CINXE.COM
1 Samuel 17:43 "Am I a dog," he said to David, "that you come at me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
<!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 17:43 "Am I a dog," he said to David, "that you come at me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/17-43.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/09_1Sa_17_43.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 17:43 - David Slays Goliath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Am I a dog, he said to David, that you come at me with sticks? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/17-43.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/17-43.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 43</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/17-42.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:42">◄</a> 1 Samuel 17:43 <a href="/1_samuel/17-44.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:44">►</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 />He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistine said unto David, <i>Am</i> I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the Philistine said to David, “<i>Am</i> I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with [shepherd’s] staffs?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He said to David, “Am I a dog that you come against me with sticks? ” Then he cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He said to David, “Am I a dog that you come against me with sticks?” Then he cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Do you think I'm a dog?" Goliath asked. "Is that why you've come after me with a stick?" He cursed David in the name of the Philistine gods <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Philistine asked David, "Am I a dog that you come to [attack] me with sticks?" So the Philistine called on his gods to curse David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He said to David, "What's that stick for? Do you think I'm a dog?" And he called down curses from his god on David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The Philistine asked David, "Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?" Then the Philistine cursed David by his own gods and <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Am I a dog,? he said to David, ?that you come at me with sticks?? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you are coming after me with sticks?" Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with a stick and stones? "And David said, "No, worse than a dog. "And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staffs? and the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” The Philistine cursed David by his gods. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistine says to David, “Am I a dog that you are coming to me with sticks?” And the Philistine reviles David by his gods,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the Philistine saith unto David, 'Am I a dog that thou art coming unto me with staves?' and the Philistine revileth David by his gods,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he of the rovers will say to David, Am I a dog that thou camnest to me with rods? and he of the rovers will curse David by his gods.<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 the Philistine said to David: Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with a staff? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you approach against me with a staff?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He said to David, “Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?” Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<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 the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you come to me with a staff? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Philistine said to David: “Am I a dog, that you come against me with a rod?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods<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 the Philistine said unto David: 'Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?' And the Philistine cursed David by his god.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Philistine said to David, Am I as a dog, that thou comest against me with a staff and stones? <i>and David said, Nay, but worse than a dog.</i>And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/17-43.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=5048" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">David Slays Goliath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">42</span>When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome. <span class="reftext">43</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">“Am I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3611.htm" title="3611: hă·ḵe·leḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- A dog. From an unused root means. To yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence a male prostitute.">a dog,”</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.">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.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“that</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ḇā- (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">at me</a> <a href="/hebrew/4731.htm" title="4731: bam·maq·lō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A rod, staff. Or maqqlah; from an unused root meaning apparently to germinate; a shoot, i.e. Stick.">with sticks?”</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.">And the Philistine</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/7043.htm" title="7043: way·qal·lêl (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">cursed</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: bê·lō·hāw (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">by his gods.</a> </span><span class="reftext">44</span>“Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-10.htm">1 Samuel 17:10</a></span><br />Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-26.htm">1 Samuel 17:26</a></span><br />David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-36.htm">1 Samuel 17:36</a></span><br />Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-21.htm">2 Samuel 21:21</a></span><br />and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-22.htm">2 Kings 19:22</a></span><br />Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-23.htm">Isaiah 37:23</a></span><br />Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Isaiah 51:7</a></span><br />Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-16.htm">Psalm 44:16</a></span><br />at the voice of the scorner and reviler, because of the enemy, bent on revenge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/74-18.htm">Psalm 74:18</a></span><br />Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/79-12.htm">Psalm 79:12</a></span><br />Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/89-51.htm">Psalm 89:51</a></span><br />how Your enemies have taunted, O LORD, and have mocked every step of Your anointed one!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Proverbs 3:34</a></span><br />He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-20.htm">Ezekiel 36:20</a></span><br />And wherever they went among the nations, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, yet they had to leave His land.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">Matthew 27:39-44</a></span><br />And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads / and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” / In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you come to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.</p><p class="hdg">Am</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14</a></b></br> After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/3-8.htm">2 Samuel 3:8</a></b></br> Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, <i>Am</i> I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8</a></b></br> And he bowed himself, and said, What <i>is</i> thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I <i>am</i>?</p><p class="hdg">cursed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-29.htm">Genesis 27:29</a></b></br> Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed <i>be</i> every one that curseth thee, and blessed <i>be</i> he that blesseth thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-6.htm">Numbers 22:6,11,12</a></b></br> Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they <i>are</i> too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, <i>that</i> we may smite them, and <i>that</i> I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest <i>is</i> blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Judges 9:27</a></b></br> And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode <i>the grapes</i>, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/14-28.htm">Cursed</a> <a href="/joshua/8-34.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">David</a> <a href="/judges/7-5.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-15.htm">Revileth</a> <a href="/numbers/21-18.htm">Staffs</a> <a href="/numbers/21-18.htm">Staves</a> <a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Sticks</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm">Cursed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-7.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-44.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-44.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">Revileth</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-7.htm">Staffs</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-7.htm">Staves</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-10.htm">Sticks</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 /> <!-- /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/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>“Am I a dog,” he said to David,</b><br>In ancient Near Eastern culture, referring to someone as a "dog" was a significant insult, implying worthlessness and contempt. Dogs were not typically seen as beloved pets but rather as scavengers. Goliath's rhetorical question underscores his disdain for David, whom he perceives as an unworthy opponent. This phrase highlights the arrogance and pride of Goliath, contrasting with David's humility and faith. The imagery of a "dog" is also used elsewhere in Scripture to denote contempt or lowliness, such as in <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9</a> and <a href="/matthew/15-26.htm">Matthew 15:26</a>.<p><b>“that you come at me with sticks?”</b><br>Goliath's reference to "sticks" is a mocking observation of David's shepherd's staff, which he carried alongside his sling. This reflects Goliath's underestimation of David, seeing him as a mere shepherd boy rather than a formidable adversary. The mention of "sticks" also emphasizes the contrast between Goliath's heavily armed appearance and David's seemingly inadequate weaponry. This moment foreshadows the biblical theme that God often uses the weak and humble to overcome the strong, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>.<p><b>And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.</b><br>Cursing by one's gods was a common practice in ancient warfare, invoking divine power to defeat enemies. The Philistines worshiped deities such as Dagon, and Goliath's curse reflects his reliance on these false gods. This act of cursing highlights the spiritual battle underlying the physical confrontation. It sets the stage for the demonstration of the true God's power over the idols of the Philistines. This moment is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where God's power triumphs over pagan deities, such as the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>A young shepherd boy, anointed by God to be the future king of Israel. He is known for his faith and courage, especially in the face of Goliath.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/goliath.htm">Goliath</a></b><br>A giant Philistine warrior, known for his size and strength, who defies the armies of Israel and challenges them to send a champion to fight him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A group of people who were enemies of Israel, often at war with them. They worshiped multiple gods and were known for their military prowess.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/v/valley_of_elah.htm">Valley of Elah</a></b><br>The location where the battle between David and Goliath took place. It was a strategic site for military encounters.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/gods_of_the_philistines.htm">Gods of the Philistines</a></b><br>The deities worshiped by the Philistines, which included Dagon and others. Goliath invoked these gods when cursing David.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a></b><br>David's encounter with Goliath teaches us that faith in God can overcome any fear or obstacle. Despite Goliath's intimidating presence, David's trust in God gave him the courage to face the giant.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>The battle between David and Goliath is a reminder of the spiritual battles we face. Like David, we must rely on God's strength and not our own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_in_god.htm">Identity in God</a></b><br>Goliath's taunt highlights the importance of knowing our identity in God. David was not deterred by insults because he knew he was chosen by God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/power_of_words.htm">Power of Words</a></b><br>Goliath cursed David by his gods, but David's response was rooted in the power of the living God. Our words and declarations should align with God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The account underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to use unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes. David, a young shepherd, was used by God to defeat a mighty warrior.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_beat_goliath.htm">How did David defeat the giant Goliath?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_26_11_clash_with_compassion.htm">Proverbs 26:11: Does comparing a fool to a dog returning to its vomit present a historical or cultural context that might clash with more compassionate teachings elsewhere? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'living_dog_over_dead_lion'_mean.htm">What does "Living dog better than dead lion" mean?</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>(43) <span class= "bld">Am I a dog?</span>--The Philistine warrior--as the shepherd boy, all unarmed, drew near--rose apparently, for he was seated, as was often the custom with these heavily-clad warriors of antiquity when not actually engaged in combat, and coming towards David, taunted him and his cause with the most contemptuous expressions. "Am I a dog," he asked--and dogs are animals held in many parts of the East in great contempt--"that you come against me with sticks and staves?" The LXX. missed the force of this plural "of contempt," and altering the text, translates "with staff and with stones."<p><span class= "bld">By his gods.</span>--This should be rendered <span class= "ital">by his God. </span>No doubt the idolator here made use of the sacred Name, so dear to every believing Israelite, thus defying the Eternal of Hosts.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/17-43.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">“Am I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹ֔כִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</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">a dog,”</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲכֶ֣לֶב</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ḵe·leḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3611.htm">Strong's 3611: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dog, a male prostitute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="heb">הַפְּלִשְׁתִּי֙</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">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</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">to</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">David,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתָּ֥ה</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">come</span><br /><span class="heb">בָֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at me</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלַ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<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">with sticks?”</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמַּקְל֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bam·maq·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4731.htm">Strong's 4731: </a> </span><span class="str2">A shoot, stick</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And the Philistine</span><br /><span class="heb">הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(hap·pə·liš·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cursed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְקַלֵּ֧ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·qal·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be slight, swift or trifling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by his gods.</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּאלֹהָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(bê·lō·hāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/17-43.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 17:43 The Philistine said to David Am (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:42"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:42" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-44.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:44"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:44" /></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>