1 Samuel 17:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:31 mean?

1 Samuel 17:31 describes how the things David said were overheard and then reported to King Saul, who responded by sending for David. The verse shows the moment when David’s words about facing Goliath reached the king’s attention, prompting Saul to take action.

David had been speaking with other Israelites about Goliath’s challenge and the reward Saul offered. When others heard David’s confident words, they repeated them to Saul. This verse marks the turning point where David, a young shepherd, is brought before the king because of his boldness and willingness to confront the Philistine giant.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:31

• דָּבָר (davar; "words"): This word refers to the things David said, which were significant enough to be passed along to Saul. It can mean "matter," "thing," or "speech," highlighting that David’s statements were more than casual talk.
• שָׁמַע (shama‘; "heard"): This word often means to hear or listen with attention. Here, it suggests that David’s words were not just overheard but taken seriously by those who listened.
• נָגַד (nagad; "rehearsed"): This word means to declare or report. The people didn’t just mention David’s words; they formally reported them to Saul, indicating their importance.
• לָקַח (laqach; "sent [for him]"): This verb means to take or fetch. Saul’s action in sending for David shows that he was actively seeking out the person behind the bold words.

Why 1 Samuel 17:31 matters

• This verse highlights the turning point where David moves from being an onlooker to an active participant in the story of Goliath, setting up his conversation with Saul.
• The verse shows that David’s courage and words stood out among the Israelite soldiers, who had been afraid to face Goliath themselves.
• By emphasizing the process of David’s words being reported and Saul sending for him, the verse underscores how God can use unexpected people and moments to change the course of events.