And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.

1 SAMUEL 17:16KJV
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1 Samuel 17:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:16 mean?

1 Samuel 17:16 describes how the Philistine champion, Goliath, came forward every morning and evening for forty days to challenge the Israelite army. This verse highlights the ongoing tension and intimidation that Goliath brought to the Israelite camp over an extended period.

The setting is the standoff between the Philistines and Israelites, with Goliath taunting Israel’s soldiers twice daily. This repeated appearance built suspense and fear among the Israelites, showing just how persistent and overwhelming the threat seemed before David entered the scene.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:16

  • "Presented" (נָצַב, natsav): This word means to stand or take a position. Here, it emphasizes that Goliath was not just showing up, but deliberately taking a stand, making himself visible and challenging.
  • "Forty" (אַרְבָּעִים, arba‘im): In the Hebrew Bible, forty often represents a significant period of testing or trial. The use of forty days here suggests a time of prolonged pressure and waiting for Israel.

Why 1 Samuel 17:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Goliath’s challenge was not a one-time event but a drawn-out ordeal, which helps explain the depth of fear and discouragement among the Israelites.
  • The detail of “forty days” connects this story to other biblical periods of testing, such as Moses on Mount Sinai or Israel’s years in the wilderness, hinting at a turning point about to come.
  • Understanding the repeated, public nature of Goliath’s challenge sets the stage for David’s later courage, making his response stand out even more.

Where else these words appear

“evening” Hebrew H6150 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 19:9 And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.
  • Isaiah 24:11 There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

“presented” Hebrew H3320 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
  • Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

“morning” Hebrew H7925 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

“near” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Deuteronomy 25:9 Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.