David and Goliath
1 Samuel 17:1-58
1 S.17.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאספו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- את: PRT,acc
- מחניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,pl
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאספו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- ויחנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בין: PREP
- שוכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- עזקה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- באפס: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17:2 (structural): Immediate continuation: Saul and all Israel are mustered opposite the Philistines at the same place, showing the two armies arrayed for battle.
- 1 Sam.17:4-11 (verbal): Description of Goliath's defiant challenge from the Philistine camp — explains the military standoff at Socoh and Ephes‑Dammim and the reason for the encampment.
- 1 Sam.17:52-53 (thematic): Result of the encounter: after David's victory the men of Israel and Judah rout and pursue the Philistines from the same region, linking the Philistine camp/location with the ensuing rout.
- 1 Sam.13:19-22 (thematic): Background on Philistine military dominance in Saul’s reign (control of blacksmithing and weapons), providing wider context for the threat posed by the Philistine army gathered at Socoh/Ephes‑Dammim.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they assembled at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah at Ephes-dammim.
- And the Philistines gathered their armies for war and assembled at Socoh, which belongs to Judah; and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.
1 S.17.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נאספו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
- ויחנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בעמק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ויערכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לקראת: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
Parallels
- Exodus 17:8–13 (thematic): Israel musters and fights a neighboring foe (Amalek) after encamping; parallels the motif of Israel assembling, camping, and engaging in pitched battle under national leadership.
- 1 Samuel 4:1–2 (thematic): Earlier account of Israel going out to battle against the Philistines; parallels the specific recurring conflict between Israel and Philistia and the framing of a national military response.
- Judges 7:1–8 (structural): Gideon and the troops assemble by water and are arrayed for battle in a confined place; structurally similar—preparation, encampment/assembly, and positioning before an engagement in a valley-like setting.
- 2 Samuel 5:17–21 (thematic): After David’s rise, the Philistines come up and Israel fights them; parallels the cycle of Philistine-Israel confrontations, with mustering of forces and a decisive encounter.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and encamped in the valley of Elah and drew up for battle against the Philistines.
- And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah and set themselves in array for battle against the Philistines.
1 S.17.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ופלשתים: CONJ+NOUN_PROP,m,pl,abs
- עמדים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמדים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והגיא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ביניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 14:9 (structural): Two hostile forces encamped with a physical barrier between them (Israel by the sea, Egyptians approaching), echoing the image of opposing camps separated by a space.
- Judges 7:11-12 (thematic): The Midianite and allied forces are described as lying in the valley like locusts between hills, paralleling the motif of enemy forces occupying the valley between opposing heights.
- 2 Samuel 2:12-14 (structural): Abner and Joab array their men opposite one another at the pool of Gibeon—an instance of two Israelite factions standing on opposing sides facing each other, similar to the Philistines and Israel on opposing hills.
- Joshua 8:9-11 (thematic): Israelites conceal themselves on the hills and lie in wait while the city/forces occupy the plain—another scene of opposing positions on high ground with ground between them, comparable to 1 Sam 17:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Philistines stood on one hill and Israel stood on the other hill, with the valley between them.
- And the Philistines stood on one hill and Israel stood on the other hill, with the valley between them.
1 S.17.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ממחנות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- גלית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מגת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גבהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- וזרת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:7 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same scene — gives further physical details of Goliath (spear, coat of mail), reinforcing the picture of his extraordinary size and armament.
- 2 Samuel 21:15-22 (allusion): Later account of battles with 'giants' from Gath; traditions about Goliath and other Philistine giants are recounted here, linking to the Goliath tradition.
- 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 (verbal): Parallel/related account that lists giants from Gath and corrects the naming/confusion about who killed Goliath’s brother (Lahmi), echoing the same tradition.
- Numbers 13:33 (thematic): The spies’ report of seeing the Nephilim and feeling like grasshoppers invokes the broader Israelite motif of giants inhabiting the land, thematically related to Goliath’s extraordinary stature.
- Deuteronomy 3:11 (thematic): Description of King Og's enormous bed ('nine cubits') presents another biblical instance of exaggerated measurements and giant figures, paralleling the motif of extraordinary height given for Goliath.
Alternative generated candidates
- And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath; his height was six cubits and a span.
- And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion whose name was Goliath of Gath; his height was six cubits and a span.
1 S.17.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכובע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ושריון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קשקשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- לבוש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ומשקל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השריון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- חמשת: NUM,card,construct
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שקלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נחשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:6 (verbal): Immediate continuation of Goliath's equipment (greaves and spear), forming a single descriptive unit with 17:5 about his bronze armor and heavy accoutrements.
- 1 Samuel 17:38-39 (structural): Saul outfits David with armor (helmet and coat of mail) but David removes it because it is too heavy—directly echoes the weight and unsuitability of the armor described in 17:5.
- 1 Samuel 17:4 (thematic): Goliath's great height and challenge (6 cubits and a span) provides the context for his large, heavy bronze armor noted in 17:5—both emphasize his extraordinary size and menace.
- 2 Samuel 21:19 (allusion): A later retelling of David's combat with a giant (Goliath/Gittite tradition) that echoes the depiction of Philistine giants and their massive weapons, linking to the heavy armor imagery of 1 Sam 17:5.
- 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 (thematic): Chronicles' accounts of David's battles with Philistine giants (and their exceptional armaments) parallel the portrait of Goliath's formidable bronze armor and the motif of oversized military gear.
Alternative generated candidates
- He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he wore a coat of scale armor; the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze.
- And he had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor; the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze.
1 S.17.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומצחת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- נחשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- רגליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m
- וכידון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בין: PREP
- כתפיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:5 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse describes Goliath’s bronze coat of mail and greaves — part of the same portrait of heavy bronze armor of which v.6 is a continuation.
- 1 Samuel 17:7 (verbal): Direct continuation of the weapon imagery: compares the spear’s shaft to a weaver’s beam and gives the heavy bronze point — closely linked verbal emphasis on massive bronze armament.
- 1 Chronicles 20:5 (verbal): Parallel account of David’s conflicts with Philistines: says Elhanan killed the brother of Goliath and explicitly describes a spear ‘like a weaver’s beam,’ echoing the same weapon imagery found in 1 Sam 17.
- 2 Samuel 21:18–22 (thematic): A group of passages recounting battles with Philistine giants and noting extraordinarily heavy bronze weapons (spears, points) — thematically echoes 1 Sam 17’s emphasis on bronze armor and massive weaponry.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders.
- And bronze greaves were on his legs and a bronze javelin was slung between his shoulders.
1 S.17.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חניתו: NOUN,f,sg,suff-3ms
- כמנור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארגים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולהבת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חניתו: NOUN,f,sg,suff-3ms
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שקלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ברזל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונשא: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הצנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 20:5 (verbal): Uses the same striking formula—‘the spear-staff was like a weaver’s beam’—and depicts a giant’s heavy iron spear, a near verbal parallel to 1 Sam 17:7.
- 2 Samuel 21:20 (verbal): The account of battles with Philistine giants repeats the ‘weaver’s beam’ image and the heavy spear-head, echoing the language used about Goliath’s weapon.
- 1 Samuel 17:4-6 (structural): Immediate narrative context within the same scene: these preceding verses describe Goliath’s enormous stature and armour, of which v.7 is the concluding detail (the spear and shield‑bearer).
- 2 Samuel 21:18-22 (thematic): A cluster of passages recounting encounters with Philistine giants; thematically parallels 1 Sam 17:7 in emphasizing gigantic warriors, oversized weapons, and attendant shield‑bearers in Israel’s conflicts with the Philistines.
Alternative generated candidates
- The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and a shield-bearer went before him.
- And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and the shield-bearer walked before him.
1 S.17.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- מערכת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- למה: ADV
- תצאו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לערך: PREP+INF,qal
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הלוא: PART
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואתם: CONJ+PRON,2,pl
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ברו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.10 (verbal): Direct continuation of Goliath’s challenge — repeats the call to the Israelite army to ‘choose a man’ for single combat (same language and intent).
- 1 Sam.17.26 (thematic): David responds to the taunt he has heard, asking who this Philistine is and expressing indignation — introduces David’s willingness to meet Goliath, thematically linked to the challenge.
- 1 Sam.17.41-44 (verbal): When David approaches, Goliath again taunts and mocks him using similar language and threatens to feed David’s flesh to the birds — a later reprise of the original challenge.
- 2 Sam.21.15-22 (thematic): Later narratives of Israel’s battles with Philistines (including fights with giants and notable champions) echo the motif of Israelite champions confronting Philistine warriors and the tradition surrounding giant adversaries.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he stood and cried to the ranks of Israel, 'Why have you come out to set your battle in array? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.'
- And he stood and cried to the ranks of Israel, 'Why do you come out to set yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose for yourselves a man and let him come down to me.'
1 S.17.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- יוכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- להלחם: VERB,hitp,inf
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- והכני: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- והיינו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- לעבדים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואם: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אוכל: VERB,qal,part,1,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- והכיתיו: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- והייתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- לעבדים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועבדתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אתנו: PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:25 (structural): Same episode — the assembly's promise that whoever kills the Philistine shall receive reward and marriage, reflecting the communal stakes announced when Goliath challenges Israel (the promised change in servitude/status).
- 1 Samuel 17:32–33 (thematic): David volunteers to meet the Philistine and explicitly takes up the one‑on‑one combat posed in 17:9; these verses show the human response to the conditional challenge and its terms.
- 1 Samuel 17:36 (thematic): David recounts how God delivered him from a lion and a bear, giving his reason and confidence for accepting the duel promised in 17:9 — trusting God to enable victory over this foe as well.
- 1 Samuel 17:47 (thematic): David frames the coming fight as divine vindication so that all may know the Lord’s power; this gives theological meaning to the conditional stakes of servitude set out in 17:9 (victory manifests God's sovereignty).
Alternative generated candidates
- If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.
- If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.
1 S.17.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הפלשתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- חרפתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מערכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- תנו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונלחמה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,pl
- יחד: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:8 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same episode: Goliath issues the formal demand 'Choose a man for you, and let him come down to me,' reiterating the single-combat challenge found in v.10.
- 1 Samuel 17:26 (thematic): David's reaction when he learns of the challenge—he asks who will face the Philistine—echoes the theme of personal combat and Israel's shame invoked by the Philistine's taunt.
- 1 Samuel 17:45 (verbal): David's direct reply to Goliath invokes the same contest of champions motif: he confronts the Philistine one-on-one and frames the fight as between God and the idol.
- 2 Samuel 21:19 (structural): Later narrative dealing with fights against Philistine giants; the passage repeats the motif of individual slayers confronting Philistine champions (textual complexity around Goliath traditions).
- 1 Chronicles 20:5 (structural): Parallel chronicler account listing battles with Philistine giants and individual combatants who killed them—reflects the same tradition of single combat against Philistine champions.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Philistine said, 'I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.'
- And the Philistine said, 'I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.'
1 S.17.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ויחתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Sam 17:24 (verbal): Closely parallels language and reaction: on seeing Goliath 'all the men of Israel... were greatly afraid' — same fear motif and similar Hebrew wording.
- 1 Sam 17:52 (structural): Narrative reversal: after Israel's initial fear (v.11), 17:52 records the army's renewed courage and pursuit after David defeats Goliath — contrasts terror and deliverance.
- 1 Chron 20:4–8 (thematic): Accounts of Israel facing giant warriors (Goliath-like foes) that produce battlefield shock and losses; thematically comparable scenes of national dread and later victory over giants.
- Judges 7:2–7 (thematic): Gideon's story depicts an oppressed, fearful Israel confronted by a formidable foe and God's provision of unexpected deliverance — comparable dynamics of fear, divine intervention, and reversal.
- Ps 118:6 (thematic): A theological contrast to Israel's fear: 'The LORD is for me; I will not fear' highlights the faithful response (trust) that counters the panic provoked by enemy boasts.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
- And when Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
1 S.17.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפרתי: ADJ,m,sg
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- ולו: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- שמנה: NUM,card,f,pl,abs
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- והאיש: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זקן: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- באנשים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 16:1, 11–13 (verbal): Same family and location: Samuel is sent to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons; repeats the names 'Bethlehem' and 'Jesse' and introduces David as Jesse's son (same background context).
- 1 Sam 17:15 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same chapter: describes David as the youngest son who tended his father's sheep — continues the picture of Jesse's household and David's status in Saul's days.
- Ruth 4:17–22 (structural): Genealogical parallel linking Bethlehem to the line of Obed, Jesse, and David; underscores Bethlehem/Ephrathah as David's ancestral home and Jesse's place in that lineage.
- 1 Chr 2:13–15 (verbal): Chronicles' genealogy repeats Jesse's name and lists his sons, corroborating the family details (number and names of sons) and David's Bethlehem origins found in Samuel.
- Micah 5:2 (allusion): Prophetic reference to 'Bethlehem Ephrathah' as the origin of a future ruler from Israel — an allusion to Davidic origins in Bethlehem and the significance of Jesse's line.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse; he had eight sons, and in the days of Saul he was old and advanced in years.
- Now David the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, had eight sons; and the man was old, advanced in years among men.
1 S.17.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- הגדלים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אחרי: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- במלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אליאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבכור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומשנהו: CONJ+NUM,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אבינדב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והשלשי: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,def
- שמה: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:10-11 (verbal): Same roster of Jesse's sons (Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah) appears when Samuel inspects Jesse's offspring; David is notably absent as the youngest.
- 1 Samuel 17:12 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: repeats that Jesse and his sons were at the army at Bethlehem and explains David's subsequent journey to them with provisions.
- 1 Samuel 17:28 (thematic): Eliab (the eldest named here) rebukes David on the battlefield—illustrates the family dynamics and confirms the presence and role of Jesse's older sons in the campaign.
- 1 Chronicles 2:13-15 (verbal): Genealogical listing of Jesse's sons in Chronicles (Eliab, Abinadab, Shimea/Shammah), echoing the names and family order found in Samuel.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the three eldest of Jesse’s sons went and followed Saul to the war; and the names of his three who went to the war were Eliab the firstborn, and next Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
- And the three oldest of Jesse's sons went and followed Saul to the battle; and the names of the three who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, Abinadab the second, and Shammah the third.
1 S.17.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- הקטן: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ושלשה: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,m
- הגדלים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אחרי: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:11 (verbal): Same narrative motif — Jesse’s youngest son (David) is singled out; Samuel asks if all sons are present and the youngest (David) is identified.
- 1 Samuel 17:33 (thematic): Saul describes David as a youth/untried man, echoing the theme of David’s youth and marginal status introduced in 17:14.
- 1 Samuel 17:28 (verbal): Eliab’s rebuke to David reflects the family dynamics and assumption that David, as the younger brother, is out of place — a reaction tied to his status as the youngest.
- Judges 6:15 (thematic): Gideon’s claim to be the least/youngest in his family parallels the theme of God choosing the humble or youngest for decisive roles (underdog motif).
Alternative generated candidates
- But David was the youngest; the three eldest had gone with Saul.
- And David was the youngest; and the three oldest went after Saul.
1 S.17.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ושב: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- מעל: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לרעות: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:11 (verbal): Same context/background: David is identified as the youngest who 'keeps the sheep' of Jesse—establishes his role as a shepherd prior to his court service.
- 1 Samuel 17:34-37 (thematic): Continuation of the shepherd motif: David recounts how he defended his sheep from a lion and a bear, explaining how his shepherding prepared him to face Goliath.
- Psalm 23 (thematic): Prominent shepherd imagery associated with David (traditionally a Davidic psalm): the shepherd motif here resonates with David’s literal role as a shepherd in Bethlehem.
- Psalm 78:70-72 (allusion): Portrays God’s choice of David and summarizes his pastoral leadership—'He shepherded them with integrity of heart'—linking David’s pastoral origins to his kingship.
- Micah 5:2 (allusion): Reference to Bethlehem as the origin of a future ruler; connects the geographical detail (Bethlehem) of David’s shepherding to the motif of Bethlehem as the birthplace/source of Israel’s leaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.
- And David went and returned from Saul to tend his father's sheep at Bethlehem.
1 S.17.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- השכם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והערב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויתיצב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.23-25 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation — repeats the motif of Goliath presenting himself morning and evening and records the army’s response and Saul’s reward offer for his slayer.
- 1 Sam.17.48-51 (structural): Narrative fulfillment — the same Philistine champion who came out daily is confronted and killed by David.
- 1 Sam.17.36-37 (thematic): David’s explanation of his confidence — he cites past encounters with dangerous beasts as the grounding for confronting the Philistine who daily defied Israel.
- 1 Sam.17.24 (thematic): Describes the effect of the Philistine’s daily challenges on Israel’s troops — they were dismayed and fled, providing context for the repeated taunting in v.16.
- 2 Sam.21.15-22 (thematic): Later episodes of David and his men battling Philistine giants — a recurring theme of Israelite struggle against Philistine champions and giant warriors.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Philistine would come up and defy Israel; and the man of war presented himself morning and evening for forty days.
- And the Philistine came forward morning and evening and presented himself for forty days.
1 S.17.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- קח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- לאחיך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- איפת: PART
- הקליא: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ועשרה: NUM,m,pl
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- והרץ: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאחיך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:20 (verbal): Continues the same action: David rises early, takes the ephah and loaves and goes to the camp to his brothers — a direct verbal and narrative parallel to v.17.
- 1 Samuel 17:23 (structural): Describes David leaving the baggage and running to the battle-line as he approaches his brothers — a structural continuation of the journey begun in v.17.
- 1 Samuel 17:28 (thematic): Eliab rebukes David for coming to the fight, reflecting the family tension and the theme of the youngest/least-regarded brother being disparaged despite being sent by his father (as in v.17).
- 1 Samuel 17:34–37 (thematic): David recounts his past deeds against lion and bear to justify why he came to the camp and is fit to face Goliath — thematically connected to v.17, which explains the purpose of his mission to his brothers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Jesse said to David his son, 'Take now for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to your brothers.
- And Jesse said to David his son, 'Take now for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to your brothers.'
1 S.17.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- עשרת: NUM,card,ten,cons
- חרצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- החלב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- תביא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לשר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg
- האלף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- אחיך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- תפקד: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,ms
- לשלום: PREP
- ואת: CONJ
- ערבתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3mp
- תקח: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 17:19 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: David receives the orders (to take the provisions to the captain and inquire about his brothers) and prepares to carry them—same episode, same instructions.
- 1 Sam 17:20 (structural): Direct continuation of the action: David rises early, takes the food to the camp and meets the army—shows fulfillment of the command in v.18.
- 2 Sam 17:28–29 (thematic): People bring cakes, bread and other provisions to David and his followers during Absalom's rebellion—parallels the motif of supplying food/provisions to a leader and his forces.
- 1 Sam 30:11–12 (thematic): An Egyptian brings food and refreshment to David when exhausted and fleeing—another instance of someone providing sustenance to David/the warriors in a military context.
- Gen 43:11 (thematic): Jacob instructs his sons to take a present and food to the ruler in Egypt (Joseph) and to bring back proof/assurance—parallel of bearing provisions to an authority and returning with confirmation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of the thousand, and see how your brothers fare, and bring back their pledge to them.'
- And carry these ten cheeses to the commander of the thousand, and look after your brothers' welfare and bring back their word.
1 S.17.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והמה: PRON,3,m,pl
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעמק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלה: DEM,pl
- נלחמים: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:1 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: the chapter opening sets the scene of the Philistines assembling for battle, framing the encounter in the Valley of Elah.
- 1 Samuel 31:1 (verbal): Directly echoes the formula 'the Philistines fought against Israel' and depicts Saul and Israel engaged with the Philistines in battle, linking Saul’s reign to ongoing Philistine conflict.
- 1 Samuel 14:52 (thematic): Summarizes Saul’s reign as characterized by persistent fighting with the Philistines—background context for the battle in the Valley of Elah.
- 2 Samuel 5:17-25 (thematic): Describes later hostilities between Israel (under David) and the Philistines, showing the continuity of Israel’s conflicts with Philistia and echoing battlefield motifs and locales.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
- For Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
1 S.17.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבקר: PREP
- ויטש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- שמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- צוהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+OBJ:3,m,sg
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המעגלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והחיל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- היצא: VERB,qal,part,ms,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- המערכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והרעו: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- במלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.15 (verbal): Same setting and language about David tending sheep and his routine of going between Bethlehem and Saul's presence; both verses foreground his shepherd role before the battle.
- 1 Sam.17.17-19 (structural): Direct narrative precursor: Jesse sends David to bring provisions to his brothers at the camp — explains why David rises early and goes as described in 17:20.
- 1 Sam.17.22 (verbal): Immediate narrative continuation: David arrives at the camp and is noticed by the troops — repeats the action of departing for and entering the battlefield scene.
- 1 Sam.17.32 (thematic): Shows the purpose of David's presence at the camp — he volunteers to confront Goliath, linking his arrival (17:20) to his initiative in challenging the Philistine.
- 1 Sam.17.48 (thematic): Depicts David running toward and engaging Goliath; thematically connected as the outcome of his coming to the camp and leaving his shepherd duties.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, took the provisions, and went as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the encampment as the army was going out to the fight, shouting for battle.
- And David rose early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, took the provisions and ran as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight.
1 S.17.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותערך: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,fs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופלשתים: CONJ+NOUN_PROP,m,pl,abs
- מערכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לקראת: PREP
- מערכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 29:1 (verbal): Philistine forces are described as gathering their armies for battle (’assembled all their armies’), paralleling the image of Israel and the Philistines arrayed opposite one another.
- 2 Samuel 5:17 (verbal): ’The Philistines came up and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim’ — similar language of Philistine forces taking up position for battle against Israel.
- Judges 7:11-12 (thematic): Gideon’s account of the Midianite camp pitched in the valley opposite Israel (’the camp of Midian was below him’) presents the same theme of two hosts arrayed face to face.
- Joshua 10:5 (structural): The Amorite kings ’came up to fight against Gibeon,’ describing opposing armies mustering for battle and mirroring the structural scene of hosts drawn up against one another.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army.
- And Israel and the Philistines formed their ranks, army against army.
1 S.17.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויטש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הכלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מעליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שומר: PART,qal,ptcp,3,m,sg
- הכלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וירץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המערכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וישאל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לאחיו: PREP
- לשלום: PREP
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:20 (verbal): Same narrative moment earlier in the scene: David leaves his charge with a keeper and departs for the battlefield—verbal and situational overlap with v.22's 'left his things with the keeper.'
- 1 Samuel 17:23 (structural): Immediate continuation/parallel within the chapter: both verses depict David running to the ranks and approaching his brothers—v.23 expands the same action described in v.22.
- 1 Samuel 17:34–37 (thematic): David recounts running to confront a lion and a bear to rescue his sheep—the motif of running to meet danger and protect others provides the background for his courage in approaching the battle lines.
- Exodus 2:11 (thematic): Moses 'went out to his brethren' and intervened on their behalf—parallel theme of leaving one's place to go toward and act for one's fellow countrymen/brethren in distress.
Alternative generated candidates
- David left the baggage with the keeper of the baggage, ran to the ranks, and went and greeted his brothers.
- And David left the things with the keeper of the supplies and ran to the ranks and came and greeted his brothers.
1 S.17.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- מדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- עמם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- והנה: ADV
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עולה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גלית: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מגת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ממערכות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כדברים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- האלה: DEM,pl
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:4 (verbal): Introduces the same Philistine champion, Goliath of Gath—the immediate verbal parallel that presents the challenger who speaks and whom David later hears.
- 1 Samuel 17:8-10 (quotation): Records Goliath's repeated challenge to the Israelite army (the taunt offered daily), echoing the ‘words’ he speaks in 17:23–the substance of the provocation David overhears.
- 1 Samuel 17:26 (thematic): Direct narrative continuation: David ‘heard’ the challenge and reacts (asks what will be done for the man who defeats the Philistine), linking hearing to David’s decision to engage.
- 2 Samuel 21:19 (allusion): Parallel tradition about the Philistine giant(s) and their defeat (textual/chronicle variant concerning who killed Goliath or a related giant), connecting to the broader Goliath tradition referenced in 17:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- As he was talking with them, behold, the champion, Goliath of Gath, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words; and David heard them.
- While he was speaking with them, behold, the champion, Goliath the Philistine of Gath, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke according to his former words; and David heard them.
1 S.17.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בראותם: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- מפניו: PREP+3ms
- וייראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:11 (verbal): Same scene and near-identical language: Saul and all Israel hear the Philistine and are 'dismayed and very much afraid'—directly parallels the fear of Israel on seeing Goliath.
- Exodus 14:10 (verbal): When the Egyptians approached at the Red Sea 'the children of Israel were sore afraid'—similar wording and portrayal of national panic before an advancing enemy.
- Numbers 14:9 (thematic): Moses and Joshua urge Israel 'Do not fear' the inhabitants of the land; thematically contrasts Israel's fear of a powerful foe with prophetic counsel not to be afraid.
- Deuteronomy 1:28–29 (thematic): Spies' report causes Israel to be discouraged and afraid of the people and fortified cities; parallels the reaction of dread before a mighty warrior and the recurring motif of communal fear.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid.
- And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were greatly afraid.
1 S.17.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הראיתם: VERB,hifil,perf,2,m,pl
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לחרף: INFN,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יכנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יעשרנו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- בתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- חפשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:26 (verbal): Immediate verbal parallel in the same episode—men of Israel challenge anyone who will fight the Philistine, denouncing him as defying Israel (same motif and language about the insolence of the challenger).
- 1 Samuel 17:27 (verbal): Continuation of the same promise of reward: explicit statement that the man who kills the Philistine will be enriched, given the king's daughter, and his father's house freed—directly parallels and completes the clause in 17:25.
- 1 Samuel 17:32-33 (thematic): David's response to the public offer and challenge: he volunteers to fight Goliath, engaging the theme of an unexpected champion answering the reward/taunt announced by Israel.
- 1 Samuel 18:17-27 (structural): Narrative fulfillment and complication of the earlier promise: Saul's later treatment of David, the marriage to Michal as bride/transactional reward (with the 100 Philistine foreskins) and the transfer of gifts and honor echo the promise of riches and a king's daughter in 17:25–27.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the men of Israel said, 'Have you seen this man who comes up? Surely to defy Israel he comes up! And the man who kills him will be given great riches by the king, his daughter, and exemption for his father’s house in Israel.'
- And the men of Israel said, 'Have you seen this man who comes up? Surely to defy Israel has he come. And it shall be, whoever kills him, the king will enrich him with great riches, will give him his daughter, and will make his father's house free in Israel.'
1 S.17.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- העמדים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- מה: PRON,int
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יכה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הלז: PRON,dem,m,sg
- והסיר: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
- חרפה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעל: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הערל: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- חרף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מערכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:25 (verbal): Almost identical formulation earlier in the chapter promising reward to the man who kills the Philistine and 'removes the reproach' from Israel; direct verbal/structural parallel.
- 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (thematic): David proclaims that the LORD will deliver Goliath into his hand so that Israel's enemies will know and the reproach against Israel will end—same theme of divine vindication and removal of shame.
- Judges 3:16-22 (thematic): Ehud's lone slaying of the oppressive king Eglon delivers Israel from subjugation; parallels the motif of a single deliverer killing an enemy to remove Israel's humiliation.
- Psalm 18:39-42 (thematic): The psalm celebrates God granting the warrior victory over his foes and routing enemies, a parallel in theme of divine aid that vindicates Israel and removes reproach.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to the men standing by him, 'What shall be done to the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?'
- And David said to the men who stood by him, 'What shall be done to the man who kills this Philistine and removes the reproach from Israel? For who is this Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?'
1 S.17.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כה: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יכנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 17:25 (verbal): Uses the same formulaic wording (כה יעשה) announcing what shall be done for the man who defeats the Philistine — a near-verbal parallel within the same episode.
- 1 Sam 17:26 (thematic): Directly connected context: David asks what reward will be given to the slayer of the Philistine and the people's reply frames the promise repeated in v.27.
- 1 Sam 17:50-54 (structural): Narrative fulfillment of the promise: David kills Goliath and the men of Israel rout and plunder the Philistines, showing the outcome and reward tied to the slayer.
- 1 Sam 18:25-27 (thematic): Saul later sets a conditional reward (marriage / bride-price tied to killing Philistines). The passage echoes the motif of public reward/promises made for defeating Israel’s enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the people answered him as he proposed, 'So shall it be done to the man who kills him.'
- And the people answered him in this way, 'So shall it be done to the man who kills him.'
1 S.17.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אליאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בדברו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- אל: NEG
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- אליאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בדוד: PREP
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- למה: ADV
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- ירדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- נטשת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מעט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ההנה: PRON,dem,m,sg,def
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- זדנך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- ואת: CONJ
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לבבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- למען: PREP
- ראות: VERB,qal,ptc,3,f,pl
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ירדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 37:4 (thematic): Sibling jealousy and resentment of a younger brother—Joseph’s brothers ‘hated’ him and were angry at his presence, paralleling Eliab’s hostile reaction toward David.
- 1 Samuel 17:26 (structural): Immediate narrative context: David’s earlier challenge to the Philistine provokes Eliab’s angry rebuke here; the verse is best read alongside v.26 which records what David said that elicited Eliab’s response.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (verbal): Contrasts human presumption about knowing a person’s heart with God’s insight: while Eliab claims ‘I know your pride and wickedness,’ 1 Sam 16:7 reminds readers that the LORD examines the heart, not outward appearance.
- Matthew 27:18 (thematic): Pilate recognizes envy as the motive behind the crowd’s accusation of Jesus—paralleling the theme of hostile, envious motives behind attacks on a rising younger figure (David) in 1 Sam 17:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men, and Eliab’s anger burned against David. He said, 'Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.'
- Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men, and Eliab's anger burned against David and he said, 'Why did you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the wickedness of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.'
1 S.17.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- עשיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- עתה: ADV
- הלוא: PART
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:26 (verbal): Earlier in the same episode David had already questioned the reward/matter regarding the Philistine; both verses show David challenging the silence around the contest and asking about the issue at hand.
- 1 Samuel 17:28 (verbal): Eliab's rebuke immediately precedes 17:29; David's line 'What have I done now?' is a direct reply to his brother's accusation, showing a defensive protest against being scolded.
- 1 Samuel 17:30 (structural): This verse follows 17:29 in the narrative—Saul hears David's words and sends for him—so 17:29 functions as the turning point that brings David's motive into the king's attention.
- 1 Samuel 17:32-37 (thematic): David's subsequent defense and claim of divine help (that he has fought lions and bears) develops the same theme implicit in 17:29: asserting a legitimate cause and personal qualification to confront the Philistine.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said, 'What have I now done? Is there not a cause?'
- And David said, 'What have I done now? Is there not a matter?'
1 S.17.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאצלו: PREP
- אל: NEG
- מול: PREP
- אחר: PREP
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- וישבהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.16 (verbal): Goliath presented himself 'morning and evening' for forty days, repeatedly taunting Israel — parallels the verse's emphasis on repeated speech and responses.
- 1 Sam.17.28 (structural): Immediate context: Eliab rebukes David and the exchange continues; verse 30 reiterates the pattern of one speaking and the people answering as before.
- 2 Sam.16.5-8 (thematic): Shimei persistently curses and taunts David during his flight from Absalom — a similar pattern of sustained verbal abuse in a public setting.
- Matt.27.39-44 (thematic): Passersby and officials repeatedly mock and revile Jesus with the same taunts — analogous group responses and reiterated insults toward a single figure.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he turned from him toward another and spoke in the same way; and the people reported the same words again.
- And he turned away from him toward another and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before.
1 S.17.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקחהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.32 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same scene: David's words are brought to Saul and Saul summons David (directly parallel within the same episode).
- Gen.41.38-40 (thematic): Pharaoh hears of Joseph's interpretation/ability and summons him, then places him in a position of authority—parallel pattern of a ruler hearing a report about an individual's words or skill and taking decisive action.
- 1 Sam.18.5-6 (thematic): News of David's success and the people's song reach Saul, provoking a royal response (jealousy and changing treatment of David); similar dynamic of a king reacting to reports about David's words/deeds.
- 1 Kgs.3.16-28 (thematic): Two women bring a dispute before Solomon, who hears their words and summons them to render judgment—parallel structural pattern of a matter being reported and the king summoning the person(s) involved to decide or act.
- 2 Sam.12.1-7 (thematic): Nathan brings a parable to King David; the king hears the story and pronounces judgment—another instance where spoken report or narrative addressed to a ruler produces an immediate royal response.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they told Saul about the words which David had spoken. And Saul sent for him.
- And the words that David spoke were heard and told before Saul; and he sent for him.
1 S.17.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- ילך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ונלחם: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,pl
- עם: PREP
- הפלשתי: NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam. 17:45 (verbal): David's later declaration to Goliath continues the same intent and confidence — he directly confronts the Philistine and asserts he will fight in the name of the LORD.
- 1 Sam. 17:36–37 (structural): These verses supply David's rationale for volunteering in 17:32 — recalling past deliverance from lion and bear and trusting God will deliver him from Goliath.
- Joshua 1:9 (thematic): Both passages exhort courage in facing enemies with trust in God's presence and command to be strong and not afraid.
- Ps. 27:1 (thematic): A parallel expression of fearless confidence in God as deliverer — 'whom shall I fear?' mirrors David's willingness to face a formidable foe.
- Judges 6:12–16 (allusion): Gideon's divine commissioning to confront Israel's enemies (and his initial reluctance followed by assurance) parallels David's volunteering and reliance on God to fight on Israel's behalf.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to Saul, 'Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.'
- And David said to Saul, 'Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.'
1 S.17.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תוכל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- הפלשתי: NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- להלחם: VERB,hitp,inf
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מנעריו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,construct+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:32 (structural): David volunteers to fight Goliath, prompting Saul's response in v.33; the two verses form the immediate narrative exchange (youthly offer vs. royal objection).
- 1 Samuel 17:37 (verbal): David asserts his past deliverances by God from lion and bear as grounds for confronting Goliath—this directly counters Saul's claim that David is merely a youth and unfit for battle.
- 1 Samuel 17:38 (structural): Saul attempts to equip David with his own armor after declaring David unfit; this highlights the contrast between Saul's military expectations and David's unconventional approach.
- Judges 6:15 (thematic): Gideon protests his inadequacy ('my clan is the weakest... I am the least in my father's house'), reflecting the common biblical motif of a humble or young figure being seen as unqualified for heroic divine service.
- 2 Samuel 21:19 (allusion): A later text that refers to a conflict with a Philistine warrior (traditionally Goliath) and the involvement of David's men; it echoes the Goliath tradition and the theme of confronting mighty foes despite apparent disadvantage.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Saul said to David, 'You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.'
- 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.'
1 S.17.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- לאביו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- בצאן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הארי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הדוב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ונשא: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שה: PRON,rel
- מהעדר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam. 17:36 (verbal): Immediate continuation of David’s speech recounting how he struck down the lion and the bear—same story and language (rescue of a lamb, hand-to-hand struggle).
- 1 Sam. 17:37 (thematic): David appeals to Yahweh’s past deliverance from the lion and bear as the basis for confidence that God will deliver him from Goliath—same theme of divine rescue tied to the shepherd episode.
- Ps. 78:70–72 (thematic): Describes God’s choice of David and his role as shepherd who cared for and led the people—echoes the image of David’s legitimacy grounded in his shepherding and protection of the flock.
- Ps. 23:1–4 (thematic): Classic shepherd imagery emphasizing protection and deliverance from danger; parallels the motif of the shepherd defending sheep against threats (lion/bear) and trusting God’s care.
- Ezek. 34:11–16 (structural): God as shepherd who seeks, rescues and defends the scattered sheep from predators—structurally parallels the protective shepherd motif and divine concern for the flock that underlies David’s actions.
Alternative generated candidates
- David said to Saul, 'Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock,
- And David said to Saul, 'Your servant used to keep his father's sheep; and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock,
1 S.17.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- והכתיו: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg+OBJ,3,m,sg
- והצלתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,m,sg
- מפיו: PREP+NOUN+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- והחזקתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- בזקנו: PREP+NOUN+PRON,3,m,sg
- והכתיו: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg+OBJ,3,m,sg
- והמיתיו: VERB,hif,perf,1,m,sg+OBJ,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:34 (verbal): Immediate context: the same speech in which David recounts following a lion and a bear, delivering the lambs by striking and seizing the animal.
- 1 Samuel 17:36 (verbal): Repetition of the same claim later in the narrative — David explicitly states he struck and killed both the lion and the bear that attacked his flock.
- Judges 14:5-6 (thematic): Samson's encounter with and defeat of a lion (tearing it apart) is a parallel motif of a hero defeating a deadly animal threat to protect or advance his cause.
- Psalm 18:34-39 (thematic): Davidic thanksgiving/war poems that celebrate God enabling David to prevail over deadly threats and enemies — echoes the theme of divine enablement in combat found in 1 Sam 17:35.
- 2 Samuel 22:35-37 (structural): A parallel stanza to Psalm 18 in David's song of deliverance; speaks of God equipping the poet for battle and causing adversaries to fall, echoing the deliverance motif of the Goliath episode.
Alternative generated candidates
- I went after it and struck it and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it rose against me, I seized it by its beard, struck it, and killed it.
- I went after it and struck it and delivered it out of its mouth; and when it arose against me I caught it by its beard and struck and killed it.
1 S.17.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גם: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- הארי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- גם: ADV
- הדוב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- הפלשתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- הערל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כאחד: PREP
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- חרף: VERB,qal,perf,2,ms
- מערכת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.34-37 (structural): Immediate context: David explains how he killed both a lion and a bear while tending sheep and insists the LORD delivered him—this is the fuller narrative of the same claim in v.36.
- 1 Sam.17.26 (quotation): Earlier in the chapter David asks rhetorically about 'this uncircumcised Philistine' who 'defies the armies of the living God'—the same charge repeated in v.36 (verbal parallel).
- Judges 14:5-6 (thematic): Samson tears a lion apart with his hands—parallel motif of a divinely empowered hero overcoming a lion, used to demonstrate God‑given strength for a perilous fight.
- Psalm 18:34-36 (cf. 2 Sam.22:34-36) (allusion): A Davidic thanksgiving in which God arms and enables the psalmist for battle and grants victory over enemies—echoes David's claim that God delivered him from deadly beasts and will deliver Goliath into his hand.
Alternative generated candidates
- Your servant has struck both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.'
- Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.'
1 S.17.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הצלני: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- מיד: PREP
- הארי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומיד: CONJ+PREP
- הדב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- יצילני: VERB,hif,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מיד: PREP
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:36 (verbal): Same claim in David's own words — the LORD rescued him from a lion and a bear; essentially a repetition/verbal parallel of the testimony in v.37.
- 1 Samuel 17:49-50 (structural): Narrative fulfillment of David's confidence: God delivers David from the Philistine (Goliath) and brings victory to Israel, showing the promise in v.37 realized.
- Psalm 144:1 (thematic): Both texts link divine empowerment for combat — God equips or trains the speaker for battle, underpinning confidence in God's deliverance.
- Psalm 20:7 (thematic): Contrasts human military reliance with trust in the LORD's saving power, echoing David's reliance on God rather than conventional weapons or strength.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said, 'The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, he will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.' And Saul said to David, 'Go, and the LORD be with you.'
- And David said, 'The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.' And Saul said to David, 'Go, and the LORD be with you.'
1 S.17.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילבש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדיו: NOUN,m,sg,suff_3ms
- ונתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- קובע: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- נחשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וילבש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- שריון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.39 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: David tries on Saul’s helmet and armor but then removes them and chooses his own sling and staff (same scene, contrasting Saul’s equipment with David’s approach).
- 1 Sam.16.21-23 (thematic): Earlier relationship between Saul and David where David attends Saul and serves as his armor-bearer—connects the motif of Saul’s armor and David’s role in Saul’s court/army.
- 1 Sam.18.4 (thematic): Jonathan gives David his robe and armor as symbols of royal favor and transfer of status—parallels the episode of royal garments/armour being offered and the symbolism of clothing as royal adoption or patronage.
- 1 Sam.31.10 (thematic): After Saul’s death the Philistines strip him of his armor and fasten his body to the wall—the motif of armor as an external sign of kingship and of defeat/respectful disposal parallels how Saul’s armour features in narratives about his kingship and fall.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul clothed David with his armor and placed a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with the coat of mail.
- Then Saul clothed David with his own garments and put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail.
1 S.17.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחגר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- חרבו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- מעל: PREP
- למדיו: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- ויאל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- נסה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- אוכל: VERB,qal,part,1,m,sg
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- באלה: PREP+DEM,pl
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- נסיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- ויסרם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:40 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene: after removing Saul's armor David selects five smooth stones and relies on his sling — the narrative contrast to Saul's gear.
- 1 Samuel 17:45 (thematic): David explains why he rejects Saul's weapons: he will fight in the name of the LORD rather than by human sword or spear, emphasizing trust in God over armor.
- Psalm 20:7 (thematic): Contrasts trust in military equipment with trust in God ('Some trust in chariots and some in horses... but we will trust in the name of the LORD'), echoing David's rejection of Saul's armor.
- Isaiah 31:1 (thematic): A prophetic warning against relying on horses and chariots instead of the LORD — parallels the motif of not placing confidence in human military power.
- Judges 15:15 (thematic): Samson's use of an improvised/unconventional weapon (the jawbone of a donkey) to defeat foes parallels David's choice to use his familiar sling rather than unfamiliar royal armor.
Alternative generated candidates
- David fastened his sword over the armor and attempted to walk, for he had not tested them; and David said to Saul, 'I cannot go with these, for I have not proved them.' So David removed them.
- And David girded his sword over his garments and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, 'I cannot walk with these, for I have not tried them.' So David put them off.
1 S.17.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מקלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ויבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- חמשה: NUM,m,pl
- חלקי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אבנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מן: PREP
- הנחל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- בכלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרעים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ובילקוט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וקלעו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.49 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the stone from David’s sling strikes the Philistine’s forehead and fells him—direct outcome of David taking stones and his sling.
- 1 Sam.17.38-39 (structural): Contrasting episode: Saul offers his armor to David, who rejects it and instead takes staff, sling, and stones—this passage provides the immediate context for 17:40.
- Ps.18:34 (thematic): Davidic psalm describing God’s training of the hands for war ('He teaches my hands to make war')—the verse echoes the theme of God‑enabled skill in combat manifested in David’s sling use.
- Ps.144:1 (thematic): Prayer of a warrior-king ('Blessed be the LORD my rock... who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle')—parallels the notion that David’s effectiveness with simple weapons is divinely enabled.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the brook, put them in his shepherd’s pouch, in his bag, and his sling was in his hand; and he drew near to the Philistine.
- And he took his staff in his hand and chose him five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's bag, in a pouch; and his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine.
1 S.17.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וקרב: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והאיש: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הצנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:48 (verbal): Same scene—Goliath 'moved and came closer' to meet David; continues the image of the Philistine advancing toward David with his attendant.
- 1 Samuel 17:20 (structural): Earlier summary statement that the Philistine came out 'morning and evening' to present himself—sets up the repeated advance of the champion described in v.41.
- 1 Samuel 17:50 (structural): Immediate outcome of the encounter: after the Philistine advances, David runs toward him and defeats him—connects v.41's approach with the combat’s resolution.
- 2 Samuel 21:19 (allusion): A later verse in a different tradition that mentions the slaying of a Philistine giant (Goliath/’Goliath the Gittite’ or a similar figure); thematically linked to the David–Goliath confrontation and its characters (champion, attendants).
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Philistine moved and came near to David, with the shield-bearer before him.
- And the Philistine came on and drew near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him.
1 S.17.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הפלשתי: VERB,hiphil,perf,1,m,sg
- ויראה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבזהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואדמני: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- יפה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מראה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (thematic): Contrasts human judgment by outward appearance with God's perspective — here Goliath despises David for his youth and looks, while 16:7 teaches that God values the heart rather than external appearance.
- 1 Samuel 17:33 (verbal): Saul's response to David uses the same idea of David's youth and presumed inability to fight Goliath (‘you are not able… you are only a youth’), showing recurring contempt for David's age/status in the narrative.
- Genesis 25:25 (verbal): Describes Esau as 'reddish'/'ruddy' (Hebrew אדמוני), echoing the physical descriptor applied to David here and linking the motif of a ruddy appearance in Israelite portraiture.
- Judges 6:15 (thematic): Gideon protests his low status ('my family is the weakest… I am least'), paralleling the theme of an underestimated, unlikely hero whom God calls despite others' scorn.
- Isaiah 53:2 (thematic): Speaks of the servant's lack of outward attractiveness ('no form or comeliness'), relating to the theme of appearance versus true worth — here, Goliath's scorn focuses on looks while the true value lies elsewhere.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the Philistine looked and saw David, he scorned him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance.
- And when the Philistine saw David he disdained him; for he was a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance.
1 S.17.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכלב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- במקלות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויקלל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באלהיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 17:45-47 (structural): Immediate literary response: David answers Goliath’s insult by invoking the LORD and declaring the confrontation is about God’s honor, continuing the same episode and contrasting Goliath’s mockery with David’s faith.
- 2 Sam 16:9 (verbal): Shimei hurls a similar insult, calling David a 'dead dog' and cursing him—paralleling the use of 'dog' as a derogatory term and the motif of cursing the righteous.
- Ps 22:16-18 (thematic): The psalmist describes surrounding enemies, reproach and contempt (including imagery of dogs); thematically parallels the experience of derision and threat faced by a righteous sufferer.
- Matt 27:39-44 (thematic): Bypassers and leaders mock Jesus on the cross, taunting him and challenging God to save him—a New Testament instance of hostile ridicule directed at a divinely-commissioned or innocent sufferer, echoing Goliath’s scorn.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Philistine said to David, 'Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?' And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
- 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.
1 S.17.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הפלשתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכה: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ואתנה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בשרך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m
- לעוף: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ולבהמת: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Psalm 79:2 (verbal): Uses the same motif/phrase of enemies exposing the dead to the birds of heaven and beasts of the earth—parallel verbal imagery of corpses given to scavengers.
- Ezekiel 39:17-20 (thematic): God summons the birds and beasts to feed on the flesh of the fallen; shares the theme of fallen foes' bodies being food for scavengers as a sign of defeat.
- Revelation 19:17-18 (thematic): Apocalyptic summons of the birds to a great feast to eat the flesh of kings and armies—echoes the taunt/imagery of feeding flesh to birds in a victory/defeat context.
- 1 Kings 14:11 (allusion): Prophetic curse that dogs and birds will consume the dead of a condemned house—similar use of scavengers as a motif for disgrace and defeat.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Philistine said to David, 'Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.'
- And the Philistine said to David, 'Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.'
1 S.17.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הפלשתי: NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובחנית: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובכידון: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנכי: PRON,1,sg
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מערכות: NOUN,f,pl,cnst
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- חרפת: NOUN,f,sg,const
Parallels
- Psalm 20:7 (verbal): Contrasts reliance on weapons with reliance on the LORD’s name—'some trust in chariots and some in horses... we trust in the name of the LORD our God,' echoing David’s claim to come in God's name rather than by sword.
- Deuteronomy 20:4 (verbal): Promises that the LORD goes with Israel to fight their battles—parallels David’s appeal to the LORD of hosts as the true source of victory against a stronger foe.
- Judges 7:2-7 (thematic): Gideon’s reduction of forces so that Israel’s victory would be attributed to God rather than human strength; both narratives emphasize divine, not military, agency in triumph.
- Zechariah 4:6 (allusion): 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit'—a theological principle resonant with David’s assertion that victory depends on God, not on human weapons or strength.
- Romans 8:31 (thematic): 'If God is for us, who can be against us?'—New Testament echo of confidence that God’s presence secures victory against adversaries, reflecting David’s trust in the LORD over human arms.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
- Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
1 S.17.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- יסגרך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- והכיתך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- והסרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ראשך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m
- מעליך: PREP,2,m
- ונתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- פגר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- לעוף: INF,qal
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ולחית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וידעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 39:17-20 (verbal): Explicit depiction of birds and beasts feeding on the corpses of Israel's enemies as a divinely-wrought spectacle—parallels David's promise to give the Philistine carcasses to birds and beasts.
- Exodus 9:16 (thematic): God declares he has raised up Pharaoh to display his power and make his name known throughout the earth—echoes David's claim that defeating Goliath will make the nations know there is a God of Israel.
- Judges 7:22 (thematic): Gideon's miraculous rout of the Midianites—God granting victory to an unlikely Israelite to demonstrate divine deliverance and vindicate God's power on behalf of Israel.
- Deuteronomy 4:7-8 (thematic): Speaks of Israel's unique relationship with God and how his deeds among them reveal his existence and wisdom to the nations—parallels the stated purpose of David's proclamation.
- 1 Samuel 17:50-51 (structural): Immediate narrative fulfillment: David kills Goliath and cuts off his head, providing the concrete action that realizes the threat to the Philistine corpses and the demonstration of God's power.
Alternative generated candidates
- This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.'
- This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
1 S.17.47 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הקהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובחנית: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהושיע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ונתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- בידנו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,_,pl
Parallels
- Exod.14.14 (verbal): Both declare that the LORD fights on behalf of his people (“The LORD will fight for you…”), emphasizing divine, not human, agency in battle.
- Deut.20.4 (verbal): Explicit statement that the LORD goes with Israel to fight for them against their enemies, echoing the claim that victory belongs to the LORD rather than to sword or spear.
- 2 Chron.20.15 (verbal): Near-identical sentiment: ‘the battle is not yours but God’s’ (or ‘the battle is the LORD’s’), used to reassure Israel that God will deliver them.
- Judg.7.2,22 (thematic): Gideon’s victory is presented as the LORD’s doing (the LORD routed the enemy), paralleling David’s claim that God, not weapons, secures victory.
- Ps.33.16-17 (thematic): Affirms that human arms and armies do not save; trust in the LORD, not military strength, is decisive—theme shared with 1 Sam 17:47.
Alternative generated candidates
- And that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not by sword or spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.'
- And that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.'
1 S.17.48 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- קם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויקרב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לקראת: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימהר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המערכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לקראת: PREP
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam 17:49 (verbal): Immediate continuation: David runs toward Goliath and then hurls a stone, striking and incapacitating him—directly follows and completes the action of v.48.
- 1 Sam 17:50 (structural): Summary of outcome: David's running attack results in the Philistine's death and Israel's rout—parallels v.48 as the concluding report of the encounter.
- 1 Sam 14:14 (thematic): Jonathan (with one companion) attacks Philistine outposts with swift, bold action—similar motif of a small Israelite force rushing to meet a Philistine foe.
- Judges 7:20 (thematic): Gideon and his men run down the slope to rout the Midianites after surprising them—parallels the sudden, running assault by a smaller force against larger enemies.
- 1 Chron 20:5 (thematic): Account of an Israelite slaying a Philistine giant (Lahmi, brother of Gath's giant); echoes the larger theme of Israelite single combat against Philistine giants exemplified in David's charge.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.
- When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
1 S.17.49 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הכלי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משם: PREP
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויקלע: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- מצחו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3ms
- ותטבע: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- האבן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- במצחו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3ms
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:40 (verbal): Describes David taking five smooth stones and preparing his sling—directly sets up the stone-throwing recounted in v.49.
- 1 Samuel 17:50 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: after the stone strikes Goliath, David finishes him and the Philistines flee—shows outcome of the blow in v.49.
- 2 Samuel 21:19 (allusion): Reports a tradition in which Elhanan kills a Philistine giant (textual variation related to the Goliath tradition), relevant for comparing ancient accounts of the giant's death.
- 1 Chronicles 20:5 (allusion): Parallel account of a giant's slaying (names differ—Lahmi, brother of Goliath) that reflects variant traditions about Davidic-era giant-killings tied to the Goliath narrative.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 (thematic): Paul's theme that God chooses the weak to shame the strong parallels David's victory: a young shepherd with a sling defeats a mighty warrior, illustrating God's use of the lowly.
Alternative generated candidates
- David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.
- And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.
1 S.17.50 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בקלע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובאבן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וימיתהו: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg,clit:3,m,sg
- וחרב: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:49 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel describing David's sling and stone that struck Goliath—same action and result as v.50.
- 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (thematic): David's proclamation that the Lord will deliver Goliath into his hand provides the theological motive for the victory recorded in v.50.
- 2 Samuel 21:19 (structural): A parallel account of a giant's death that presents a textual variant (Elhanan credited with killing Goliath in some traditions), relevant for comparing traditions about who killed the Philistine champion.
- 1 Chronicles 20:5 (structural): Chronicles preserves a related tradition that Elhanan killed Lahmi, brother of Goliath, resolving the apparent discrepancy with 2 Samuel and illuminating the transmission of the Goliath tradition.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 (thematic): New Testament theological parallel: God often uses the weak and unexpected means (the 'foolish' and 'weak') to defeat the strong—echoing David's victory with a sling rather than sword.
Alternative generated candidates
- So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone; and he struck the Philistine and killed him, though David had no sword in his hand.
- So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone and struck the Philistine and killed him; there was no sword in David's hand.
1 S.17.51 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הפלשתי: NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- חרבו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- וישלפה: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg,obj:3,f,sg
- מתערה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+prep:m
- וימתתהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,sg
- ויכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הפלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- כי: CONJ
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
- גבורם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:50 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same episode: v.50 narrates David's killing of Goliath with the stone; v.51 continues with David taking the Philistine's sword, beheading him, and prompting the Philistine rout.
- Judges 4:21–22 (thematic): Jael's killing of the Canaanite commander Sisera and the subsequent rout of his forces parallels the motif of a leader's death precipitating the enemy's flight.
- 2 Samuel 1:6–10 (thematic): The Amalekite's report of Saul's death (claiming to have killed him and taken/removed his head) echoes the beheading motif and the significance attached to a defeated leader's corpse.
- 1 Chronicles 20:5 (allusion): The chronicler's account of Elhanan striking down the brother of Goliath (cf. the Goliath tradition) echoes the theme of Israelite warriors killing Philistine champions and the verbal tradition surrounding giant-slaying.
- 1 Samuel 31:8–10 (thematic): The Philistines' treatment of Saul's corpse (mutilation and public display) provides a thematic counterpoint: enemy leaders' deaths determine the victor's response and the dishonouring or display of defeated foes.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him; and he cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
- Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it; and when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead they fled.
1 S.17.52 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקמו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהודה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וירדפו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הפלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עד: PREP
- בואך: PREP,when+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
- גיא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- שערי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- עקרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חללי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שערים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- גת: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- עקרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 10:10-11 (structural): Narrative pattern of a decisive victory followed by a chaotic rout and a pursuit of the fleeing enemy along roads to named towns (pursuit to Beth-horon/Azekah echoes pursuit to Ekron/Gath).
- Judges 7:22, 25 (thematic): After divine intervention the enemy panics and is pursued/captured; similar motif of God-caused rout followed by Israelite pursuit and taking of enemy leaders/places.
- 2 Samuel 5:20-21 (verbal): David inquires of the LORD, wins a battle against the Philistines and pursues them, striking them and removing them from territory — parallels Davidic combat with Philistines and aftermath of pursuit.
- 1 Samuel 7:10-11 (allusion): Earlier Israelite victory over the Philistines at Samuel's time that ends in a pursuit and subjugation of Philistine forces; recalls same theme of deliverance and pursuit to Philistine locations (Ekron region).
Alternative generated candidates
- And the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as Gai and as far as the gates of Ekron; and the slain of the Philistines fell along the road to Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron.
- And the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley and to the gates of Ekron; and the slain fell along the road to the gate of Gath and to Ekron.
1 S.17.53 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדלק: PREP
- אחרי: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- וישסו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מחניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:52 (verbal): Immediate context: v.52 reports Israel and Judah rising and pursuing the Philistines; v.53 completes the action—entering and plundering the Philistine camp. Very close verbal/structural continuation.
- Judges 7:22-25 (thematic): Gideon's victory: Israel pursues the routed enemy and seizes the spoil (messengers sent to take the plunder). Parallels the motif of pursuit after divine deliverance and taking the enemy's camp/goods.
- 1 Samuel 14:20-23 (structural): Earlier episode in the same book where Jonathan/Saul's forces rout the Philistines and the Israelites press the pursuit. Similar narrative pattern of rout, pursuit, and exploitation of enemy defeat.
- 1 Samuel 30:16-20 (thematic): David pursues the Amalekite raiders, recovers the goods they carried off, and distributes the spoil. Echoes the themes of pursuit, recovery/plunder, and distribution following a victorious encounter.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Israelites returned from pursuing the Philistines and plundered their camp.
- And the Israelites returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camp.
1 S.17.54 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויבאהו: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,3,mp
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- שם: ADV
- באהלו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:50 (verbal): Immediate context of the same episode: David strikes and kills the Philistine (Goliath), leading directly to taking the head—verbal and narrative overlap.
- 1 Samuel 17:51 (verbal): Parallel verse in the same episode describing David's use of the enemy's sword and the taking of the Philistine's head—same actions and wording in different verse divisions.
- 1 Samuel 31:10 (thematic): The Philistines treat Saul's corpse as a trophy—stripping armor and displaying the head—provides a thematic contrast/parallel in the handling of a defeated foe's body and armor.
- 2 Samuel 4:8–12 (structural): Rechab and Baanah behead Ish‑bosheth and bring his head to David—structurally similar motif of presenting an enemy's head to a city/leader as proof and trophy.
- 2 Samuel 21:19 (allusion): Textual/allusive problem concerning who killed Goliath (Elhanan vs. David). This passage is often cited in discussions of the Goliath tradition and intertextual variants about the slayer and the head.
Alternative generated candidates
- David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.
- And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and put his armor in his tent.
1 S.17.55 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכראות: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לקראת: PREP
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אם: CONJ
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:58 (verbal): Direct parallel question: after the victory Saul repeats the same question to David — 'Whose son are you, young man?' — providing the immediate answer to Abner's claimed ignorance.
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (allusion): Earlier in the narrative Samuel anoints David as future king; this allusion highlights dramatic irony that Abner (and Saul) do not recognize David's significance.
- 1 Samuel 16:21–23 (thematic): David is already serving Saul as a musician/servant in the royal court; this passage thematically contrasts prior contact with Saul against Abner's professed lack of knowledge about David's identity.
- 1 Samuel 17:50 (structural): The immediate narrative cause: David's defeat of Goliath precipitates the question about his origin — verse 50 (the victory) and 55 (the inquiry) form a structural cause-and-effect pair in the episode.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, 'Whose son is this youth, Abner?' And Abner said, 'As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.'
- And when Saul saw David go out against the Philistine he said to Abner the commander of the army, 'Whose son is this youth, Abner?' And Abner said, 'As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.'
1 S.17.56 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שאל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- העלם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.57-58 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: the king asks whose son the youth is, and David is identified as Jesse’s son—direct narrative parallel and resolution of the question.
- 1 Sam.16.11 (thematic): When Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house he asks about the sons present (‘Are these all your sons?’) — similar concern with a young man’s identity and lineage in the Davidic context.
- Gen.37.31-33 (thematic): After Joseph’s coat is presented, Jacob is asked to identify whether it is his son’s coat (‘Know now whether it be thy son's coat or no’)—a question of parentage prompted by a dramatic event.
- John 9.20-21 (thematic): Neighbors and onlookers ask the healed man’s parents, ‘Is this your son?’ — parallels the communal astonishment and immediate questioning of a young man’s identity following an extraordinary act.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said, 'Inquire whose son the young man is.'
- And the king said, 'Inquire whose son the young man is.'
1 S.17.57 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכשוב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהכות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבאהו: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,3,mp
- לפני: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.54 (verbal): Same episode described from another angle: David (or the text) takes the Philistine's head — the wording about the head and the armor closely parallels v.57's mention of the Philistine's head.
- 1 Sam.17.58 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: David is brought before Saul. v.58 and v.57 are alternate / overlapping reports of the same movement of David to Saul's presence.
- 2 Sam.4:8-12 (thematic): Rechab and Baanah cut off Ish-bosheth's head and bring it to David as proof of the deed. Parallel motif of severed head brought to a ruler and presented as trophy or evidence.
- Matt.14:8-11 (allusion): John the Baptist is beheaded and his head is presented (on a platter) — a later literary and cultural echo of the motif of severed heads displayed or delivered as proof/reward.
Alternative generated candidates
- When David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
- When David had returned from striking the Philistine Abner took him and brought him before Saul, and the head of the Philistine was in David's hand.
1 S.17.58 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלחמי: ADJ,ms,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.16:11-13 (verbal): David is previously introduced as the son of Jesse of Bethlehem and is anointed by Samuel—same identification and background as in 17:58.
- 1 Sam.17:12 (structural): Earlier in the same chapter the narrator identifies David explicitly as the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem, reinforcing the information David gives Saul in v.58.
- 1 Sam.17:57 (structural): The lines immediately preceding v.58 record Saul asking who the young man was and David being brought before Saul—v.58 supplies David’s reply, forming a direct pair with v.57.
- Micah 5:2 (allusion): Bethlehem is named as the place from which a future ruler of Israel will come—connects David’s identification as ‘of Bethlehem’ to the motif of Bethlehem as the origin of Israel’s leader.
- Ps.78:70-72 (thematic): Psalm recounts God choosing David, the son of Jesse, as shepherd of Israel—echoes the portrayal of David’s origins and his role introduced by his identification as Jesse’s son from Bethlehem.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul said to him, 'Whose son are you, young man?' And David said, 'I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.'
- And Saul said to him, 'Whose son are you, young man?' And David said, 'I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.'
Now the Philistines assembled their forces for war; they assembled at Shochoh, which belongs to Judah, and they camped between Shochoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.
Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the valley of Elah and drew up in battle array opposite the Philistines.
The Philistines stood on one mountain and Israel stood on the other, with the valley between them. And a man of the Philistines came out from their ranks; his name was Goliath of Gath. He was six cubits and a span tall.
He wore a bronze helmet on his head and a coat of scale armor; the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze.
He had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders.
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed six hundred shekels; his shield-bearer marched before him. And he stood and cried to the ranks of Israel, 'Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.'
'If he is able to fight with me and strike me down, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him and strike him down, then you shall be our servants and serve us.'
The Philistine said, 'I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.'
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse; he had eight sons, and the man in the days of Saul was old and advanced in years.
The three eldest of Jesse's sons went and followed Saul to the battle—now the names of his three who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, next Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul,
but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father's sheep at Bethlehem.
For the Philistine would come forward morning and evening and present himself forty days.
Jesse said to David his son, 'Take now for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to your brothers. And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of the thousand, and look after your brothers; bring back their pledge.' Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
David rose early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, took the provisions, and went as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the encampment as the army was going out to the battle and shouting. And Israel and the Philistines drew up in battle array, army against army.
David left the things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the ranks, and went and greeted his brothers.
As he talked with them, behold, the champion—the Philistine, Goliath of Gath—came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words; and David heard them.
When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were much afraid. And the men of Israel said, 'Have you seen this man who comes up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will give great riches to the man who strikes him down; he will give him his daughter and will make his father's house free in Israel.'
Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, 'What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?' And the people answered him in the same way, 'So shall it be done to the man who kills him.' Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger burned against David, and he said, 'Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.' And David said, 'What have I now done? Is there not a matter?' So he turned from him toward another and spoke in the same way; and the people gave him the same answer again. And when the words were reported to Saul, he sent for him.
David said to Saul, 'Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.'
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.' But David said to Saul, 'Your servant used to keep his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock,
I went after it and struck it and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it rose against me, I seized it by its beard and struck and killed it.
Your servant has struck both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.' And David said, 'The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.' And Saul said to David, 'Go, and the LORD be with you.'
Then Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of scale armor.
David strapped his sword over the armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, 'I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.' So David removed them.
Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in his shepherd's pouch, in the bag; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near to David, while the man who bore the shield went before him.
When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance.
The Philistine said to David, 'Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?' And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, 'Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the heavens and to the beasts of the field.' But David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the camp of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hand.'
When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck him and killed him, though he had no sword in his hand.
Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it from its sheath and killed him and cut off his head; when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and Judah arose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as the gates of Ekron; the slain of the Philistines fell along the road to Shaaraim, even to Gath and to Ekron. And the Israelites returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camp.
David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put the Philistine's armor in his tent.
When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, 'Whose son is this youth, Abner?' Abner said, 'As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.'
The king said, 'Inquire whose son the stripling is.'
When David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the Philistine's head in his hand. And Saul said to him, 'Whose son are you, young man?' And David said, 'I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.'