CINXE.COM

1 Samuel 18:18 And David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my family or my father's clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?"

<!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 18:18 And David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my family or my father's clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/18-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/09_1Sa_18_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 18:18 - David Marries Michal" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And David said to Saul, Who am I, and what is my family or my father's clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?" /><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/18-18.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/18-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/18-17.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:17">&#9668;</a> 1 Samuel 18:18 <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:19">&#9658;</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">&nbsp;Audio&nbsp;</a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References">&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;</a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible">&nbsp;Study&nbsp;</a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary">&nbsp;Comm&nbsp;</a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon">&nbsp;Heb&nbsp;</a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But David said to Saul, &#8220Who am I, and what is my family or my clan in Israel, that I should become the king&#8217s son-in-law?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />&#8220;Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king&#8217;s son-in-law?&#8221; David exclaimed. &#8220;My father&#8217;s family is nothing!&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And David said to Saul, &#8220;Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father&#8217;s clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And David said to Saul, &#8220;Who am I, and what is my family or my father&#8217;s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And David said unto Saul, Who <i>am</i> I? and what <i>is</i> my life, <i>or</i> my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So David said to Saul, &#8220;Who <i>am</i> I, and what <i>is</i> my life <i>or</i> my father&#8217;s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But David said to Saul, &#8220;Who am I, and who is my family, <i>or</i> my father&#8217;s family in Israel, that I should be the king&#8217;s son-in-law?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But David said to Saul, &#8220Who am I, and what is my life or my father&#8217s family in Israel, that I should be the king&#8217s son-in-law?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But David said to Saul, &#8220;Who am I, and what is my life <i>or</i> my father&#8217;s family in Israel, that I should be the king&#8217;s son-in-law?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But David said to Saul, &#8220;Who am I, and what is my life <i>or</i> my father&#8217;s family in Israel, that I should be the king&#8217;s son-in-law?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />David said to Saul, &#8220;Who am I, and what is my life or my father&#8217;s family in Israel, that I should be the king&#8217;s son-in-law?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David responded, &#8220;Who am I, and what is my family or my father&#8217;s clan in Israel that I should become the king&#8217;s son-in-law? &#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David responded, &#8220Who am I, and what is my family or my father&#8217s clan in Israel that I should become the king&#8217s son-in-law?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And David said unto Saul, Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />David answered, "How could I possibly marry your daughter? I'm not very important, and neither is my family." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And David said unto Saul, Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />"Who am I?" David asked Saul. "And how important are my relatives or my father's family in Israel that I should be the king's son-in-law?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />David answered, "Who am I and what is my family that I should become the king's son-in-law?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David told Saul, "Who am I and what is my life or my father's family in Israel that I should be the king's son-in-law?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And David said to Saul, ?Who am I, and what is my family or my father?s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />David said to Saul, "Who am I? Who are my relatives or the clan of my father in Israel that I should become the king's son-in-law?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And David said to Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />David said to Saul, &#8220;Who am I, and what is my life, or my father&#8217;s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?&#8221; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And David says to Saul, &#8220;Who [am] I? And what [is] my life&#8212;the family of my father in Israel&#8212;that I am son-in-law of the king?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And David saith unto Saul, 'Who am I? and what my life -- the family of my father in Israel -- that I am son-in-law to the king?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will say to Saul, Who am I? and who was my father's family in Israel that I shall be son-in-law to the king?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And David said to Saul: Who am I, or what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law of the king? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then David said to Saul, &#8220;Who am I, and what is my life, and what is my father&#8217;s kinship within Israel, that I should be the son-in-law of the king?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But David answered Saul: &#8220;Who am I? And who are my kindred or my father&#8217;s clan in Israel that I should become the king&#8217;s son-in-law?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />David said to Saul, &#8220;Who am I and who are my kinsfolk, my father&#8217;s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?&#8221;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And David said to Saul, Who am I? And what have I done, or what is my life or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David said to Shaul: &#8220;Who am I and what have I done and what is my life and the family of my father in Israel, that I should take the daughter of the King?&#8221;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And David said unto Saul: 'Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/18-18.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=5398" 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/18.htm">David Marries Michal</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17</span>Then Saul said to David, &#8220;Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD&#8217;s battles.&#8221; But Saul was thinking, &#8220;I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.&#8221; <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: d&#257;&#183;wi&#7695; (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">And David</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way&#183;y&#333;&#183;mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: &#8217;el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: &#353;&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#363;l (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: m&#238; (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">&#8220;Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: &#8217;&#257;&#183;n&#333;&#183;&#7733;&#238; (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">am I,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: &#363;&#183;m&#238; (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">and what</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: &#7717;ay&#183;yay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">is my family</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: &#8217;&#257;&#183;&#7687;&#238; (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">or my father&#8217;s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: mi&#353;&#183;pa&#183;&#7717;a&#7791; (N-fsc) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people.">clan</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: b&#601;&#183;yi&#347;&#183;r&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#234;l (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">in Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: k&#238;- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: &#8217;eh&#183;yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">I should become</a> <a href="/hebrew/2860.htm" title="2860: &#7717;&#257;&#183;&#7791;&#257;n (N-ms) -- A relative by marriage, a circumcised child. From chathan; a relative by marriage; figuratively, a circumcised child.">the son-in-law</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lam&#183;me&#183;le&#7733; (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">of the king?&#8221;</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>So when it was time to give Saul&#8217;s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21</a></span><br />Saul replied, &#8220;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?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14</a></span><br />Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-18.htm">2 Samuel 7:18</a></span><br />Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, &#8220;Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/17-16.htm">1 Chronicles 17:16</a></span><br />Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, &#8220;Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15</a></span><br />&#8220;Please, my Lord,&#8221; Gideon replied, &#8220;how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father&#8217;s house.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a></span><br />But Moses asked God, &#8220;Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">1 Samuel 15:17</a></span><br />And Samuel said, &#8220;Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20</a></span><br />So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8</a></span><br />Mephibosheth bowed down and said, &#8220;What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7</a></span><br />And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David&#8217;s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4</a></span><br />what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-14.htm">Isaiah 41:14</a></span><br />Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,&#8221; declares the LORD. &#8220;Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-48.htm">Luke 1:48</a></span><br />For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a></span><br />For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And David said to Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?</p><p class="hdg">Who am I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-26.htm">1 Samuel 18:26</a></b></br> And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21</a></b></br> And Saul answered and said, <i>Am</i> 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?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a></b></br> And Moses said unto God, Who <i>am</i> I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/10-21.htm">Clan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-16.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/8-18.htm">King's</a> <a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Kinsfolk</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-24.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/judges/19-5.htm">Son-In-Law</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">Clan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-11.htm">Kinsfolk</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">Son-In-Law</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Jonathan befriends David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Saul envies his praise</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">seeks to kill him in his fury</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">fears him for his good success</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">offers him his daughters for snare</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">Saul's hatred and David's glory increase</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>And David said to Saul</b><br>David's response to Saul comes after Saul offers his daughter in marriage to David. This offer is not just a personal matter but a political one, as marriage into the royal family would elevate David's status significantly. David's humility is evident here, reflecting his character as a man after God's own heart (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>). This humility contrasts with Saul's growing pride and insecurity.<p><b>Who am I</b><br>David's rhetorical question underscores his humility and self-awareness. Despite his recent victory over Goliath and rising popularity, David does not see himself as worthy of such an honor. This humility is a recurring theme in David's life and is reminiscent of Moses' response to God's call in <a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a>. It also foreshadows the humility of Christ, who, despite His divine nature, took on the form of a servant (<a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6-7</a>).<p><b>and what is my family</b><br>David's family, the house of Jesse, was not of significant social standing in Israel. They were from Bethlehem, a small town in Judah, which was not considered a place of prominence. This acknowledgment of his family's humble status highlights the biblical theme that God often chooses the lowly and unexpected to fulfill His purposes, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a>.<p><b>or my father&#8217;s clan in Israel</b><br>The mention of his father's clan emphasizes the modesty of David's background. Jesse's family was not part of the ruling elite or priestly class. This humility is significant in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for God's sovereign choice of David as king, demonstrating that God's criteria for leadership differ from human expectations (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>).<p><b>that I should become the son-in-law of the king?</b><br>Becoming the king's son-in-law would have been a significant honor and responsibility. In ancient Israel, marriage alliances were often used to secure political power and stability. David's question reflects his awareness of the gravity of such a position. This moment foreshadows the greater covenant relationship between God and His people, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is both the Son of David and the King of Kings (<a href="/revelation/19-16.htm">Revelation 19:16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly jealous and fearful of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david's_family.htm">David's Family</a></b><br>David refers to his humble origins, coming from the tribe of Judah and the family of Jesse, a modest lineage without royal connections.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, consisting of twelve tribes. David's question reflects his humility and awareness of his place within the larger community of Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/k/king's_son-in-law.htm">King&#8217;s Son-in-law</a></b><br>The position David is being offered, which would elevate his status significantly by marrying into the royal family.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_elevation.htm">Humility in Elevation</a></b><br>David's response to Saul's offer demonstrates humility. Despite his accomplishments, he does not presume to be worthy of royal status. This teaches us to remain humble, recognizing that any elevation in life is by God's grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_identity.htm">Understanding Our Identity</a></b><br>David's question reflects an understanding of his identity in God rather than in societal status. We should find our worth and identity in God's view of us, not in worldly achievements or connections.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_promotion.htm">God's Sovereignty in Promotion</a></b><br>David's life illustrates that God is the one who elevates and positions us according to His purpose. We should trust in God's timing and plan for our lives, rather than striving for positions through our own efforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/gratitude_for_god's_favor.htm">Gratitude for God's Favor</a></b><br>Recognizing our humble beginnings and God's favor should lead us to gratitude. Like David, we should acknowledge God's hand in our lives and remain thankful for His blessings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_1_samuel_18_events.htm">Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_saul_offer_michal_to_david.htm">1 Samuel 18:20&#8211;21: Why would Saul offer his daughter Michal to David if he intended to harm him, and does this suggest inconsistencies within the narrative? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_david's_'ten_thousands'_song_true.htm">1 Samuel 18:5-7: Did the women's song about David killing 'ten thousands' reflect historical reality or an exaggeration?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_doeg_plausibly_kill_85_priests.htm">How historically plausible is it that one person like Doeg could have slaughtered 85 priests in one event (1 Samuel 22:18)?</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>(18) <span class= "bld">What is my life?</span>--These words in David's modest and wise answer have been variously interpreted. (<span class= "ital">a</span>) They have been taken to refer to David's personal life; but surely <span class= "ital">that </span>has been alluded to in the preceding words, "Who am I?" (b) As referring to the condition of life in which he was born and to which he was accustomed; so Keil; but it is doubtful if the Hebrew word here used ever has this significance. (c) With a reference to David's family; so Ewald and Lange. Ewald would translate, "What are my folks or relations?" Of these (c) is undoubtedly the preferable meaning.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/18-18.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">And David</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1491;&#1468;&#1464;&#1493;&#1460;&#1436;&#1491;</span> <span class="translit">(d&#257;&#183;wi&#7695;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1463;&#1497;&#1468;&#1465;&#1448;&#1488;&#1502;&#1462;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(way&#183;y&#333;&#183;mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; 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">to</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1462;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;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">Saul,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1513;&#1473;&#1464;&#1488;&#1431;&#1493;&#1468;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(&#353;&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#363;l)</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">&#8220;Who</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1460;&#1444;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am I,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1464;&#1469;&#1504;&#1465;&#1499;&#1460;&#1497;&#1433;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#257;&#183;n&#333;&#183;&#7733;&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and what</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1468;&#1502;&#1460;&#1443;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(&#363;&#183;m&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is my family</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1495;&#1463;&#1497;&#1468;&#1463;&#1428;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7717;ay&#183;yay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct &#124; first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or my father&#8217;s</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1464;&#1489;&#1460;&#1430;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#257;&#183;&#7687;&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">clan</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1460;&#1513;&#1473;&#1456;&#1508;&#1468;&#1463;&#1445;&#1495;&#1463;&#1514;</span> <span class="translit">(mi&#353;&#183;pa&#183;&#7717;a&#7791;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4940.htm">Strong's 4940: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1456;&#1497;&#1460;&#1513;&#1474;&#1456;&#1512;&#1464;&#1488;&#1461;&#1425;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#601;&#183;yi&#347;&#183;r&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#234;l)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1460;&#1469;&#1497;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#238;-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I should become</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1462;&#1492;&#1456;&#1497;&#1462;&#1445;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;eh&#183;yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the son-in-law</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1495;&#1464;&#1514;&#1464;&#1430;&#1503;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7717;&#257;&#183;&#7791;&#257;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2860.htm">Strong's 2860: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative by marriage, a circumcised child</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the king?&#8221;</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1463;&#1502;&#1468;&#1462;&#1469;&#1500;&#1462;&#1498;&#1456;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(lam&#183;me&#183;le&#7733;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/18-18.htm">1 Samuel 18:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/18-18.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 18:18 David said to Saul Who am I (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:19" /></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>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10