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1 Samuel 18:11

1 Samuel 18:11 in Multiple Translations

and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.

and Saul cast the spear; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall. And David avoided out of his presence twice.

And Saul, balancing the spear in his hand, said, I will give David a blow, pinning him to the wall. And David got away from him twice.

and he threw it at David, saying to himself, “I'll pin David to the wall.” But David managed to escape him twice.

And Saul tooke the speare, and sayd, I will smite Dauid through to the wall. But Dauid auoyded twise out of his presence.

and Saul casteth the javelin, and saith, 'I smite through David, even through the wall;' and David turneth round out of his presence twice.

and Saul threw the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” David escaped from his presence twice.

And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall. And David escaped from his presence twice.

And threw it, thinking to nail David to the wall: and David stept aside out of his presence twice.

and he hurled it at David, saying to himself, “I will fasten David to the wall with the spear!” He did that two times, but David jumped aside both times.

and he thought, “I will spear David straight through and hang him on the wall.” So he threw it at him. But David quickly jumped out of the way, and the spear missed him. That happened 2 times, and he missed David each time.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:11

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 18:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּ֤טֶל שָׁאוּל֙ אֶֽת הַ/חֲנִ֔ית וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר אַכֶּ֥ה בְ/דָוִ֖ד וּ/בַ/קִּ֑יר וַ/יִּסֹּ֥ב דָּוִ֛ד מִ/פָּנָ֖י/ו פַּעֲמָֽיִם
וַ/יָּ֤טֶל ṭûwl H2904 to cast Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/חֲנִ֔ית chănîyth H2595 spear Art | N-fs
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַכֶּ֥ה nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
בְ/דָוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 David Prep | N-proper
וּ/בַ/קִּ֑יר qîyr H7023 wall Conj | Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּסֹּ֥ב çâbab H5437 to turn Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
מִ/פָּנָ֖י/ו pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
פַּעֲמָֽיִם paʻam H6471 beat N-fd
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:11

וַ/יָּ֤טֶל ṭûwl H2904 "to cast" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to throw or cast something away, like when God casts out evil spirits in the Bible. It is used in various forms, such as to hurl or carry away. In the KJV, it is translated as carry away or cast out.
Definition: 1) to hurl, cast 1a) (Pilpel) to throw away, carry away, hurl 1b) (Hiphil) to throw, cast, cast out 1c)(Hophal) 1c1) to be hurled, hurled down 1c2) to be cast, be thrown, be cast out, be thrown down
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: carry away, (utterly) cast (down, forth, out), send out. See also: 1 Samuel 18:11; Jeremiah 22:26; Psalms 37:24.
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.
אֶֽת 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/חֲנִ֔ית chănîyth H2595 "spear" Art | N-fs
This word refers to a spear or lance used for thrusting, like a tent pole. It appears in the stories of Saul and Jonathan, where they use spears in battle. The word is also used to describe a shaft or spear-head.
Definition: 1) spear 1a) spear 1a1) shaft of a spear 1a2) spear-head
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: javelin, spear. See also: 1 Samuel 13:19; 2 Samuel 21:19; Psalms 35:3.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר 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.
אַכֶּ֥ה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
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.
בְ/דָוִ֖ד 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.
וּ/בַ/קִּ֑יר qîyr H7023 "wall" Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
וַ/יִּסֹּ֥ב çâbab H5437 "to turn" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
דָּוִ֛ד 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.
מִ/פָּנָ֖י/ו pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
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.
פַּעֲמָֽיִם paʻam H6471 "beat" N-fd
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 20:33 Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.
2 Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
3 Luke 4:30 But Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way.
4 John 8:59 At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.
5 Psalms 37:32–33 Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.
6 John 10:39 At this, they tried again to seize Him, but He escaped their grasp.
7 Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?
8 1 Samuel 19:9–10 But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But the spear struck the wall and David eluded him, ran away, and escaped that night.

1 Samuel 18:11 Summary

In this verse, we see Saul, who was once a great leader, trying to harm David with a spear because he was jealous of David's success and the fact that God was with him. But David was able to escape twice, showing that God was protecting him, just like He protected David from the lion and the bear in 1 Samuel 17:34-37. This event teaches us about the dangers of jealousy and the importance of trusting in God's protection, as seen in Psalm 23:4. It also reminds us that when we are following God, He will take care of us, even in difficult situations, as promised in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul try to harm David with a spear?

Saul was driven by jealousy and a spirit of distress sent from God, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:10, which led him to attempt to harm David, thinking he could pin him to the wall with the spear.

How did David escape Saul's attack?

According to 1 Samuel 18:11, David eluded Saul twice, demonstrating God's protection over David's life, similar to how God protected David from the lion and the bear in 1 Samuel 17:34-37.

What does this event reveal about Saul's spiritual state?

This event shows that Saul had departed from following God, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 18:12, and was now being controlled by a spirit of distress, highlighting the consequences of disobeying God, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of David and Saul?

This verse marks a turning point in the relationship between David and Saul, as Saul's jealousy and fear of David lead him to try to harm David, setting the stage for their ongoing conflict, which is rooted in the fact that the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul, as stated in 1 Samuel 18:12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, like David, can trust in God's protection and provision in the face of danger or opposition?
  2. How can I, like Saul, be tempted to let jealousy and fear control my actions, and what are some steps I can take to prevent this?
  3. What does this verse teach me about the importance of staying humble and dependent on God, rather than relying on my own strength and abilities?
  4. How can I apply the lesson of David's escape from Saul to my own life, in terms of trusting in God's deliverance and protection?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:11

And Saul cast the javelin,.... Out of his hand at David: for he said; in his heart, determining in his mind: I will smite David even to the wall [with it]; he determined to cast it with such force

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:11

And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:11

Once at this time, and another time upon a like occasion, .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:11

1 Samuel 18:11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall [with it]. And David avoided out of his presence twice.Ver. 11. And Saul cast the javelin.] At David to kill him, whom he could not have sufficiently honoured, saith Chrysostom, if he had taken the crown from off his own head, and set it upon his, since he owed to David both his kingdom and his life. But this is merces mundi: look for no better. In princes’ courts there are, saith one, lenta beneficia, iniuriae praecipites, slow favours, quick injuries. David, for his music, hath a javelin thrown at him, to pin him to the wall. And David avoided out of his presence.] So did our Saviour often, when his enemies sought his life.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:11

(11) And Saul cast the javelin.—The Alexandrian MS. of the LXX. and the Chaldee Version translate the Hebrew here “lifted the javelin.” The probable meaning of the verb in this place is “brandished,” or “aimed.” It is hardly credible that if he actually threw it, David would have trusted himself a second time in the king’s chamber.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:11

Verse 11. Saul cast the javelin] The javelin or spear was the emblem of regal authority; kings always had it at hand, and in ancient monuments they are always represented with it. In ancient times, says Justin, kings used a spear instead of a diadem: Per ea tempora reges hastas pro diademate habebant, Hist. lib. xliii. And as spears were the emblems of supreme power, hence they were reputed as attributes of the Divinity, and were worshipped as representatives of the gods. Ab origne verum, pro DIIS immortalibus veteres HASTAS coluerent, ob cujus religionis memoriam, adhuc deorum simulachris HASTAE adduntur.-Ibid.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:11

11. Saul cast the javelin; for he said] Probably; Saul lifted (or brandished) the spear, and said. It does not seem to be meant that he actually cast it, as he did upon the later occasion (1 Samuel 19:10). The threatening gesture was twice repeated, and David prudently withdrew on both occasions. avoided] “Withdrew,” “escaped.” The word is connected with the adj. void, and Norm. Fr. voider, to empty, from Lat. viduare. It is generally transitive: comp. “six of us only stayed and the rest avoided the room” (Bacon): but the intransitive usage is supported, e.g., by Shakespeare, Tempest, IV. 1. “Well done, avoid, no more.”

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:11

11. I will smite David even to the wall — Literally, I will smite in David and in the wall; that is, nail him to the wall by the javelin. Twice he made the deadly attempt, and twice the agile youth avoided the blow.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:11

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon A Day's Journey Into the Wilderness by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God. He references the story of Elijah and how God demonstrated His power by consuming the captain and his 50 men
David Wilkerson A Prophetic Message by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher warns of fearful times ahead and the calamities that will come upon the nation. However, he encourages the listeners not to fear but to run to God in t
Jim Cymbala Matthew Ch2 by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, Pastor Symbola shares a personal experience he had with a couple who came to him seeking help. Despite feeling physically and emotionally drained, Pastor Symbola re
Zac Poonen (Basics) 2. God Makes Evil Work for Good by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a businessman who drifted away from God as his business prospered. Despite the elders of his church trying to bring him back to faith
Zac Poonen (The Last Days) Faith That Overcomes Fear by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the future, focusing on the significance of prophecy in directing and guiding people. It highlights the need to walk wit
Carter Conlon When the Wounds of a Friend Don't Seem to Be Faithful by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not following man-made visions and plans, as they can lead to exhaustion and leave one in the wilderness. He uses the examp
T. Austin-Sparks Service and Servanthood of the Lord - Part 1 of 8 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of the servant of the Lord as described in the prophecies of Isaiah. The sermon explores the nature, method, and means of true se

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