And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

1 SAMUEL 17:34KJV
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1 Samuel 17:34 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:34 mean?

1 Samuel 17:34 describes David telling King Saul that he used to care for his father's sheep, and that when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, he dealt with the threat himself. David is explaining his experience as a shepherd and showing that he has faced real danger before.

David is speaking directly to Saul, who is doubtful about David’s ability to face Goliath. By sharing this story, David is making the point that he is not inexperienced or helpless—he has protected his flock from wild animals. This detail sets up David’s confidence and courage, showing that his trust in God and his skills have been tested in life-threatening situations.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:34

  • "Servant" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): David refers to himself as Saul’s servant, which shows humility and respect, but also signals his willingness to serve and take responsibility.
  • "Kept" (רָעָה, raʿah): This word means to tend or shepherd, emphasizing that David’s role was hands-on and protective, not just passive watching.
  • "Lion" (אַרְיֵה, aryeh) and "bear" (דֹּב, dov): These specific animals highlight the real and serious dangers David faced, not just minor threats.
  • "Took" (נָשָׂא, nasa): The word means to lift or carry away, showing that the lion and bear actually seized a lamb, making David’s intervention necessary and urgent.

Why 1 Samuel 17:34 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that David was simply a naive boy; it shows he had real-world experience with danger and responsibility.
  • The mention of both a lion and a bear emphasizes the seriousness of the threats David faced, making his courage and skill more impressive.
  • David’s story connects to the larger narrative by building the case for why he believes he can face Goliath, setting up his later actions and the trust he places in God’s help.

Where else these words appear

“bear” Hebrew H1677 · used in 12 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Kings 2:24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
  • Isaiah 59:11 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.

“flock” Hebrew H5739 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 29:2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.
  • Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

“lamb” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Exodus 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
  • 1 Samuel 14:34 And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there.

“lion” Hebrew H738 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 17:26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
  • Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.