1 Samuel Chapter 16 · Verse 21
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד
and stood
H5975
וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד
and stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
5 of 12
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְפָנָ֑יו
before
H6440
לְפָנָ֑יו
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיֶּֽאֱהָבֵ֣הֽוּ
him and he loved
H157
וַיֶּֽאֱהָבֵ֣הֽוּ
him and he loved
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
7 of 12
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
מְאֹ֔ד
him greatly
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
him greatly
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וַֽיְהִי
H1961
וַֽיְהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Proverbs 22:29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.Genesis 41:46And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
Historical Context
Armor-bearers held positions of trust and intimacy, carrying the king's weapons and protecting him in battle. The role provided military education and courtly experience. Notable armor-bearers like Jonathan's (1 Samuel 14) demonstrated both skill and loyalty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine initial affection that later turns to hatred reflect the corruption of sin?
- What does David's humble service to Saul teach about serving even when you know greater things await?
Analysis & Commentary
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.
Saul's immediate love for David and appointment as armor-bearer created deep irony: the rejected king embracing his replacement, the warrior king dependent on the shepherd boy. The Hebrew 'ahab (love) indicates genuine affection, making Saul's later hatred more tragic. As armor-bearer, David would learn warfare at the king's side while remaining hidden in plain sight as God's anointed.