CINXE.COM

<!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 18:23 But when Saul's servants relayed these words to David, he replied, "Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/18-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/09_1Sa_18_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 18:23 - David Marries Michal" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But when Saul's servants relayed these words to David, he replied, Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed." /><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/18-23.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/18-23.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/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 23</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="/ad3.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/18-22.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:22">◄</a> 1 Samuel 18:23 <a href="/1_samuel/18-24.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:24">►</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/18.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/18.htm">New International Version</a> They repeated these words to David. But David said, &#8220Do you think it is a small matter to become the king&#8217s son-in-law? I&#8217m only a poor man and little known.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> When Saul’s men said these things to David, he replied, “How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter of a king?” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a> And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a> So Saul’s servants spoke those words in the hearing of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a light thing to be a king’s son-in-law, seeing I am a poor and lightly esteemed man?” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Saul’s servants spoke these words to David. But David said, “Is it trivial in your sight to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am only a poor man and insignificant?” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Saul&#8217s servants spoke these words to David. But David said, &#8220Is it trivial in your sight to become the king&#8217s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and lightly esteemed?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So Saul’s servants spoke these words to David. But David said, “Is it trivial in your sight to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and lightly esteemed?” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Saul’s servants spoke these words in David’s hearing. But David said, “Is it trivial in your eyes to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and lightly esteemed?” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Saul’s servants spoke these words to David. But David said, “Is it a trivial thing in your sight to become a king’s son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man and insignificant?” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul’s servants reported these words directly to David, but he replied, “Is it trivial in your sight to become the king’s son-in-law? I am a poor commoner.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul&#8217s servants reported these words directly to David, but he replied, &#8220Is it trivial in your sight to become the king&#8217s son-in-law? I am a poor man who is common.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be the king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? <a href="/erv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be the king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Saul's officers made it a point to say this, David asked, "Do you think it's easy to become the king's son-in-law? I am a poor and unimportant person." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> So they told this to David, and he answered, "It's a great honor to become the king's son-in-law, too great for someone poor and insignificant like me." <a href="/isv/1_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Saul's officials delivered this message to David, and he asked, "Is becoming the king's son-in-law an unimportant thing to you? I'm a poor and unimportant man." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But when Saul?s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, ?Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a> So Saul's servants spoke these words privately to David. David replied, "Is becoming the king's son-in-law something insignificant to you? I'm just a poor and lightly-esteemed man!" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. David said, "Does it seems to you a little thing to be the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man, and insignificant?" <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? <a href="/web/1_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. David said, “Does it seem to you a light thing to be the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and little known?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the servants of Saul speak these words in the ears of David, and David says, “Is it a light thing in your eyes to be son-in-law of the king—and I a poor man, and lightly esteemed?” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the servants of Saul speak in the ears of David these words, and David saith, 'Is it a light thing in your eyes to be son-in-law to the king -- and I a poor man, and lightly esteemed?' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul's servants will speak in the ears of David these words. And David will say, Was it light in your eyes to be son-in-law to the king, and I a poor man and lightly esteemed?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the servants of Saul spoke all these words in the ears of David. And David said: Doth it seem to you a small matter to be the king's son in law? But I am a poor man, and of small ability. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the servants of Saul spoke all these words to the ears of David. And David said: “Does it seem a small matter to you, to be the son-in-law of the king? I am but a poor and unimportant man.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a> But when Saul’s servants mentioned this to David, he said: “Is becoming the king’s son-in-law a trivial matter in your eyes? I am poor and insignificant.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So Saul’s servants reported these words to David in private. And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man and of no repute?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Saul's servants spoke these words to David. And David said, Seems it to you a light thing to be a king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man and despised? <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Servants of Shaul said to David these words, and David said: “Is this low in your eyes to be a son in law to the King, and I am a poor man and lowly?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said: 'Seemeth it to you a light thing to be the king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the servants of Saul spoke these words in the ears of David; and David said, Is it a light thing in your eyes to become son-in-law to the king? Whereas I am an humble man, an not honourable? <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/18-23.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=5452" 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/18.htm">David Marries Michal</a> …22Then Saul ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’ ” 23<a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">But when Saul’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·ḏê (N-mpc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: way·ḏab·bə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">relayed</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: bə·’ā·zə·nê (Prep-b:: N-fdc) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear."></a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">these</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·də·ḇā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">words</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·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.">to David,</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.">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: han·qal·lāh (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-fs) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">“Does it seem trivial</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ḇə·‘ê·nê·ḵem (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 2mp) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in your sight</a> <a href="/hebrew/2859.htm" title="2859: hiṯ·ḥat·tên (V-Hitpael-Inf) -- Make oneself a daughter's husband. A primitive root; to give away in marriage; hence to contract affinity by marriage.">to be the son-in-law</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: bam·me·leḵ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">of the king?</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: wə·’ā·nō·ḵî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/7326.htm" title="7326: rāš (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be in want or poor. A primitive root; to be destitute.">am a poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7034.htm" title="7034: wə·niq·leh (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be lightly esteemed or dishonored. A primitive root; to be light, but figuratively, only (causatively, hold) in contempt).">and lightly esteemed.”</a> 24And the servants told Saul what David had said.…<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="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21</a> Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” <a href="/1_samuel/17-25.htm">1 Samuel 17:25</a> Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14</a> Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? <a href="/2_samuel/7-18.htm">2 Samuel 7:18</a> Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8</a> Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” <a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18</a> During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. <a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15</a> “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” <a href="/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2</a> “Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” <a href="/ruth/2-10.htm">Ruth 2:10</a> At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?” <a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7</a> And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. <a href="/1_chronicles/17-16.htm">1 Chronicles 17:16</a> Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? <a href="/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4</a> what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? <a href="/psalms/144-3.htm">Psalm 144:3</a> O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him? <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Proverbs 15:33</a> The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor. <a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Proverbs 18:12</a> Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seems it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?a light<a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1</a> Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.a poor man<a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21</a> And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?<a href="/proverbs/14-20.htm">Proverbs 14:20</a> The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.<a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Proverbs 19:6,7</a> Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts… and lightly<a href="/psalms/119-141.htm">Psalm 119:141</a> I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-14.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">Esteemed</a> <a href="/judges/17-9.htm">I'm</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-36.htm">Light</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">Little</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-30.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-31.htm">Repeated</a> <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Repute</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-20.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-40.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-40.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-20.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">Small</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">Son-In-Law</a> <a href="/judges/19-30.htm">Think</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-2.htm">Trivial</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-31.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/18-24.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-30.htm">Esteemed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-14.htm">I'm</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">Light</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Little</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-1.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">Repeated</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-25.htm">Repute</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-24.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-13.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-24.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm">Small</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-26.htm">Son-In-Law</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-17.htm">Think</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-31.htm">Trivial</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-24.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 18</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Jonathan befriends David</a> 5. <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Saul envies his praise</a> 10. <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">seeks to kill him in his fury</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">fears him for his good success</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">offers him his daughters for snare</a> 23. <a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law, </a> 25. <a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry</a> 28. <a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">Saul's hatred and David's glory increase</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/18.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/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David In the context of <a href="/1_samuel/18.htm">1 Samuel 18</a>, King Saul is attempting to ensnare David by offering his daughter Michal in marriage, hoping to bring about David's downfall. Saul's servants act as intermediaries, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern royal courts, where direct communication with the king was often mediated through trusted officials. This reflects the hierarchical structure of the society and the importance of protocol in royal matters.he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? David's response highlights his humility and awareness of the honor and responsibility associated with becoming part of the royal family. In ancient Israel, marriage alliances were significant, often used to secure political stability and alliances. David's rhetorical question underscores the gravity of the offer, contrasting his humble origins with the elevated status of being the king's son-in-law. This also foreshadows David's future as king, where he will continue to demonstrate humility and reliance on God.I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.” David acknowledges his low social standing and lack of wealth, which would typically disqualify him from marrying into royalty. This statement reflects the socio-economic realities of the time, where wealth and status were crucial for forming alliances. David's humility is a recurring theme in his life, aligning with biblical principles that God exalts the humble (<a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a>). This humility is a type of Christ, who, though King of Kings, took on the form of a servant (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a>). David's acknowledgment of his lowly status also sets the stage for God's providence and favor in elevating him to kingship, demonstrating that divine selection often defies human expectations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> A young shepherd who was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. At this point, he is serving in King Saul's court and has gained favor due to his victory over Goliath and his military successes. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly jealous of David's popularity and success. He seeks to entrap David by offering his daughter in marriage. 3. <a href="/topical/s/saul's_servants.htm">Saul’s Servants</a> Messengers who convey Saul's intentions to David, acting as intermediaries in the king's plan to ensnare David. 4. <a href="/topical/m/michal.htm">Michal</a> Saul's daughter, whom Saul offers to David as a wife, hoping to use this as a means to bring about David's downfall. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation over which Saul reigns as king, and where David is gaining recognition and favor among the people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_position.htm">Humility in Position</a> David's response to Saul's offer reflects a heart of humility. Despite his growing fame, David does not see himself as entitled to royal status. This teaches us the importance of maintaining humility regardless of our achievements or recognition. <a href="/topical/g/god's_favor_vs._human_esteem.htm">God's Favor vs. Human Esteem</a> David acknowledges his lowly status, yet he is favored by God. This reminds us that God's favor is not dependent on our social or economic status but on our heart and obedience to Him. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_opportunities.htm">Discernment in Opportunities</a> David's cautious response to becoming the king's son-in-law shows discernment. Not every opportunity, even those that seem advantageous, is from God. We must seek God's wisdom in discerning His will. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_jealousy.htm">The Dangers of Jealousy</a> Saul's offer, motivated by jealousy, serves as a warning of how envy can lead to destructive actions. We must guard our hearts against jealousy and seek contentment in God's plan for us. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_trials.htm">God's Sovereignty in Trials</a> Despite Saul's intentions, God uses the situation to further His plan for David. This reassures us that God is sovereign and can use even the schemes of others for our good and His glory.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18</a> <a href="/q/why_did_michal_aid_david's_escape.htm">Why did Michal help David escape from Saul?</a> <a href="/q/how_many_wives_did_king_david_have.htm">How many wives did King David have?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_proof_david_wrote_psalm_54.htm">If this psalm is attributed to David (Psalm 54 title), is there verifiable historical proof of him composing it during his conflict with the Ziphites?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_act_with_humility.htm">How can you embrace humility in your actions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) I am a poor man.--David dwells upon this fact of his utter inability to give the expected costly offering for the princess. He evidently attributes to his poverty and his successful rival's wealth his former disappointment in the case of Merab.And lightly esteemed.--David looked upon himself as a mere successful soldier of fortune among the wealthy chiefs who surrounded Saul. His father--though, no doubt, "head man" or sheik in tiny Bethlehem--was, compared with the elders of Israel who formed the Court of Saul, a poor man. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/18-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But when Saul's שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites servants עַבְדֵ֤י (‘aḇ·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant relayed these הָאֵ֑לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those words הַדְּבָרִ֖ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause to David, דָוִ֔ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse he דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Does it seem trivial הַֽנְקַלָּ֤ה (han·qal·lāh) Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> To be slight, swift or trifling in your sight בְעֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ (ḇə·‘ê·nê·ḵem) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain to be the son-in-law הִתְחַתֵּ֣ן (hiṯ·ḥat·tên) Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2859.htm">Strong's 2859: </a> To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage of the king? בַּמֶּ֔לֶךְ (bam·me·leḵ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king I וְאָנֹכִ֖י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I am a poor רָ֥שׁ (rāš) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7326.htm">Strong's 7326: </a> To be in want or poor man אִֽישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person and lightly esteemed.” וְנִקְלֶֽה׃ (wə·niq·leh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7034.htm">Strong's 7034: </a> To be lightly esteemed or dishonored <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 18:23 Saul's servants spoke those words (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/18-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:24" /></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>