָב֙
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
תָּבִ֖יא
לְ/שַׂר
הָ/אָ֑לֶף
וְ/אֶת
אַחֶ֨י/ךָ֙
תִּפְקֹ֣ד
לְ/שָׁל֔וֹם
וְ/אֶת
עֲרֻבָּתָ֖/ם
תִּקָּֽח
וְ֠/אֵת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
עֲשֶׂ֜רֶת
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
חֲרִצֵ֤י
chârîyts
H2757
incision
N-mp
הֶֽ/חָלָב֙
châlâb
H2461
milk
Art | N-ms
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
תָּבִ֖יא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
לְ/שַׂר
sar
H8269
ruler
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אָ֑לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Art | Adj
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אַחֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
תִּפְקֹ֣ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לְ/שָׁל֔וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
עֲרֻבָּתָ֖/ם
ʻărubbâh
H6161
pledge
N-fs | Suff
תִּקָּֽח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:18
וְ֠/אֵת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
עֲשֶׂ֜רֶת
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
חֲרִצֵ֤י
chârîyts
H2757
"incision"
N-mp
Charits refers to a sharp cutting instrument, like a threshing-sledge or a harrow. It can also mean a slice or something cut.
Definition: a cut, thing cut, sharp instrument, sharp cutting instrument, harrow, hoe
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] cheese, harrow. See also: 1 Samuel 17:18; 2 Samuel 12:31; 1 Chronicles 20:3.
הֶֽ/חָלָב֙
châlâb
H2461
"milk"
Art | N-ms
Chalab means milk, symbolizing richness and abundance. In the Bible, it can refer to the richness of cattle or the abundance of the land. This term is also used to describe white or pale things, like milk or cheese.
Definition: 1) milk, sour milk, cheese 1a) milk 1b) abundance of the land (metaph.) 1c) white (as milk)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] cheese, milk, sucking. See also: Genesis 18:8; Judges 4:19; Proverbs 27:27.
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.
תָּבִ֖יא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
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.
לְ/שַׂר
sar
H8269
"ruler"
Prep | N-ms
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
הָ/אָ֑לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Art | Adj
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/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
אַחֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
תִּפְקֹ֣ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
לְ/שָׁל֔וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
עֲרֻבָּתָ֖/ם
ʻărubbâh
H6161
"pledge"
N-fs | Suff
A pledge is a token or guarantee of safety, like a promise or security deposit. In the Bible, it can also refer to a person who acts as a bondsman or surety for someone else, as seen in Proverbs 17:18.
Definition: pledge, token, bond, surety, thing exchanged
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: pledge, surety. See also: 1 Samuel 17:18; Proverbs 17:18.
תִּקָּֽח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 17:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:18
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 17:18
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:18
Context — David Accepts the Challenge
16For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening to take his stand.
17One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp.
18Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them.
19They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” 20So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:14 | Then Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem, |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 16:20 | And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat, and sent them to Saul with his son David. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 17:29 | honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.” |
| 4 | Acts 15:36 | Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.” |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 3:5–6 | For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and caused our labor to be in vain. But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit with the good news about your faith, your love, and the fond memories you have preserved, longing to see us just as we long to see you. |
| 6 | Job 10:10 | Did You not pour me out like milk, and curdle me like cheese? |
1 Samuel 17:18 Summary
In 1 Samuel 17:18, Jesse instructs David to take cheese to the commander and check on his brothers, showing that he cares about their well-being. This verse reminds us that God wants us to care for one another, just as He cares for us (as in 1 Peter 5:7 and Matthew 22:39). By being faithful in small tasks and trusting in God's provision, we can experience His peace and assurance, as in Isaiah 41:10 and Philippians 4:19. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask God to help us show love and care to those around us, and to trust in His sovereignty in all areas of our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the ten portions of cheese in 1 Samuel 17:18?
The ten portions of cheese were likely a form of provision or gift for the commander of the unit, similar to the bread and grain mentioned in 1 Samuel 17:17, and demonstrate Jesse's care for his sons and their commander, as seen in Exodus 23:19 and Deuteronomy 26:2 where offerings were brought to the Lord and the Levites.
Why did Jesse instruct David to check on the welfare of his brothers?
Jesse wanted to ensure his sons were safe and doing well in the midst of the conflict with the Philistines, as a father's concern for his children is a natural expression of love, similar to God's care for His people in Psalms 121:3 and Matthew 6:26.
What is the 'assurance' that David was to bring back from his brothers?
The assurance likely refers to news or a report about the well-being of his brothers and the state of the battle, which would have brought comfort and peace to Jesse, much like the peace that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty, as in Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:7.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 1 Samuel 17?
This verse sets the stage for David's encounter with Goliath, as it establishes David's relationship with his brothers and his role in bringing provisions to the army, which ultimately leads to his confrontation with the giant, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:20-58, and demonstrates God's providence in preparing David for his future leadership role, as in 1 Samuel 16:13 and Psalm 78:70-72.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show care and concern for my family and friends, just as Jesse did for his sons in 1 Samuel 17:18?
- How can I, like David, be faithful in the small tasks and responsibilities that God has given me, and trust that He will use them to prepare me for greater things?
- In what ways can I seek assurance and peace from God, rather than relying on my own strength or the reports of others, as in Psalms 16:8-11 and John 14:27?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just as Jesse and David did in the midst of the battle with the Philistines, as in Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 9:8?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:18
And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand,.... Their chiliarch or colonel, who had the command of 1000 men, and under whom Jesse's sons fought; Jarchi thinks this was Jonathan,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:18
And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. Carry these ten cheeses unto the captain - to enlist his kind attention.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
Unto the captain of their thousand; in whose power it was in a great measure, either to preserve them, or to expose them to utmost hazards. Take their pledge, i.e. bring me some token of their welfare from them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
1 Samuel 17:18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of [their] thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.Ver. 18. Look how thy brethren fare.] Great is a parent’ s care. “ Omnis in Ascanio churi stat cura parentis. ” And take their pledge.] Redeem what they have pawned, and bring me commendations from them.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
(18) Look how thy brethren fare.—The same learned commentator (Wordsworth), following out this curious line of Patristic interpretation, remarks on these words: “David is sent by his father to his brethren from Bethlehem. So the Divine David, Jesus Christ, who was born at Bethlehem, was sent to His brethren by his Heavenly Father.” He completes the analogy between David and Christ by pointing out how David was ill-received by his brethren, though he came at his father’s bidding to show them an act of kindness; so Christ, when sent by His Father from heaven on an embassy of love, was ill-received by His own brethren, the Jews. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (John 1:11).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
Verse 18. Carry these ten cheeses] Cheeses of milk, says the margin. In the East they do not make what we call cheese: they press the milk but slightly, and carry it in rush baskets. It is highly salted, and little different from curds.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:18
18. look how thy brethren fare] Visit thy brethren and enquire after their welfare. Cp. Genesis 37:14. take their pledge] Bring home some token from them that they are well: the equivalent of a letter.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 17:18
Take their pledge - i. e., bring back what they have to say in return.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
18. Cheeses — Literally, cuttings of the milk. That is, say some, slices of curdled milk.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Abominable Apostasy by Scott Hynds | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bringing souls to King Jesus as the only thing of eternal value. The scripture passage discussed is 1 Samuel 16:20-21, wher |
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Open Door, Closed Door by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of personal evangelism and discipleship in spreading the gospel. He highlights the example of Paul, who was passionate about re |
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2000 Advent Week 4 - John Mark by John Piper | In this sermon, John Mark shares a personal story about a mistake he made fifteen years ago. He recounts how the apostle Paul suggested they travel to Cyprus together, but John Mar |
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Acts 11 - James by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the minister begins by praising the Lord and asking for His guidance and revelation through His word. The sermon focuses on the formation of the body of Christ acco |
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The Legacy of Antioch by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges and fears that come with following God's plan. He emphasizes that despite our doubts and insecurities, God promises to be with |
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Balanced Christianity 1. Grace and Truth by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a balanced Christian life, focusing on the need to grow in maturity and manifest the beauty of Jesus in our daily lives. It highligh |
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Good Communications by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses four enemies that can hinder our communication and relationships. The first enemy is faulty communication, where what we say can have differen |