1 Samuel 18:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 18:19 mean?

1 Samuel 18:19 reports that when the time came for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David as a wife, she was instead given to Adriel the Meholathite. This verse shows a change in Saul’s original promise to David.

In the story, Saul had earlier promised his daughter Merab to David as a reward for his bravery. However, instead of fulfilling this promise, Saul gives Merab to another man, Adriel, from Meholah. This action highlights Saul’s shifting intentions and sets the stage for later events involving Saul’s other daughter, Michal.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 18:19

• מֵרַב (Merab): This is the name of Saul’s daughter, whose marriage is at the center of the verse. The mention of her name emphasizes the personal nature of Saul’s broken promise to David.
• נָתַן (natan): This word, translated as "given," appears twice in the verse. It often means to give or bestow, and its repetition underscores the act of transferring Merab from one promised husband (David) to another (Adriel).
• אִשָּׁה (ishah): This word means "wife." Its use here clarifies that the giving of Merab was not just a betrothal but a completed marriage arrangement.

Why 1 Samuel 18:19 matters

• This verse clarifies that Saul did not keep his promise to David, which is important for understanding the tension and mistrust that grows between Saul and David.
• The mention of Adriel the Meholathite introduces a new character and connects to later passages where Merab’s children are mentioned.
• The verse helps readers see Saul’s unpredictable behavior and how it affects David’s life and future relationships within Saul’s family.