1 Samuel 18:15
1 Samuel 18:15 in Multiple Translations
When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him.
Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
And when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he stood in awe of him.
And when Saul saw how wisely he did, he was in fear of him.
When Saul saw how successful David was, he was even more afraid of him.
Wherefore when Saul saw that he was very wise, he was afrayde of him.
and Saul seeth that he is acting very wisely, and is afraid of him,
When Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he stood in awe of him.
Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
And Saul saw that he was exceeding prudent, and began to beware of him.
When Saul heard that David and his soldiers were very successful, he became more afraid of David.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:15
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 18:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
שָׁא֔וּל
אֲשֶׁר
ה֖וּא
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
מְאֹ֑ד
וַ/יָּ֖גָר
מִ/פָּנָֽי/ו
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וַ/יָּ֖גָר
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/פָּנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:15
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
שָׁא֔וּל
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.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וַ/יָּ֖גָר
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
מִ/פָּנָֽי/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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 18:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:15
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:15
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:15
Context — Saul Envies David
13Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back,
14and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.
15When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him.
16But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back. 17Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 3:17 | But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. |
| 2 | Colossians 4:5 | Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. |
| 3 | James 1:5 | Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. |
| 4 | Psalms 112:5 | It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. |
| 5 | Daniel 6:4–5 | Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel, unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” |
1 Samuel 18:15 Summary
This verse, 1 Samuel 18:15, tells us that when Saul saw how successful David was, he became afraid of him. This fear was rooted in jealousy and a sense of insecurity, as Saul felt threatened by David's rising popularity and God's obvious blessing on his life, as we also see in 1 Samuel 16:13. In simple terms, when we see someone else succeeding, we can either rejoice with them and give thanks to God, or we can let fear and jealousy take over, as Saul did. As believers, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just like David did, and to cultivate a heart of humility and love for those around us, as we read in Matthew 22:37-40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul become afraid of David?
Saul became afraid of David when he saw how successful David was, which made him feel threatened, as we see in 1 Samuel 18:15, and it's a pattern we also see in other biblical accounts, such as when King Herod felt threatened by the birth of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 2:13-16.
What does it mean for someone to be 'very successful' in the eyes of God?
Being 'very successful' in the eyes of God, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:15, means that God's favor and blessing are evident in a person's life, which is a result of their obedience and trust in Him, as stated in Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 37:3-4.
How does the fear of Saul contrast with the love of the people for David?
The fear of Saul for David in 1 Samuel 18:15 contrasts sharply with the love that all Israel and Judah had for David, as stated in 1 Samuel 18:16, showing that while man may look at outward appearances, God looks at the heart, as we read in 1 Samuel 16:7.
What role does jealousy play in Saul's fear of David?
Jealousy plays a significant role in Saul's fear of David, as Saul's own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy are stirred up by David's successes, leading him to feel threatened and ultimately to act out of jealousy, a pattern we also see in other biblical accounts, such as the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm experiencing success, and how can I use those opportunities to give glory to God?
- In what ways can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with opposition or fear from others?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and trust in God, like David, so that I can avoid the pitfalls of pride and jealousy that we see in Saul?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate love and support for those around me, just as the people of Israel and Judah loved and supported David?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:15
Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely,.... So that he could get no advantage against him, and he succeeded and was prosperous in all his enterprises, and was more and more in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:15
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:15
1 Samuel 18:15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.Ver. 15. He was afraid of him,] viz., Lest the people should make him king. He had sent him from court as an eye sore, and yet he ceaseth not to malign him. He could not come at David’ s heart; he will therefore needs feed upon his own. See 1 Samuel 18:12. Invidia semper se devorat primum, uti vermis nucleum ex quo nascitur. Envy is destructive.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:15
Verse 15. He was afraid of him.] He saw that, by his prudent conduct, he was every day gaining increasing influence.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:15
15. was afraid of him] Stood in awe of him, a stronger expression than that in 1 Samuel 18:12, denoting primarily the avoidance of the person feared. (Cp. Sept. εὐλαβεῖτοἀπὸπροσώπουαὐτοῦ.)
Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Tongue by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the feeling of being left behind and the horror it brings. He relates this to the concept of failing in the school of God and having to go b |
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7) Wisdom for Sisters (Kannada) by Annie Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking divine wisdom for our earthly lives, distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom. It highlights the need for obedience to God's wor |
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Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom in our lives, drawing insights from Psalms 90 and the life of Jesus. It highlights the need to submit to imperfect authori |
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(Luke) 01a - Introduction Cont. by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Gospel of Luke and its portrayal of Jesus reaching out to the needy, humble, and broken. The sermon highlights the impact of a movie based |
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Tongue Taming by David P. Murray | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the power and impact of our words. He uses various illustrations to emphasize how something small, like a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder |
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Who Is Wise? by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment. He urges his listeners to make straight paths for their feet and not to stray from the right path. |
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Maintain the Connection - Part 4 by Hans Peter Royer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how to determine if a message is from God. They emphasize that the content of a word from God will always align with the general revelation fo |