1 Samuel 29:5
1 Samuel 29:5 in Multiple Translations
Is this not the David about whom they sing in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”
Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands?
Is this not David, who was named in their songs, when in the dance they said to one another, Saul has put to death thousands, and David tens of thousands?
Isn't this the David they sing about in their dances: ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”
Is not this Dauid, of whome they sang in daunces, saying, Saul slewe his thousande, and Dauid his ten thousande?
Is not this David, of whom they answer in choruses, saying, Saul hath smitten among his thousands, and David among his myriads?'
Isn’t this David, of whom people sang to one another in dances, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”
Is not this David, of whom they sung one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
Is not this David, to whom they sung in their dances, saying: Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
Have you forgotten that David is the one about whom the Israelis dance and sing, saying, ‘Saul has killed 1000 of our enemies, but David has killed 10,000 of them!’?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 29:5
BAB
Word Study
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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 29:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/לוֹא
זֶ֣ה
דָוִ֔ד
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
יַעֲנוּ
ל֛/וֹ
בַּ/מְּחֹל֖וֹת
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
הִכָּ֤ה
שָׁאוּל֙
בַּֽ/אֲלָפָ֔י/ו
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
ב/רבבת/ו
בְּ/רִבְבֹתָֽי/ו
הֲ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
דָוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יַעֲנוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
ל֛/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בַּ/מְּחֹל֖וֹת
mᵉchôlâh
H4246
dance
Prep | N-fp
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הִכָּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
בַּֽ/אֲלָפָ֔י/ו
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Prep | Adj | Suff
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Conj | N-proper
ב/רבבת/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
myriad
Prep | N-fp | Suff
בְּ/רִבְבֹתָֽי/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
myriad
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 29:5
הֲ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
דָוִ֔ד
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.
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
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.
יַעֲנוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
ל֛/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בַּ/מְּחֹל֖וֹת
mᵉchôlâh
H4246
"dance"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a dance, often a celebratory or joyful one. In the Bible, it describes dancing as an act of worship or celebration. The KJV translates it as company or dances.
Definition: dancing, dance
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: company, dances(-cing). See also: Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6; Song of Solomon 7:1.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הִכָּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
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.
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.
בַּֽ/אֲלָפָ֔י/ו
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Prep | Adj | Suff
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/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Conj | 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.
ב/רבבת/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
"myriad"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a large number, like a multitude or ten thousand. It is used in the Bible to describe big groups of people or things. In the KJV, it is translated as many, million, or ten thousand.
Definition: multitude, myriad, ten thousand
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand. See also: Genesis 24:60; 1 Samuel 18:8; Psalms 3:7.
בְּ/רִבְבֹתָֽי/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
"myriad"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a large number, like a multitude or ten thousand. It is used in the Bible to describe big groups of people or things. In the KJV, it is translated as many, million, or ten thousand.
Definition: multitude, myriad, ten thousand
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand. See also: Genesis 24:60; 1 Samuel 18:8; Psalms 3:7.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 29:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 29:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 29:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 29:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 29:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 29:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 29:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 29:5
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 29:5
Context — The Philistines Reject David
3Then the commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, the servant of King Saul of Israel? He has been with me all these days, even years, and from the day he defected until today I have found no fault in him.”
4But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men?
5Is this not the David about whom they sing in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”
6So Achish summoned David and told him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright, and it seems right in my sight that you should march in and out with me in the army, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until this day. But you are not good in the sight of the leaders. 7Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 21:11 | But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 18:6–7 | As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 27:14 | If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted to him as a curse. |
1 Samuel 29:5 Summary
This verse talks about a song that the people sang, comparing David's military victories to King Saul's. It shows that David was very successful and well-known, which made the Philistines' commanders worried that he might turn against them. This situation teaches us about the importance of humility and trust in God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. Just like David, we should focus on pleasing God rather than seeking human recognition, as taught in Galatians 1:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the song mentioned in 1 Samuel 29:5?
The song highlights David's military victories, comparing them to King Saul's, which fueled Saul's jealousy, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:8 and 1 Samuel 22:17-18.
Why did the Philistines' commanders bring up this song?
They brought it up to express their concern that David, with his impressive military record, might turn against them in battle, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 29:4, and to persuade Achish to send David away.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of the discussion between the Philistines' commanders and Achish about whether to allow David to join them in battle, which ultimately leads to Achish sending David away, as seen in 1 Samuel 29:6-7.
What does this verse reveal about David's reputation?
It shows that David's military prowess was well-known and celebrated, not just among the Israelites, but also among their enemies, the Philistines, which is consistent with the account in 2 Samuel 5:2 and 1 Chronicles 11:2.
Reflection Questions
- How does the world's recognition of our abilities or accomplishments compare to God's recognition of our heart and actions, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7?
- In what ways can our past successes or failures impact our current relationships and opportunities, as illustrated in this verse and 1 Samuel 18:8?
- How can we balance the desire for human recognition with the pursuit of God's approval, as taught in Galatians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 2:4?
- What can we learn from David's experience about the importance of humility and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 29:5
[Is] not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances,.... Long ago: saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands; so that he is an old sworn enemy of ours; and the more
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 29:5
Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 29:5
1 Samuel 29:5 [Is] not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?Ver. 5. Is not this David?] They knew the acts of other countries. Princes should be good historians, and well seen in foreign affairs.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 29:5
(5) Of whom they sang.—The folk-songs, which had originally excited Saul’s jealousy of the young hero David, were current among the Philistines, who seem to have been a musical people. David’s having apparently learned and practised Philistine music when in Gath, which he subsequently introduced into Jerusalem, has been already noticed.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 29:5
5. of whom they sang] “Of whom they sing one to another in the dances;” i.e. in popular songs at festivals. See on 1 Samuel 21:11.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 29:5
5. Is not this David — Could the Philistines ever forget the disgraceful fall of their proud chief Goliath? Yet they never dared lay violent hands on David, or, at least, they preferred that he would quietly depart from them.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 29:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God Is Still Faithful by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite David's moment of unfaithfulness when he sought refuge in Gath, God remained faithful to His promises and purpose for David's life. Anointed |