And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

1 SAMUEL 17:48KJV
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1 Samuel 17:48 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:48 mean?

1 Samuel 17:48 describes the moment when Goliath, the Philistine champion, stands up and approaches David, and David quickly runs toward the battle line to face him. The verse highlights David’s eagerness and courage as he moves to confront his much larger opponent without hesitation.

In this scene, the Philistine army and the Israelites are watching as their chosen fighters prepare to meet in single combat. The verse draws attention to David’s immediate, energetic response—he does not wait for Goliath to come to him, but instead takes the initiative and runs toward the challenge. This detail sets the tone for the dramatic showdown that follows.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:48

  • "Hasted" (מָהַר, māhar): This word means to hurry or act quickly. The use of this word emphasizes that David did not hesitate or show fear, but moved with urgency toward Goliath.
  • "Ran" (רָץ, rāts): This word simply means to run, but in this context, it underscores David’s determination and energy as he approaches the confrontation.
  • "Army" (מַעֲרָכָה, ma‘arakhah): This word refers to the battle line or the arrayed troops. The verse notes that David runs toward the line where the armies are drawn up, making it clear he is stepping into the heart of the conflict.

Why 1 Samuel 17:48 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that David was passive or reluctant; instead, it emphasizes his active courage and willingness to face danger head-on.
  • By showing David running toward Goliath, the verse highlights a sharp contrast between David’s faith-driven boldness and the fear that had paralyzed the Israelite army.
  • This moment connects directly to the wider story, setting up the famous encounter where David defeats Goliath, and showing that David’s victory begins with his decisive action, not just the outcome of the fight.

Where else these words appear

“army” 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.

“hasted” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

“ran” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

“meet” Hebrew H7125 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Judges 6:35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
  • 1 Kings 2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.