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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 17:33 But Saul replied, "You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/17-33.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/09_1Sa_17_33.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 17:33 - David Accepts the Challenge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Saul replied, You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth." /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/17-33.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/17-33.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 33</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="/ad13.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/17-32.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:32">◄</a> 1 Samuel 17:33 <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:34">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Saul replied, &#8220You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you <i>are</i> a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight him; for you are <i>only</i> a youth, while he has been a warrior since his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, &#8220You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are <i>but</i> a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are <i>but</i> a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight him. For you are [only] a young man and he has been a warrior since his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Saul replied, “You can’t go fight this Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Saul replied, &#8220You can&#8217t go fight this Philistine. You&#8217re just a youth, and he&#8217s been a warrior since he was young.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"You don't have a chance against him," Saul replied. "You're only a boy, and he's been a soldier all his life." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Saul responded to David, "You can't fight this Philistine. You're just a boy, but he's been a warrior since he was your age."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"No," answered Saul. "How could you fight him? You're just a boy, and he has been a soldier all his life!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul told David, "You can't go against this Philistine and fight him. You are only a young man, but he has been a warrior since his youth."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But Saul replied to David, "You aren't able to go against this Philistine and fight him! You're just a boy! He has been a warrior from his youth!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” <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 Saul says to David, “You are not able to go to this Philistine, to fight with him, for you [are] a youth, and he [has been] a man of war from his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Saul saith unto David, 'Thou art not able to go unto this Philistine, to fight with him, for a youth thou art, and he a man of war from his youth.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul will say to David, Thou wilt not be able to go against this of the rovers to war with him, for thou a boy, and he a man of war from his youth.<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 Saul said to David: Thou art not able to withstand this Philistine, nor to fight against him: for thou art but a boy, but he is a warrior from his youth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Saul said to David: “You are not able to withstand this Philistine, nor to fight against him. For you are a boy, but he has been a warrior from his boyhood.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Saul answered David, “You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him, for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”<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 Saul said to David, You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a boy, and he has been a man of war from his youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul said to David: “You cannot go against this Philistine to fight with him, because you are a boy, and he is a man, a warrior from his boyhood!”<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 Saul said to David: 'Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Saul said to David, Thou wilt not in anywise be able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for thou art a mere youth, and he a man of war from his youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/17-33.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=4943" 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 Accepts the Challenge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">32</span>And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!” <span class="reftext">33</span><span class="highl"><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 Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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."></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/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“You cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ṯū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lā·le·ḵeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">go out</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <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.">Philistine</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/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You are</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/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">and he</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">has been a warrior</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥā·māh (N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5271.htm" title="5271: min·nə·‘u·rāw (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Or naur; and nturah; properly, passive participle from na'ar as denominative; youth, the state or the persons.">from his youth.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">34</span>David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock,…<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="/numbers/13-31.htm">Numbers 13:31</a></span><br />But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/14-8.htm">Joshua 14:8</a></span><br />Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11</a></span><br />And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">2 Samuel 21:15-17</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-15.htm">2 Kings 6:15-17</a></span><br />When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6-8</a></span><br />“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-26.htm">Matthew 19:26</a></span><br />Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-27.htm">Mark 10:27</a></span><br />Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-37.htm">Luke 1:37</a></span><br />For no word from God will ever fail.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-27.htm">Luke 18:27</a></span><br />But Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Saul said to David, You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for you are but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.</p><p class="hdg">Thou art not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/13-31.htm">Numbers 13:31</a></b></br> But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they <i>are</i> stronger than we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/9-2.htm">Deuteronomy 9:2</a></b></br> A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and <i>of whom</i> thou hast heard <i>say</i>, Who can stand before the children of Anak!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/11-1.htm">Psalm 11:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, <i>A Psalm</i> of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee <i>as</i> a bird to your mountain?</p><p class="hdg">for thou are but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42,56</a></b></br> And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was <i>but</i> a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-9.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-21.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">David</a> <a href="/numbers/18-13.htm">Earliest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-20.htm">War</a> <a href="/judges/11-1.htm">Warrior</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-2.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-39.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">David</a> <a href="/job/31-18.htm">Earliest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-36.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-38.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">Warrior</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.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>But Saul replied</b><br>Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience. His reply reflects his role as a leader concerned for the safety of his people. This interaction occurs during a time when Israel was frequently at war with the Philistines, a neighboring people known for their military prowess and advanced weaponry.<p><b>You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him.</b><br>The Philistine in question is Goliath, a giant warrior challenging the Israelites. Saul's statement underscores the perceived impossibility of David's success against such a formidable opponent. This reflects a common biblical theme where human limitations are contrasted with divine possibilities, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a>, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord Almighty.<p><b>You are just a boy,</b><br>David was likely a teenager at this time, tending sheep and not yet a seasoned warrior. His youth and inexperience are highlighted to emphasize the miraculous nature of his eventual victory. This echoes the biblical motif of God using the unlikely and the humble to achieve His purposes, as seen with Joseph, Moses, and even Jesus, who was born in humble circumstances.<p><b>and he has been a warrior from his youth.</b><br>Goliath's experience as a warrior from a young age contrasts sharply with David's inexperience. This detail emphasizes the natural advantage Goliath had, making David's victory all the more remarkable. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that spiritual battles are not won by human strength but by faith and reliance on God, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>, which speaks of the armor of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience. At this point, Saul is leading Israel against the Philistines.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>A young shepherd boy, later anointed as the future king of Israel. He is known for his faith in God and his courage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/goliath.htm">Goliath</a></b><br>A giant Philistine warrior who challenges the Israelites to send a champion to fight him. He represents the formidable enemy of God's people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_philistines.htm">The Philistines</a></b><br>A recurring enemy of Israel, often representing opposition to God's plans and people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_valley_of_elah.htm">The Valley of Elah</a></b><br>The location where the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines takes place.<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>Saul sees David's youth and inexperience, but God sees David's heart and faith. We should seek God's perspective in our own lives and in others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a></b><br>David's willingness to face Goliath is a testament to his faith in God. We are called to trust God in the face of daunting challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_equips_the_called.htm">God Equips the Called</a></b><br>David's past experiences as a shepherd prepared him for this moment. God often uses our past to equip us for future challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/y/youth_and_potential.htm">Youth and Potential</a></b><br>David's account reminds us not to underestimate the potential of young people. God can use anyone, regardless of age, for His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_obedience.htm">Courage in Obedience</a></b><br>David's courage is rooted in his obedience to God. True courage comes from aligning our actions with God's will.<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/why_should_anyone_despise_your_youth.htm">Why should anyone despise your youth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_honor_saul's_fast_if_it_led_to_sin.htm">Why would God honor Saul's command to fast when it led the soldiers to sin by eating meat with blood (1 Samuel 14:24, 31-33)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_the_conflict_on_who_attacked_philistines.htm">Why does 1 Samuel 13:3-4 give conflicting impressions of who actually attacked the Philistine garrison, Jonathan or Saul?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_philistines_suddenly_fear_david.htm">In 1 Samuel 29:3-5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time?</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>(33) <span class= "bld">And Saul said to David . . .</span>--The king evidently looked on the brave boy with love and admiration, but at first doubted in his heart the reality of David's mission. Whether or not Saul recognised the youth as the sweet singer who had charmed away, perhaps more than once, that terrible soul malady of his which was desolating his once vigorous manhood, is doubtful. (See the Note at the end of this chapter.) He--more than any one in that armed camp--evidently felt that David possessed powers not usually bestowed on the sons of men, and was clearly disposed from the first to grant the shepherd boy's startling petition that the honour of Israel might be entrusted to his almost child-hands. Still, Saul would talk with him, and set before him the grave perils of the terrible encounter he was so eager to engage in.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/17-33.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">But Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֜וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֨אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“You cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go out</span><br /><span class="heb">לָלֶ֙כֶת֙</span> <span class="translit">(lā·le·ḵeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Philistine</span><br /><span class="heb">הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֣י</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">to fight</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<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">You are</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֔תָּה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">just a boy,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֣עַר</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">and he</span><br /><span class="heb">וְה֛וּא</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has been a warrior</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from his youth.”</span><br /><span class="heb">מִנְּעֻרָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(min·nə·‘u·rāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5271.htm">Strong's 5271: </a> </span><span class="str2">Youth, the state, the persons</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/17-33.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 17:33 Saul said to David You are not (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:34"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:34" /></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>