1 Samuel 17:39
And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חַ֠רְבּוֹ
his sword
H2719
חַ֠רְבּוֹ
his sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
4 of 25
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
מֵעַ֨ל
H5921
מֵעַ֨ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 25
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְמַדָּ֜יו
upon his armour
H4055
לְמַדָּ֜יו
upon his armour
Strong's:
H4055
Word #:
6 of 25
properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet
וַיֹּ֣אֶל
and he assayed
H2974
וַיֹּ֣אֶל
and he assayed
Strong's:
H2974
Word #:
7 of 25
properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition
לָלֶכֶת֮
H1980
לָלֶכֶת֮
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 25
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִסִּ֑יתִי
for he had not proved
H5254
נִסִּ֑יתִי
for he had not proved
Strong's:
H5254
Word #:
11 of 25
to test; by implication, to attempt
שָׁא֗וּל
unto Saul
H7586
שָׁא֗וּל
unto Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
15 of 25
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אוּכַ֛ל
I cannot
H3201
אוּכַ֛ל
I cannot
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
17 of 25
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לָלֶ֥כֶת
H1980
לָלֶ֥כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
18 of 25
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
20 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
21 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִסִּ֑יתִי
for he had not proved
H5254
נִסִּ֑יתִי
for he had not proved
Strong's:
H5254
Word #:
22 of 25
to test; by implication, to attempt
Cross References
Zechariah 4:6Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.Hosea 1:7But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.
Historical Context
Military equipment required extensive training for effective use. David's lack of armor training would have made Saul's gear a hindrance in combat. The public removal of armor would have appeared foolish to observers accustomed to conventional warfare.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual resources has God proven in your own experience that you should rely upon?
- How do you resist pressure to adopt methods that work for others but are not proven for you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
David's rejection of Saul's armor - 'I have not proved them' - demonstrates spiritual self-awareness. The Hebrew nasah (to test, prove) indicates David recognized the need for tested equipment. His willingness to appear foolish by facing Goliath with shepherd's implements showed confidence in God's ways over human expectations. Authenticity in spiritual warfare requires using the means God has proven in our own experience.