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.

1 SAMUEL 17:12KJV
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1 Samuel 17:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:12 mean?

1 Samuel 17:12 introduces David as the son of Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem in Judah, and notes that Jesse had eight sons and was considered an old man during the days of Saul. This verse sets the family background for David before the story of his encounter with Goliath.

The verse is part of a narrative pause, giving readers context about David’s origins and family. The writer highlights Jesse’s age and status, which helps explain why David, the youngest son, is not at the battlefield with his older brothers. This background prepares the reader for David’s unexpected role in the events that follow.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:12

  • אֶפְרָתִי (Ephrathite, 'ephrathi): This word refers to someone from Ephrath, another name for Bethlehem, emphasizing David’s connection to this significant town.
  • בֵּית לֶחֶם יְהוּדָה (Bethlehemjudah, beit lechem yehudah): This phrase specifies the town of Bethlehem in the region of Judah, clarifying David’s tribal and geographic roots.
  • שֵׁם (name, shem): The use of "name" here draws attention to Jesse as a known figure, not just a random person, which adds weight to David’s lineage.
  • זָקֵן (man, zaqen): The word for “old man” highlights Jesse’s advanced age, which explains why he is not present in the action and why his younger son is sent on errands.

Why 1 Samuel 17:12 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about David’s family background, making it clear he is the youngest son of an elderly father from Bethlehem.
  • The emphasis on Jesse’s age and the number of his sons sets up the contrast between David and his older brothers, who are at the battlefield.
  • By connecting David to Bethlehem and Judah, the verse foreshadows his future importance in Israel’s history, especially since Bethlehem becomes significant in later biblical stories.

Where else these words appear

“Ephrathite” Hebrew H673 · used in 5 verses

  • Judges 12:5 And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;
  • Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
  • 1 Samuel 1:1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

“man” Hebrew H2204 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
  • Joshua 23:2 And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:
  • 1 Kings 1:1 Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.

“Bethlehemjudah” Hebrew H1035 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
  • Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
  • 2 Samuel 23:24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

“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 16:22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
  • 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.