And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

1 SAMUEL 17:25KJV
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1 Samuel 17:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:25 mean?

1 Samuel 17:25 describes how the Israelite soldiers are talking among themselves about Goliath, the Philistine champion, and what King Saul has promised to anyone who defeats him: great wealth, the king’s daughter in marriage, and exemption from taxes or obligations for the victor’s family. The verse shows the high stakes and rewards being offered to motivate someone to face Goliath.

In this scene, the men of Israel are speaking to each other as they watch Goliath challenge their army. They point out that Goliath has come to insult and defy Israel, and they repeat the king’s generous offer for anyone brave enough to fight him. This highlights both the fear Goliath inspires and the desperation of Saul to find a champion.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:25

  • "defy" (חֵרֵף, ḥēreph): This word means to taunt, insult, or challenge. The use here emphasizes that Goliath’s actions are not just a military threat but a personal and national insult to Israel and its God.
  • "free" (חָפְשִׁי, ḥofshi): This word means exempt or free from obligations. The promise that the victor’s family will be made “free in Israel” suggests a significant social and economic reward, likely exemption from taxes or forced service.
  • "enrich" (עָשַׁר, ʿāshar) and "riches" (עֹשֶׁר, ʿōsher): These related words highlight the promise of substantial material wealth, showing how Saul is trying to make the reward as appealing as possible.

Why 1 Samuel 17:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies just how intimidating Goliath was, since even with such lavish rewards, no one had yet volunteered to fight him.
  • The mention of Saul’s daughter and family exemption shows the seriousness of the king’s offer, underlining the desperation of Israel’s leadership.
  • Understanding the specific promises helps explain David’s later interest in the challenge and sets up the dramatic contrast between David’s faith and the fear of the rest of Israel’s army.