And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

1 CHRONICLES 14:17KJV
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1 Chronicles 14:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 14:17 mean?

1 Chronicles 14:17 describes David’s growing reputation beyond his own people. After his victory over the Philistines, news about him spread, and the verse credits the LORD with making other nations afraid of him.

The verse moves from the spread of David’s fame to the response of the nations. The account presents their fear as something the LORD brought about, rather than as a result of news alone.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:17

  • “fame” — שֵׁם (shem): This word can mean “name” or “reputation.” Here it pictures David’s name becoming known far beyond the place where the fighting occurred.
  • “fear” — פַּחַד (pachad): This word carries the sense of dread or alarm. In this verse, the nations’ response is more than simply recognizing David’s name.

Why 1 Chronicles 14:17 matters

  • The verse gives the LORD a direct role in David’s standing among the nations. The KJV says the LORD “brought the fear of him” upon them.
  • David’s reputation reaches beyond the Philistines he has just fought. The phrases “all lands” and “all nations” describe the wide reach of that news and its effect.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
  • Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.