1 Samuel 17

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 17 of 31

1 And the Philistines had gathered their armies for battle, and were gathered at Shochoh of Judah. And they camped between Shochoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.

2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and camped in the valley of Elah. And they set in order for battle to meet the Philistines.

3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on this side, and Israel stood on the mountain on this side, and the valley between them.

Read full chapter in the Bible Reader

Chapter Summary

The armies of the Israelites and Philistines ready, Goliath issues a challenge. David takes the challenge. With no armor he kills the giant.

Key Hebrew Words

חָרַף defy/reproach H2778 · TWOT 750
עָרֵל uncircumcised H6189 · TWOT 1695b
קֶ֫לַע sling H7050 · TWOT 2030a
חֶ֫רֶב sword H2719 · TWOT 732a
חַי living (God) H2416 · TWOT 644f
נָסָה test/prove H5254 · TWOT 1373

People & Context

David

Jesse's youngest son who fells Goliath with a sling in the name of Jehovah of Hosts

Goliath

Philistine champion from Gath who defies Israel's armies and is killed by David

Saul

king of Israel, dismayed by Goliath; sends and arms David for the fight

Jesse

Ephrathite of Bethlehem, David's father, who sends David to his brothers at the camp

Eliab

David's eldest brother whose anger burns against him at the battle line

Timeline

Goliath Challenges Israel

The Philistines camp at Ephes-dammim. Goliath, a giant from Gath, comes out for forty days challenging the ranks of Israel to single combat, dismaying Saul and the Israelites.

1 Samuel 17:1-11
David Sent to the Battle Lines

Jesse sends David from Bethlehem to the valley of Elah with provisions for his three oldest brothers and their commander.

1 Samuel 17:12-22
David Hears the Challenge

David hears Goliath's taunts and sees the Israelites fleeing. He asks about the reward for killing the giant and is scolded by his oldest brother, Eliab.

1 Samuel 17:23-30

Read 1 Samuel 17 in the KJ3 Reader

Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

Open in Bible Reader
1 Samuel 161 Samuel1 Samuel 18