1 Samuel 18:27
Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֨קָם
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֨קָם
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 24
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ׀
H1980
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ׀
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 24
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 24
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אִישׁ֒
men
H376
אִישׁ֒
men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 24
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)
וַיַּ֣ךְ
and slew
H5221
וַיַּ֣ךְ
and slew
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
6 of 24
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּים֮
of the Philistines
H6430
בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּים֮
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
7 of 24
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
מָאתַ֣יִם
two hundred
H3967
מָאתַ֣יִם
two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
8 of 24
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
אִישׁ֒
men
H376
אִישׁ֒
men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 24
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)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיְמַלְא֣וּם
and they gave them in full tale
H4390
וַיְמַלְא֣וּם
and they gave them in full tale
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
14 of 24
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
לְהִתְחַתֵּ֖ן
son in law
H2859
לְהִתְחַתֵּ֖ן
son in law
Strong's:
H2859
Word #:
16 of 24
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
וַיִּתֶּן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֶּן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
18 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Counting trophies verified military accomplishments. The doubled number may have been strategic - removing Saul's ability to claim the count was short. Marriage to the king's daughter created legal ties that complicated Saul's desire to eliminate David.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God enabled you to exceed what seemed impossible requirements?
- What does David's double fulfillment teach about approaching challenges with excellence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
David's return with two hundred foreskins - double the required amount - demonstrated both divine protection and abundant fulfillment. The phrase 'in full tale' (male'um) emphasizes complete, verified count. David's excess was characteristic: when he responded to challenges, he did so with overflow. What Saul intended as death became victory; what was meant as impossible requirement became display of God's favor. Saul now had no choice but to fulfill his promise. The wedding bound David more closely to the royal house even as Saul's hatred intensified.