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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 17:9 If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and labor for us."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/17-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/09_1Sa_17_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 17:9 - Goliath's Challenge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and labor for us." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/17-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/17-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:8">◄</a> 1 Samuel 17:9 <a href="/1_samuel/17-10.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17.htm">New International Version</a> If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! <a href="/esv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and work for us.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a> If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a> If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If he is able to fight with me and strike me down, then we will become your slaves; but if I prevail against him and strike him down, then you shall become our slaves and serve us.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If he wins in a fight against me and kills me, we will be your servants. But if I win against him and kill him, then you will be our servants and serve us.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If he wins in a fight against me and kills me, we will be your servants. But if I win against him and kill him, then you will be our servants and serve us.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> If he be able to fight with me, and kill me, then will we be your servants; but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If he can kill me, our people will be your slaves. But if I kill him, your people will be our slaves. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> If he be able to fight with me, and kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If he can fight me and kill me, then we will be your slaves. But if I overpower him and kill him, then you will be our slaves and serve us." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> If he wins and kills me, we will be your slaves; but if I win and kill him, you will be our slaves. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> If he's able to fight me and strike me down, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and strike him down, then you will become our servants and serve us." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and work for us.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a> If he is able to fight with me and strike me down, we will become your servants. But if I prevail against him and strike him down, you will become our servants and will serve us." <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then you will be our servants, and serve us." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If he shall be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I shall prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. <a href="/web/1_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a> If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then will we be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you will be our servants and serve us.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> if he is able to fight with me, and has struck me, then we have been for servants to you; and if I prevail against him, and have struck him, then you have been for servants to us, and have served us.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> if he be able to fight with me, and have smitten me, then we have been to you for servants; and if I am able for him, and have smitten him, then ye have been to us for servants, and have served us.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If he shall be able to war with me and strike me, and we were to you for servants: and if I shall be able against him and strike him, and ye were to us for servants, and ye served us.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If he be able to fight with me, and kill me, we will be servants to you: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, you shall be servants, and shall serve us. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If he is able to fight with me and to strike me down, we will be your servants. But if I will prevail over him, and strike him down, you will be the servants, and you will serve us.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a> If he beats me in combat and kills me, we will be your vassals; but if I beat him and kill him, you shall be our vassals and serve us.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> If he is able to fight with me and will kill me, we shall be Servants to you, and if I defeat him and will kill him, you will be Servants to us and you will serve us!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> If he be able to fight with me, and kill me, then will we be your servants; but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And if he shall be able to fight against me, and shall smite me, then will we be your servants: but if I should prevail and smite him, ye shall be our servants, and serve us. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/17-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=4703" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Goliath's Challenge</a> …8And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. 9<a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: yū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">he is able</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lə·hil·lā·ḥêm (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">to fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tî (Prep:: 1cs) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: wə·hik·kā·nî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms:: 1cs2) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and kill me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yî·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">then we will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">your</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">But if</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ’ū·ḵal- (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">prevail</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">against him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: wə·hik·kî·ṯîw (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cs:: 3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and kill him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wih·yî·ṯem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">then you shall be</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">our</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: wa·‘ă·ḇaḏ·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">and labor</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯā·nū (DirObjM:: 1cp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">for us.”</a> 10Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/11-1.htm">Judges 11:1-11</a> Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father. / And Gilead’s wife bore him sons who grew up, drove Jephthah out, and said to him, “You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, because you are the son of another woman.” / So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where worthless men gathered around him and traveled with him. ... <a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">2 Samuel 21:15-22</a> Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” ... <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21-24</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. / Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. / Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. ... <a href="/numbers/13-31.htm">Numbers 13:31-33</a> But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” / So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature. / We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” <a href="/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8</a> Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.” <a href="/joshua/2-9.htm">Joshua 2:9-11</a> and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. <a href="/2_kings/18-19.htm">2 Kings 18:19-25</a> The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? / You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? / Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. ... <a href="/isaiah/36-4.htm">Isaiah 36:4-10</a> The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? / You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? / Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. ... <a href="/1_chronicles/20-4.htm">1 Chronicles 20:4-8</a> Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, ... <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1-3</a> Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. <a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Psalm 144:1-2</a> Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. / He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a> Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ... <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29</a> Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. <a href="/luke/4-1.htm">Luke 4:1-13</a> Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, / where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. / The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” ... <a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a> I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall you be our servants, and serve us.and serve us<a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">1 Samuel 11:1</a> Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/6-20.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-2.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-13.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-9.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-24.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-24.htm">Served</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-14.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-15.htm">Subjects</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-33.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-25.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-24.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-25.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Served</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-46.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-35.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">Subjects</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 17</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/17-4.htm">Goliath challenges a combat</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge</a> 28. <a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">Eliab chides him</a> 30. <a href="/1_samuel/17-30.htm">He is brought to Saul</a> 32. <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">shows the reason of his confidence</a> 38. <a href="/1_samuel/17-38.htm">and slays the giant</a> 55. <a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">Saul takes notice of David</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>If he is able to fight me and kill me This phrase is part of the challenge issued by Goliath, the Philistine giant, to the Israelites. The context is a battle between the Philistines and Israelites in the Valley of Elah. Goliath's challenge is a form of representative combat, where the outcome of a single combatant's victory would determine the fate of the entire army. This was a common practice in ancient warfare to avoid large-scale bloodshed. Theologically, this sets the stage for David's faith and courage, contrasting human strength with divine empowerment. The challenge also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, where one man's victory brings freedom to many.then we will be your servants Goliath's proposal implies a complete surrender and servitude of the Philistines to the Israelites if their champion is defeated. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of subjugation following military defeat. Historically, servitude often involved paying tribute, forced labor, or military support. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of the spiritual servitude that sin imposes, which is broken by Christ's victory. The idea of servitude also connects to the broader biblical theme of serving God versus serving idols or foreign powers.But if I prevail against him and kill him Goliath's confidence in his own strength and the Philistines' gods is evident here. This phrase highlights the arrogance and pride of Goliath, which is a recurring theme in Scripture where human pride is often met with divine opposition. Theologically, this sets up a contrast between the power of God and the power of man. It also foreshadows the ultimate defeat of Satan, who similarly boasts of his power but is ultimately defeated by Christ.then you shall be our servants and work for us. This part of the challenge underscores the stakes of the battle: the losing side would become subjugated to the victor. In the cultural context, this would mean loss of freedom, identity, and autonomy. Biblically, it reflects the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, leading to spiritual bondage. Theologically, it points to the liberation that comes through Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin and death. This servitude also echoes the Israelites' past in Egypt and their call to serve God alone, highlighting the ongoing struggle between serving God and serving other masters.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/goliath.htm">Goliath</a> A Philistine giant from Gath, known for his immense size and strength, who challenges the Israelites to send a champion to fight him. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> A young shepherd who later becomes the king of Israel, known for his faith in God and his courage in facing Goliath. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> An ancient people who were enemies of Israel, often at war with them during the time of the Old Testament. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, led by King Saul at the time of this event, who were encamped in the Valley of Elah facing the Philistines. 5. <a href="/topical/v/valley_of_elah.htm">Valley of Elah</a> The location where the battle between David and Goliath took place, symbolizing the confrontation between faith and fear.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a> David's willingness to face Goliath demonstrates the power of faith in God over fear of man. Believers are encouraged to trust God in their own battles. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> The outcome of the battle was not determined by physical strength but by God's sovereign will. This teaches us to rely on God's power rather than our own abilities. <a href="/topical/s/servanthood_and_leadership.htm">Servanthood and Leadership</a> Goliath's challenge involved servitude based on the outcome. True leadership in God's kingdom involves serving others, as exemplified by Jesus. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> The battle between David and Goliath is a metaphor for spiritual warfare, reminding believers to put on the full armor of God and stand firm in faith. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_action.htm">Courage in Action</a> David's actions show that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act in faith despite fear. Believers are called to step out in faith in their daily lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17</a> <a href="/q/how_did_david's_men_fight_nonstop.htm">How could David and his men realistically fight from dusk until the following evening without rest (1 Samuel 30:17)?</a> <a href="/q/israel's_fighting_men_count.htm">How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5)</a> <a href="/q/how_did_elhanan_kill_goliath,_not_david.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:19, how could Elhanan have killed Goliath when David is credited with that feat in 1 Samuel 17?</a> <a href="/q/why_allow_war_killing_but_forbid_murder.htm">Why does the Bible allow killing in war but forbid murder in the Ten Commandments?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Then will we be your servants.--Each of the positions which the two opposing armies held was well-nigh impregnable; thus it seemed as though a single combat was the only way of deciding the present campaign: besides which, in those far back times such single combats between renowned chieftains of the opposing armies were not by any means uncommon. The reader of the Iliad will ever readily call to mind--in colloquies before the deadly duel--words not altogether unlike the haughty, boastful challenge of the giant Philistine. See, for instance, the speeches of Glaucus and Diomede in Book VI. of the Iliad: "Come hither," says Glaucus, "that you may quickly reach the goal of death." <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/17-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not he is able יוּכַ֞ל (yū·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> To be able, have power to fight לְהִלָּחֵ֤ם (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle me אִתִּי֙ (’it·tî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among and kill me, וְהִכָּ֔נִי (wə·hik·kā·nî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike then we will be וְהָיִ֥ינוּ (wə·hā·yî·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be your לָכֶ֖ם (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> servants. לַעֲבָדִ֑ים (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant But if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not I אֲנִ֤י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I prevail אֽוּכַל־ (’ū·ḵal-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> To be able, have power against him לוֹ֙ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and kill him, וְהִכִּיתִ֔יו (wə·hik·kî·ṯîw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike then you shall be וִהְיִ֤יתֶם (wih·yî·ṯem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be our לָ֙נוּ֙ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> servants לַעֲבָדִ֔ים (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant and labor וַעֲבַדְתֶּ֖ם (wa·‘ă·ḇaḏ·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave for us.” אֹתָֽנוּ׃ (’ō·ṯā·nū) Direct object marker | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/17-9.htm">1 Samuel 17:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-9.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 17:9 If he be able to fight (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:10" /></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>