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    1 Samuel 17 (KJV)

    Read 1 Samuel chapter 17 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    1 Samuel 17

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    1 Samuel 17:47

    "And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not wi…"

    1 Samuel 17:45

    "Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a …"

    Popular Verses in 1 Samuel 17

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    1 Samuel 17:47 KJV

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    1 Samuel 17 Summary

    1 Samuel 17 tells the iconic story of David and Goliath. The Philistine champion, standing over nine feet tall and clad in heavy armor, terrifies Israel's army with his daily challenges for forty days. No soldier dares to face him.

    Young David, bringing supplies to his brothers, is outraged that an uncircumcised Philistine defies the armies of the living God. Refusing Saul's armor, David faces Goliath with a sling, five stones, and unshakeable faith. His victory demonstrates that God's power works through unlikely instruments and that faith, not physical might, determines outcomes.

    Key Themes

    Faith over fearGod's power through weaknessCourageDivine perspectiveUnlikely heroes

    Key Verses in 1 Samuel 17

    "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts."

    — 1 Samuel 17:45

    David's declaration reframes the battle from physical to spiritual dimensions.

    "For the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands."

    — 1 Samuel 17:47

    The theological heart of the chapter—victory belongs to God, not human warriors.

    "The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."

    — 1 Samuel 17:37

    David's past experiences with God built the faith foundation for his present challenge.

    Life Application

    David's confidence came not from self-assurance but from knowing God's character through past experience. We build faith for today's giants by remembering God's faithfulness in yesterday's battles. This story also reminds us that God's methods often look foolish to the world—a shepherd boy with a sling defeating an armored warrior.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How tall was Goliath?

    The Hebrew text says 'six cubits and a span,' approximately 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 meters). Some ancient manuscripts give a shorter height of about 6 feet 9 inches, but either way he was an exceptionally large warrior.

    Why did David pick five stones if he only needed one?

    Scholars suggest David was being practically prepared, not lacking faith. Some note that Goliath had four relatives (2 Samuel 21:22), so David may have been ready for additional opponents.

    Read the full summary of 1 Samuel

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