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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 17:42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/17-42.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/09_1Sa_17_42.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 17:42 - David Slays Goliath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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for he was <i>only</i> a youth, ruddy and good-looking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked and saw David, he was contemptuous of him; for he was <i>only</i> a youth, and reddish, with a handsome appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was <i>but</i> a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the Philistine looked and saw David. And he despised him; for he was <i>but</i> a youth and ruddy, with a handsome appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked around and saw David, he derided <i>and</i> disparaged him because he was [just] a young man, with a ruddy <i>complexion,</i> and a handsome appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a youth, healthy and handsome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a youth, healthy and handsome. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Goliath saw that David was just a healthy, good-looking boy, he made fun of him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the Philistine got a good look at David, he despised him. After all, David was a young man with a healthy complexion and good looks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and when he got a good look at David, he was filled with scorn for him because he was just a nice, good-looking boy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked and saw David, he had contempt for him, because he was only a young man. David had a dark, healthy complexion and was handsome. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked carefully at David, he despised him, for he was only a ruddy and handsome boy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him, for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked around and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and had a good looking face. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the Philistine looks attentively, and sees David, and despises him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the Philistine looketh attentively, and seeth David, and despiseth him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a fair appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he of the rovers will look and will see David, and he will despise him, for he was a boy, and red, with a fair aspect.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the Philistine looked, and beheld David, he despised him. For he was a young man, ruddy, and of a comely countenance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when the Philistine had seen and considered David, he despised him. For he was a youth, ruddy and of handsome appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When he sized David up and saw that he was youthful, ruddy, and handsome in appearance, he began to deride him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Philistine looked out and he saw David and had contempt for him, because he was a ruddy boy and handsome in his appearance<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Goliath saw David, and despised him; for he was a lad, and ruddy, with a fair countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/17-42.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=5040" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">David Slays Goliath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">41</span>Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him. <span class="reftext">42</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: hap·pə·liš·tî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">When the Philistine</a> <a href="/hebrew/5027.htm" title="5027: way·yab·bêṭ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To look. A primitive root; to scan, i.e. Look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care.">looked</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yir·’eh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/959.htm" title="959: way·yiḇ·zê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To despise. A primitive root; to disesteem.">he despised him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">he was</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: na·‘ar (N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">just a boy,</a> <a href="/hebrew/132.htm" title="132: wə·’aḏ·mō·nî (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Red, ruddy. Or admowniy; from 'adam; reddish.">ruddy</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3303.htm" title="3303: yə·p̄êh (Adj-msc) -- Fair, beautiful. From yaphah; beautiful.">handsome.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’eh (N-ms) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision."></a> </span><span class="reftext">43</span>“Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-20.htm">2 Samuel 6:20-22</a></span><br />When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.” / But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, / and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Isaiah 53:2-3</a></span><br />He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. / He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Proverbs 11:2</a></span><br />When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-6.htm">Psalm 22:6-8</a></span><br />But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. / All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-13.htm">Psalm 44:13-14</a></span><br />You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us. / You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-7.htm">Psalm 69:7-9</a></span><br />For I have endured scorn for Your sake, and shame has covered my face. / I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons, / because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/123-3.htm">Psalm 123:3-4</a></span><br />Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. / We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-1.htm">Job 30:1</a></span><br />“But now they mock me, men younger than I am, whose fathers I would have refused to put with my sheep dogs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11-12</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-55.htm">Matthew 13:55-57</a></span><br />“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? / Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?” / And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">Matthew 27:39-44</a></span><br />And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads / and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” / In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-3.htm">Mark 6:3-4</a></span><br />Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him. / Then Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.</p><p class="hdg">disdained</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18</a></b></br> And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/18-23.htm">2 Kings 18:23,24</a></b></br> Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/4-2.htm">Nehemiah 4:2-4</a></b></br> And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? … </p><p class="hdg">a youth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33</a></b></br> And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou <i>art but</i> a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12</a></b></br> And he sent, and brought him in. Now he <i>was</i> ruddy, <i>and</i> withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this <i>is</i> he.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/numbers/12-8.htm">Attentively</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-33.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-41.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-9.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-19.htm">Despiseth</a> <a href="/psalms/22-24.htm">Disdained</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">Handsome</a> <a href="/ruth/3-4.htm">Note</a> <a href="/numbers/11-16.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-41.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">Ruddy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">Withal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-33.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-43.htm">Attentively</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-30.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-21.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-43.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-16.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-21.htm">Despiseth</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Disdained</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">Handsome</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-6.htm">Note</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-43.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/songs/5-10.htm">Ruddy</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-1.htm">Withal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-4.htm">Goliath challenges a combat</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">Eliab chides him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-30.htm">He is brought to Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">shows the reason of his confidence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-38.htm">and slays the giant</a></span><br><span class="reftext">55. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">Saul takes notice of David</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When the Philistine looked and saw David</b><br>The Philistine referred to here is Goliath, a giant warrior from Gath, representing the Philistine army. The act of looking and seeing David signifies a moment of assessment and judgment. In the context of ancient warfare, visual assessment was crucial for determining the strength and threat of an opponent. Goliath's observation of David, a young shepherd, would have seemed inconsequential compared to his own stature and experience. This moment sets the stage for the contrast between human perception and divine reality, a recurring theme in Scripture, where God often chooses the seemingly weak to accomplish His purposes (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>).<p><b>he despised him</b><br>Goliath's disdain for David is rooted in cultural and military expectations. In the ancient Near East, warriors were esteemed for their physical prowess and battle experience. David, lacking both, was seen as unworthy of serious consideration. This contempt echoes the broader biblical narrative where God's chosen are often underestimated by the world, such as Joseph by his brothers (<a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4</a>) or Jesus by the religious leaders (<a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a>). Goliath's scorn also foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's anointed, despite worldly rejection.<p><b>because he was just a boy</b><br>David's youth is emphasized to highlight the improbability of his victory from a human perspective. In ancient Israel, adulthood and the responsibilities of a warrior typically began at a later age, making David's presence on the battlefield unconventional. This detail underscores the theme of divine empowerment, where God equips the young and inexperienced to fulfill His purposes, as seen with other biblical figures like Samuel (1 Samuel 3) and Timothy (<a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">1 Timothy 4:12</a>).<p><b>ruddy and handsome</b><br>The description of David as "ruddy and handsome" serves multiple purposes. "Ruddy" likely refers to a healthy, reddish complexion, which in the cultural context could imply vitality and vigor. His appearance is noted earlier when Samuel anoints him (<a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12</a>), suggesting that God's choice is not based on outward appearance but on the heart (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>). This physical description contrasts with Goliath's imposing figure, emphasizing that God's criteria for leadership and victory differ from human standards. Additionally, David's attractiveness prefigures the messianic king, Jesus, who, despite His humble appearance, embodies divine beauty and strength (<a href="/psalms/45-2.htm">Psalm 45:2</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>A young shepherd boy, later anointed as the future king of Israel. Known for his faith in God and his courage, David is a central figure in this account.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_philistine.htm">The Philistine (Goliath)</a></b><br>A giant warrior from Gath, representing the Philistine army. He is known for his size, strength, and defiance against the armies of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_valley_of_elah.htm">The Valley of Elah</a></b><br>The location where the battle between David and Goliath takes place. It serves as a significant setting for this pivotal event in Israel's history.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, led by King Saul at this time. They are in conflict with the Philistines and are initially fearful of Goliath.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A recurring enemy of Israel, known for their military prowess and opposition to the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_perspective_vs._human_perspective.htm">God's Perspective vs. Human Perspective</a></b><br>Humans often judge by outward appearances, but God looks at the heart. David's youth and appearance were despised by Goliath, yet God saw his faith and courage.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a></b><br>David's confidence was not in his own strength but in the Lord. This teaches us to trust in God's power rather than be intimidated by seemingly insurmountable challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_humility.htm">The Power of Humility</a></b><br>David's humble beginnings as a shepherd boy remind us that God often uses the humble and lowly to accomplish great things for His glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_to_stand_alone.htm">Courage to Stand Alone</a></b><br>David stood alone against Goliath, demonstrating that sometimes faith requires us to stand firm even when others are fearful or doubtful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_choosing_leaders.htm">God's Sovereignty in Choosing Leaders</a></b><br>God's choice of David, despite his youth, underscores His sovereignty and wisdom in raising leaders according to His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_beat_goliath.htm">How did David defeat the giant Goliath?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_allow_bears_to_kill_youths.htm">2 Kings 2:23–24 – Why would God allow bears to kill 42 youths simply for mocking Elisha? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_red_hair's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is the significance of red hair in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/17-42.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When the Philistine</span><br /><span class="heb">הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(hap·pə·liš·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">looked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּבֵּ֧ט</span> <span class="translit">(way·yab·bêṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5027.htm">Strong's 5027: </a> </span><span class="str2">To scan, look intently at, to regard</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְאֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he despised</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּבְזֵ֑הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḇ·zê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_959.htm">Strong's 959: </a> </span><span class="str2">To disesteem</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he was</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">just a boy,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֔עַר</span> <span class="translit">(na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ruddy</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַדְמֹנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’aḏ·mō·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_132.htm">Strong's 132: </a> </span><span class="str2">Red, ruddy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">עִם־</span> <span class="translit">(‘im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">handsome.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְפֵ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·p̄êh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3303.htm">Strong's 3303: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fair, beautiful</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 17:42 When the Philistine looked about and saw (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/17-41.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:41"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:41" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-43.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:43"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:43" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>