1 Samuel 17:51
Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֨ד
and stood
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֨ד
and stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
3 of 21
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛ים
therewith And when the Philistines
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛ים
therewith And when the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
5 of 21
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 21
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 #:
8 of 21
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
מִתַּעְרָהּ֙
it out of the sheath
H8593
מִתַּעְרָהּ֙
it out of the sheath
Strong's:
H8593
Word #:
10 of 21
a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)
מֵ֥ת
thereof and slew
H4191
מֵ֥ת
thereof and slew
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
11 of 21
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וַיִּכְרָת
him and cut off
H3772
וַיִּכְרָת
him and cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
12 of 21
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ
his head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ
his head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
15 of 21
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַיִּרְא֧וּ
saw
H7200
וַיִּרְא֧וּ
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
16 of 21
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛ים
therewith And when the Philistines
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛ים
therewith And when the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
17 of 21
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵ֥ת
thereof and slew
H4191
מֵ֥ת
thereof and slew
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
19 of 21
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
Hebrews 11:34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.1 Samuel 21:9And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.2 Samuel 23:21And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.
Historical Context
Beheading defeated champions was common practice, providing proof of victory and trophy for display. Goliath's head would later appear in Jerusalem (v.54), perhaps at the Jebusite city's conquest. The psychological impact of watching their greatest warrior fall shattered Philistine morale.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes use the enemy's own weapons to accomplish their defeat?
- What does the Philistine flight teach about the collective impact of one person's victorious faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
David's use of Goliath's own sword to behead him represents ultimate reversal - the giant's weapon completing his defeat. Cutting off the head confirmed death and claimed trophy proof of victory. The Philistines' flight reveals how one man's faith-based courage could transform an entire military situation. Their champion's death exposed the emptiness of their confidence.