And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

1 SAMUEL 17:39KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 17:39 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:39 mean?

1 Samuel 17:39 describes how David tried on Saul’s armor and sword but found he could not move comfortably because he was not used to them, so he told Saul he could not wear them and took them off. The verse shows David’s decision to face Goliath without the king’s armor, relying instead on what he knew.

In this scene, David is speaking to King Saul just before his battle with Goliath. Saul had given David his own armor and sword, but David realizes he has not “proved” (tested or practiced with) them. The verse highlights David’s honesty about his limitations and his choice to trust what he is familiar with, rather than relying on unfamiliar equipment.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:39

  • "girded" (חָגַר, chagar): This word means to bind or fasten, especially around the waist. Here, it shows David making a real effort to prepare for battle in the traditional way.
  • "proved" (נָסָה, nasah): This word means to test or try out. David says he has not “proved” the armor, meaning he has not tested or trained with it, which explains why he is uncomfortable and unwilling to use it.
  • "put" (סוּר, sur): This word means to remove or turn aside. David actively takes off the armor, showing a deliberate choice rather than just a casual decision.

Why 1 Samuel 17:39 matters

  • The verse clears up the idea that David’s victory over Goliath was not because of impressive weapons or armor, but because he relied on what he knew and trusted.
  • It emphasizes David’s humility and honesty; he does not pretend to be something he is not or use tools he cannot handle.
  • This moment connects to the larger story by setting up the contrast between David and Goliath: David faces the giant with faith and skill, not with the king’s equipment.

Where else these words appear

“armour” Hebrew H4055 · used in 12 verses

  • Leviticus 6:10 And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.
  • 1 Samuel 4:12 And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.
  • 2 Samuel 21:20 And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.

“assayed” Hebrew H2974 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
  • Judges 1:27 Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
  • 2 Kings 5:23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

“proved” Hebrew H5254 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
  • Deuteronomy 13:3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
  • Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

“girded” Hebrew H2296 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • 2 Samuel 6:14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
  • Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.