1 Samuel 16:18
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּעַן֩
Then answered
H6030
וַיַּעַן֩
Then answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 22
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֜ים
of the servants
H5288
מֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֜ים
of the servants
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
3 of 22
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
רָאִ֜יתִי
Behold I have seen
H7200
רָאִ֜יתִי
Behold I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 22
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בֵּ֣ן
a son
H1121
בֵּ֣ן
a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַלַּחְמִי֒
the Bethlehemite
H1022
הַלַּחְמִי֒
the Bethlehemite
Strong's:
H1022
Word #:
10 of 22
a beth-lechemite, or native of bethlechem
יֹדֵ֣עַ
that is cunning
H3045
יֹדֵ֣עַ
that is cunning
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
11 of 22
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
נַ֠גֵּן
in playing
H5059
נַ֠גֵּן
in playing
Strong's:
H5059
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
חַ֜יִל
valiant man
H2428
חַ֜יִל
valiant man
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
14 of 22
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and a man
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 22
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִלְחָמָ֛ה
of war
H4421
מִלְחָמָ֛ה
of war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
16 of 22
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
וּנְב֥וֹן
and prudent
H995
וּנְב֥וֹן
and prudent
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
17 of 22
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
דָּבָ֖ר
in matters
H1697
דָּבָ֖ר
in matters
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
18 of 22
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and a man
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
19 of 22
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
1 Samuel 3:19And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.Genesis 39:23The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.Genesis 39:2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.1 Samuel 10:7And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.2 Samuel 17:8For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.2 Samuel 14:20To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.2 Samuel 17:10And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.
Historical Context
Wilderness shepherding had developed David's courage (facing predators), musical skill (passing solitary hours), and leadership (managing flocks). His combat experience against lions and bears prepared him for larger battles. The comprehensive description suggests David was already known in the region.
Questions for Reflection
- How has faithful service in obscure assignments developed capabilities you now use?
- What does it mean practically for 'the LORD to be with' someone?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
This remarkable description of David encompasses multiple excellencies: musical skill, physical prowess, military capability, wisdom in speech, physical attractiveness, and - most importantly - 'the LORD is with him.' This final phrase (Yahweh 'immo) is the summary assessment that explains all other qualities. Divine presence, not natural talent alone, produced David's exceptional development during his years of faithful shepherding.