1 Samuel 17:26
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
Original Language Analysis
הָאֲנָשִׁ֞ים
to the men
H582
הָאֲנָשִׁ֞ים
to the men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
4 of 29
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
הָעֹֽמְדִ֣ים
that stood
H5975
הָעֹֽמְדִ֣ים
that stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
5 of 29
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עִמּוֹ֮
H5973
עִמּוֹ֮
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 29
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
8 of 29
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יֵּֽעָשֶׂ֗ה
What shall be done
H6213
יֵּֽעָשֶׂ֗ה
What shall be done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 29
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לָאִישׁ֙
to the man
H376
לָאִישׁ֙
to the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 29
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)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַכֶּה֙
that killeth
H5221
יַכֶּה֙
that killeth
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
12 of 29
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵעַ֣ל
H5921
מֵעַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
from Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
from Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
19 of 29
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
20 of 29
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִ֗י
H4310
מִ֗י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
21 of 29
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
הֶֽעָרֵל֙
for who is this uncircumcised
H6189
הֶֽעָרֵל֙
for who is this uncircumcised
Strong's:
H6189
Word #:
23 of 29
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
25 of 29
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חֵרֵ֔ף
that he should defy
H2778
חֵרֵ֔ף
that he should defy
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
26 of 29
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
מַֽעַרְכ֖וֹת
the armies
H4634
מַֽעַרְכ֖וֹת
the armies
Strong's:
H4634
Word #:
27 of 29
an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array
Cross References
1 Samuel 11:2And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.Deuteronomy 5:26For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?1 Samuel 14:6And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.1 Samuel 17:10And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.2 Kings 19:4It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.1 Samuel 17:36Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.Psalms 44:13Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.Psalms 79:12And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.Jeremiah 10:10But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.Nehemiah 5:9Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
Historical Context
Circumcision marked covenant membership; its absence marked Goliath as outside God's people and promises. The term 'living God' (Elohim chayyim) contrasted Yahweh with the lifeless idols of Philistine temples (Dagon). David's perspective reflected the covenant worldview lacking in Israel's army.
Questions for Reflection
- What situations should provoke righteous indignation for God's honor in your context?
- How does David's theological framing of the problem transform your approach to impossible situations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
David's question cuts to the theological heart of the matter: Goliath is an 'uncircumcised Philistine' defying 'the armies of the living God.' The Hebrew cherpah (reproach) indicates disgrace or shame. David saw what trained soldiers missed - this was primarily an affront to God's honor, not merely a military problem. His indignation arose from zeal for God's glory rather than personal ambition or youthful rashness.