And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

1 SAMUEL 17:26KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 17:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:26 mean?

1 Samuel 17:26 describes David asking the Israelite soldiers what reward will be given to the person who defeats Goliath, the Philistine, and removes the disgrace from Israel. David also questions why this "uncircumcised Philistine" is allowed to challenge the armies of the living God, expressing surprise and concern at Goliath's boldness.

In this verse, David is speaking to the men standing near him as he arrives at the battlefield where Goliath has been taunting Israel. David's words show both his curiosity about the situation and his strong belief that Goliath, as an outsider without Israel's covenant sign, has no right to insult God’s people. David’s focus on the "reproach" and on God’s honor sets him apart from the other soldiers, who are mainly afraid.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:26

  • חֶרְפָּה (cherpah, "reproach"): This word means shame, disgrace, or insult. David is concerned not just about the physical threat, but about the shame Goliath brings upon Israel and, by extension, upon God.
  • עָרֵל (arel, "uncircumcised"): By calling Goliath "uncircumcised," David highlights that Goliath is outside of God’s covenant with Israel. This emphasizes the spiritual and cultural divide between Israel and the Philistines.
  • חֵרֵף (chereph, "defy"): This word means to taunt, insult, or challenge. David sees Goliath’s challenge as a direct insult to God, not just to Israel’s army.
  • מַעַרְכוֹת (ma'arkhot, "armies"): This word refers to the ranks or formations of Israel’s army. David’s use of this term underlines that these are not just any soldiers, but the armies belonging to the living God.

Why 1 Samuel 17:26 matters

  • This verse shows that David’s main concern is God’s honor, not just military victory or personal gain, which contrasts with the fear and hesitation of the other soldiers.
  • By calling Goliath "uncircumcised," David frames the conflict as a spiritual battle, not just a physical one, making clear the deeper meaning behind the confrontation.
  • The verse introduces David’s unique perspective and faith, setting the stage for his later actions and for the famous story of David and Goliath.

Where else these words appear

“this” Hebrew H1975 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 6:20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
  • 2 Kings 4:25 So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:
  • Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

“armies” Hebrew H4634 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 39:37 The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,
  • 1 Samuel 4:16 And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son?
  • 1 Samuel 17:23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.

“uncircumcised” Hebrew H6189 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
  • 1 Samuel 17:36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
  • Ezekiel 32:21 The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

“defy” Hebrew H2778 · used in 40 verses

  • Leviticus 19:20 And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
  • 1 Chronicles 20:7 But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him.
  • Psalms 102:8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.