1 Samuel 17:31
1 Samuel 17:31 in Multiple Translations
Now David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, who called for him.
And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.
And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul; and he sent for him.
And, hearing what David said, they gave Saul word of it: and he sent for him.
Someone overheard what David said and reported it to Saul who sent for him.
And they that heard the wordes which Dauid spake, rehearsed them before Saul, which caused him to be brought.
And the words which David hath spoken are heard, and they declare before Saul, and he receiveth him;
When the words were heard which David spoke, they rehearsed them before Saul; and he sent for him.
And when the words were heard which David spoke, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.
And the words which David spoke were heard, and were rehearsed before Saul.
Finally, someone told king Saul what David had asked, and Saul sent someone to bring David to him.
Somebody went and told Saul about David. So Saul sent a man to get him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:31
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 17:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְּשָּֽׁמְעוּ֙
הַ/דְּבָרִ֔ים
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
דִּבֶּ֣ר
דָּוִ֑ד
וַ/יַּגִּ֥דוּ
לִ/פְנֵֽי
שָׁא֖וּל
וַ/יִּקָּחֵֽ/הוּ
וַ/יְּשָּֽׁמְעוּ֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/דְּבָרִ֔ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
דִּבֶּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
דָּוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וַ/יַּגִּ֥דוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לִ/פְנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וַ/יִּקָּחֵֽ/הוּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:31
וַ/יְּשָּֽׁמְעוּ֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֔ים
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.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
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/יַּגִּ֥דוּ
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.
לִ/פְנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
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.
וַ/יִּקָּחֵֽ/הוּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
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 17:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 17:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:31
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:31
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:31
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:31
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:31
Context — David Accepts the Challenge
29“What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?”
30Then he turned from him toward another and asked about the offer, and those people answered him just as the first ones had answered.
31Now David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, who sent for him.
32And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!” 33But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:29 | Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men. |
1 Samuel 17:31 Summary
This verse, 1 Samuel 17:31, tells us that David's words were overheard and reported to Saul, who then called for him. This shows that God can use our words and actions to bring us to the attention of those in authority, just like He did with David. As we trust in God's power and provision, we can be bold like David, speaking up for what we believe in and trusting that God will use us for His purposes, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47 and Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can have confidence that He will guide us and use us to accomplish great things, just like He did with David.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David's words get reported to Saul?
David's words were overheard and reported to Saul because his inquiry about the offer to defeat Goliath was likely seen as significant, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:31, and Saul wanted to know more about this young man's intentions, similar to how Jesus' words were reported to the Pharisees in John 11:46-47.
What was Saul's initial reaction to hearing about David?
Saul called for David after hearing his words, indicating that he was interested in learning more about him, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:31, and this is similar to how God calls people to Himself, as seen in Romans 8:28-30.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 1 Samuel 17?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it sets the stage for David's conversation with Saul in 1 Samuel 17:32-33, and ultimately leads to David's battle with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:40-51, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 115:1.
What can we learn from David's boldness in speaking up?
David's boldness in speaking up, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:31, is an example of trusting in God's power and provision, similar to how the apostle Paul trusted in God's power in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, and we can learn from his example to be bold in our own faith, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:35-36.
Reflection Questions
- What would you do if you were in David's shoes, and your words were being reported to someone in authority?
- How can you apply David's example of trusting in God's power to your own life, especially in situations that seem daunting or overwhelming?
- What are some ways you can be bold in your faith, like David, and speak up for what you believe in, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:31 and Ephesians 6:19-20?
- How does this verse remind you of God's sovereignty and power in your own life, and what are some ways you can trust in Him more fully, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:31
And when the words were heard which David spake,.... To one, and to another, and these reported to other persons, and so they went from one to another through many hands: they rehearsed [them] before
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:31
And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:31
1 Samuel 17:31 And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed [them] before Saul: and he sent for him.Ver. 31. They rehearsed them before Saul.] This was according to David’ s desire: and for this it was that he so busied himself in all companies, by making those inquiries: for his fingers even itched to be taking off the head of that "dead dog," which so howled against heaven.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:31
(31) He sent for him.—No doubt much more was said by the brave shepherd boy than the compiler of the history has preserved for us in the brief account here. David felt that supernatural strength had been communicated to him by the Spirit of God, which came upon him on the day of his anointing (1 Samuel 16:13), and it is probable that he had openly avowed his earnest desire of meeting the dreaded foe face to face. This had been reported to Saul.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:31
12–31. David’s errand to the camp 12–31. This section is not found in the Vatican MS. of the Sept. On the difficulties it presents, and the question of its genuineness see Note VI. p. 241.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:31
12-31. By many critics this passage has been regarded as an interpolation, chiefly for the following reasons:(1.) It is wanting in the Vatican Codex of the Septuagint.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) How to Kill a Giant by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a boxing match to illustrate the story of David and Goliath. He emphasizes that Saul, like a boxer looking at the "tail of the tape |
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Lessons From Daniel by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dark days in Israel described in the first two verses of the Bible. The people of God are in captivity in Babylon under the rule of Nebuch |
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The Sin of Covetousness by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of convenient, non-scriptural religion, highlighting the importance of living a holy life free from sins like fornication, uncleanness, and covet |
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Ict Meeting on Logos 20.9.83 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and unpredictability of doing God's work in Brahman. They mention the lack of funds and the need to be flexible in their transp |
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From the Death of Alexander the Great to the Death of Judas Maccabeus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus preaches about the wise and courageous actions of Joseph, a man who cleverly managed the farming of taxes in Syria, gained the favor of King Ptolemy, and secured h |
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That Will Do! by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the detrimental impact of the phrase 'That will do!' which signifies settling for mediocrity instead of striving for excellence. He argues that this mindset |
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The Law of Life by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman preaches about the significance of the present time and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. He emphasizes that each generation faces its own d |