Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.

1 SAMUEL 16:18KJV
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1 Samuel 16:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 16:18 mean?

1 Samuel 16:18 describes a servant recommending David, the son of Jesse from Bethlehem, to King Saul by listing David’s impressive qualities: skillful musician, brave warrior, wise in speech, attractive in appearance, and most importantly, someone whom the LORD is with. This verse introduces David as an exceptionally gifted and favored individual.

In this scene, Saul’s servants are searching for someone to play music to soothe the troubled king. One servant speaks up, describing David’s talents and character in detail. The verse highlights not just David’s musical ability but also his courage, wisdom, and the clear presence of God in his life, setting him apart for the important role he will play in Israel’s story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 16:18

  • "cunning" (יֹדֵעַ, yodea‘): This word means "knowing" or "skillful," and here it refers to David’s expertise in playing music, not just casual ability.
  • "mighty" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): This term often means "strong" or "valiant," emphasizing David’s reputation as a brave and capable man, even at a young age.
  • "prudent in matters" (בִּין דָּבָר, bin davar): The phrase means "understanding in speech or affairs," showing David was known for his wise judgment and thoughtful words, not just physical skills.
  • "the LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The servant specifically says the LORD is with David, pointing to a spiritual quality that sets David apart from others.

Why 1 Samuel 16:18 matters

  • This verse shows that David was already recognized for his character and abilities before he became famous as king, suggesting God’s choice was not random but based on real qualities.
  • The detailed description helps explain why Saul would trust David to serve in his court, making David’s rise to prominence more understandable.
  • The mention that "the LORD is with him" foreshadows David’s future as Israel’s leader and contrasts with Saul, from whom God’s favor is departing in the surrounding chapters.

Where else these words appear

“Bethlehemite” Hebrew H1022 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Samuel 16:1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
  • 1 Samuel 17:58 And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.
  • 2 Samuel 21:19 And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

“playing” Hebrew H5059 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Samuel 16:16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
  • 1 Samuel 18:10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.
  • Psalms 68:25 The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.

“comely” Hebrew H8389 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 29:17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
  • Deuteronomy 21:11 And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife;
  • Esther 2:7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

“Jesse” Hebrew H3448 · used in 39 verses

  • Ruth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
  • 1 Samuel 17:12 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.
  • 2 Samuel 20:1 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.