1 Samuel 18:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 18:27 mean?

1 Samuel 18:27 says that David, along with his men, killed two hundred Philistines and brought back their foreskins as proof to King Saul, fulfilling Saul’s requirement so David could marry Saul’s daughter Michal. Saul then gave his daughter Michal to David as his wife.

This verse describes a dramatic moment in David’s rise in Saul’s court. Saul had set a dangerous task for David, hoping he would be killed by the Philistines, but David succeeded beyond what was asked. The verse shows both David’s bravery and Saul’s attempt to manipulate events, as well as the official beginning of David’s marriage to Michal.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 18:27

• "Foreskins" (עָרְלוֹת, orlot): This word refers to the physical evidence David brought to Saul. In the culture of the time, this was a way to prove the defeat of uncircumcised enemies, highlighting the difference between Israel and the Philistines.
• "Tale" (מִסְפָּר, mispar): The phrase "in full tale" means David brought the exact number Saul had demanded, or even more. This emphasizes David’s thoroughness and commitment to meeting Saul’s challenge.
• "Gave" (נָתַן, natan): This word is used for Saul giving Michal to David as a wife, marking the formal transfer and the fulfillment of Saul’s promise.

Why 1 Samuel 18:27 matters

• This verse clarifies that David went above and beyond Saul’s demand, killing two hundred Philistines instead of the one hundred Saul had required, which shows David’s determination and ability.
• The verse highlights Saul’s intentions; Saul hoped David would die in the attempt, but David’s success only increased his reputation and Saul’s unease.
• The marriage to Michal is significant in the larger story, as it ties David to Saul’s family and sets up future tensions and events in David’s life.