1 Samuel 17:56 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:56 mean?

1 Samuel 17:56 shows King Saul asking about the family background of David, the young man who has just defeated Goliath. Saul tells someone nearby to find out whose son this "stripling" (young man) is, wanting to know more about David’s origins.

In this moment, Saul is speaking to Abner, the commander of his army, right after David’s victory over Goliath. Saul’s question highlights that David, though now a hero, was not well-known at court, and Saul is interested in David’s family, likely because of the promise to reward the victor. The use of the word "stripling" draws attention to David’s youth and inexperience, making his victory even more remarkable.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:56

• king (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This word refers to Saul, the ruler of Israel, emphasizing the authority behind the inquiry.
• Enquire (שָׁאַל, sha'al): This verb means to ask or seek information. Saul is not just curious; he is commanding an investigation into David’s family.
• son (בֵּן, ben): The focus on whose "son" David is shows the importance of family lineage and identity in ancient Israel.
• stripling (עָלֵם, 'alem): This word refers to a youth or young man, underlining David’s age and relative inexperience in the eyes of Saul and others.

Why 1 Samuel 17:56 matters

• This verse clears up that Saul did not recognize David’s background, even after David had served him previously, showing how unremarkable David seemed before his victory.
• The emphasis on David’s youth and unknown family highlights the surprising nature of his triumph over Goliath and sets up the growing interest in his character.
• Saul’s inquiry connects to the earlier promise that the victor over Goliath would receive rewards, including exemption for his family, making it necessary for Saul to know who David’s father is.