1 Samuel 17:49
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩
put
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩
put
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 22
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָד֜וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֜וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 22
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הַכֶּ֗לִי
in his bag
H3627
הַכֶּ֗לִי
in his bag
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
6 of 22
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
מִשָּׁ֥ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֥ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
8 of 22
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וַיְקַלַּ֔ע
and slang
H7049
וַיְקַלַּ֔ע
and slang
Strong's:
H7049
Word #:
10 of 22
to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)
וַיַּ֥ךְ
it and smote
H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ
it and smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
11 of 22
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
13 of 22
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and he fell
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and he fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
19 of 22
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
20 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Head wounds were often fatal in ancient combat. Goliath's helmet apparently left his forehead vulnerable. The forehead was considered a symbol of pride and defiance (Ezekiel 3:7-9), making its penetration symbolically appropriate.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you witnessed God's precision in accomplishing what seemed impossible?
- What does Goliath's fall 'upon his face' teach about the ultimate humiliation of all who defy God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
The stone sinking into Goliath's forehead accomplished what no sword could - divine precision guided by humble faith. The Hebrew tava' (to sink, penetrate) emphasizes complete penetration. Goliath's fall 'upon his face to the earth' fulfilled David's prophecy and demonstrated the living God's superiority over the Philistine champion's lifeless gods. What seemed impossible became simple through divine intervention.