And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

1 SAMUEL 17:49KJV
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1 Samuel 17:49 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:49 mean?

1 Samuel 17:49 describes how David, facing the Philistine giant Goliath, took a stone from his bag, slung it, and struck Goliath in the forehead so that the stone sank in, causing Goliath to fall face down to the ground. This verse shows the moment when David defeats Goliath with a single, well-aimed stone.

In this scene, David is a young shepherd confronting Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, in a dramatic showdown witnessed by both armies. David uses a sling and a stone instead of traditional weapons, highlighting his faith and resourcefulness. The verse emphasizes the surprising and decisive nature of Goliath’s defeat, which sets the stage for Israel’s victory.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:49

  • "Slang" (קָלַע, qāla‘) refers to the act of slinging, not just throwing by hand. This word points to David’s skill with a sling, a common but underestimated weapon in ancient times.
  • "Forehead" (מֵצַח, mētsaḥ) is the specific spot where the stone struck Goliath. The detail shows the precision of David’s aim and the vulnerability of Goliath despite his armor.
  • "Sunk" (טָבַע, tāva‘) means the stone actually penetrated into Goliath’s forehead, not just hitting the surface. This stresses the force and effectiveness of David’s strike.

Why 1 Samuel 17:49 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s victory was not by strength or conventional weapons, but by skill and faith, challenging expectations about what brings success.
  • The focus on the stone sinking into Goliath’s forehead highlights the vulnerability of even the mightiest opponents and the importance of precision over brute force.
  • The verse is a turning point in the story, marking the defeat of Goliath and shifting the momentum in favor of Israel, which is central to the larger narrative of David’s rise.

Where else these words appear

“slang” Hebrew H7049 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • 1 Kings 6:35 And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

“forehead” Hebrew H4696 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 28:38 And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
  • Isaiah 48:4 Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;
  • Ezekiel 3:8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.

“sunk” Hebrew H2883 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 15:4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
  • Psalms 69:2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
  • Jeremiah 38:6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.