1 Samuel 16 18

1 Samuel 16:18 kjv

Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.

1 Samuel 16:18 nkjv

Then one of the servants answered and said, "Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the LORD is with him."

1 Samuel 16:18 niv

One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him."

1 Samuel 16:18 esv

One of the young men answered, "Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him."

1 Samuel 16:18 nlt

One of the servants said to Saul, "One of Jesse's sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. Not only that ? he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the LORD is with him."

1 Samuel 16 verses

1 Samuel 16 18 Meaning

1 Samuel 16:18 presents the immediate and profound attributes of David as recounted by one of Saul's servants, portraying him as exceptionally skilled, courageous, intelligent, and physically appealing. Most significantly, it emphasizes that the Lord's presence and favor are unequivocally with him. This description is given in response to King Saul's need for someone to soothe his tormented spirit through music, providentially introducing the one chosen by God to succeed him.

1 Samuel 16 18 Context

This verse is nestled in 1 Samuel chapter 16, a pivotal point in Israel's history. God has rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience (1 Sam 15:23). Samuel has secretly anointed David as the new king (1 Sam 16:13), indicating God's chosen one is not judged by outward appearance as Saul was, but by the heart (1 Sam 16:7). Following this, a tormenting spirit from the Lord afflicts Saul, leading his servants to seek a musician to soothe him. The context highlights the shift of God's Spirit from Saul to David (1 Sam 16:14), rendering Saul's kingdom increasingly unstable and positioning David for future leadership, though still as a humble shepherd boy. Historically, it reflects the social structure where skill, appearance, and military potential were valued in the court, alongside a belief in divine favor. The servant's detailed account underscores how widely known and exceptional David already was, even before his official public debut.

1 Samuel 16 18 Word analysis

• Then one: Implies a spontaneous, observed testimony from a seemingly anonymous individual, rather than a planned recommendation, suggesting David's reputation was generally known.
• of the servants answered: Indicates a person familiar with court dynamics and possessing observation skills; likely one of Saul's attendants, positioned to assess suitable candidates.
• and said, "Behold: (Hebrew: hinneh, הִנֵּה) An attention-grabbing exclamation, similar to "Look!" or "Indeed!" It draws focus to the remarkable nature of the information to follow, emphasizing the confidence and certainty of the servant's testimony.
• I have seen: Personal declaration based on direct observation or firsthand experience, lending credibility and immediacy to the description of David.
• a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite: Precisely identifies David's family and place of origin. Jesse was a man of some standing in Bethlehem, linking David to an established community, which was prophetically significant for the future Messiah (Micah 5:2).
• who is skillful in playing: (Hebrew: yodea' nagen, יוֹדֵ֙עַ נֶ֙גֶן֙) Literally, "knowing to play." Refers to proficiency in instrumental music, specifically the lyre or harp (κιθάρᾳ). This was David's initial entry point into Saul's court, serving as a divinely appointed catalyst for his rise. Music was valued for its therapeutic and expressive power in ancient cultures.
• a mighty man of valor: (Hebrew: gibbor chayil, גִּבּוֹר חַ֧יִל) Gibbor means "strong," "hero," or "warrior"; chayil denotes strength, capacity, and effectiveness, especially in warfare. This composite term highlights David's inherent courage and martial ability, remarkable for his youth, foreshadowing his military leadership against Philistines and others (e.g., Goliath).
• a man of war: (Hebrew: 'ish milchamah, אִ֣ישׁ מִלְחָמָה) Indicates not just bravery, but someone accustomed to conflict or ready for battle. This attribute hints at his preparedness, though a shepherd, for military engagement. It reflects a deeper martial inclination or aptitude beyond mere physical strength.
• prudent in speech: (Hebrew: navon davar, נָב֤וֹן דָּבָר֙) Literally, "wise in word" or "discreet in matter." This denotes intelligence, sound judgment, eloquence, and discernment. It suggests David possessed not only combat prowess but also strategic thinking and leadership qualities in communication and counsel, essential for governance and command.
• and a handsome person: (Hebrew: 'ish to'ar, אִ֣ישׁ תֹּ֔אַר) Lit. "a man of form/appearance." Refers to his physical attractiveness and good looks. While God had rejected Saul for valuing outward appearance (1 Sam 16:7), David also possessed this quality, which was often desirable for ancient leaders and resonated with the people. It's a testament to his completeness of character.
• and the LORD is with him": (Hebrew: YHWH immo, וַיהוָ֣ה עִמּוֹ֙) This is the most crucial attribute. It signifies divine presence, favor, blessing, and enablement. This spiritual backing distinguished David from Saul, whom God's Spirit had departed from (1 Sam 16:14), making David truly exceptional and affirming his divine calling. This phrase becomes a recurring motif describing David's success (1 Sam 18:12, 14, 28).

Words-group analysis:

• "a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite": This establishes David's earthly lineage and geographic origin, which becomes significant later for messianic prophecy as Bethlehem is foretold as the birthplace of the Messiah. It grounds his extraordinary attributes in a known family.
• "skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person": This collection of diverse virtues—artistic, martial, intellectual, and physical—paints a portrait of a uniquely gifted individual. It demonstrates David's all-around excellence, highlighting God's providential preparation of His chosen leader with a multifaceted set of skills suitable for a future king and shepherd of His people. These are not merely human traits but divinely endowed talents that collectively underscore David's extraordinary potential.
• "and the LORD is with him": This concluding phrase transcends all other physical or skill-based attributes. It signifies God's divine favor, blessing, guidance, and active presence in David's life, which is the ultimate source of his distinction, success, and ability to fulfill God's purpose. It immediately signals that David's remarkable qualities are not coincidental but indicative of divine anointing, a direct contrast to Saul's spiritual abandonment.

1 Samuel 16 18 Bonus section

• The servant's detailed and effusive description of David is noteworthy because David was still quite young and not yet widely known in the court. This could suggest divine orchestration, prompting the servant to articulate such a full and compelling profile, potentially beyond his immediate direct observation of the boy shepherd.
• The progression of the attributes, from musical skill (addressing Saul's immediate need) to military prowess, intellectual capacity, and physical appearance, culminates with the most significant: divine favor. This narrative progression elevates David beyond a mere performer or warrior to someone special in God's eyes.
• The contrast between Saul (chosen for his physical stature, but lacking obedience and losing God's Spirit) and David (chosen for his heart and the indwelling of God's Spirit, yet also possessing admirable external qualities) is powerfully reinforced in this description. God, who previously rejected outward appearance as the primary criterion, providentially prepares David with both internal and external merits, showcasing His sovereign design.
• This verse provides an early, accurate foreshadowing of David's entire future career as king, military commander, wise leader, psalmist, and "a man after God's own heart" (1 Sam 13:14), upon whom God's presence rested consistently.

1 Samuel 16 18 Commentary

1 Samuel 16:18 functions as a divine introduction, a resume crafted not by David himself, but by a discerning servant in Saul's court, guided by God's providence. This comprehensive list of attributes reveals the kind of leader God chooses: one with a diverse array of talents and a spiritual core marked by God's presence. David is presented as musically adept, a valiant warrior, intelligent in counsel, and physically attractive – a holistic leader prepared for multi-faceted kingship. Crucially, the final phrase, "the LORD is with him," underpins all other qualities, transforming a mere catalog of human virtues into a testimony of divine appointment. It highlights that true leadership, from God's perspective, is not merely about human skill or appearance, but fundamentally about God's empowering presence. This description provides Saul, ironically, with the one who will replace him, showing God's orchestrating hand in Israel's history. It teaches us that God equips His chosen instruments thoroughly, often with seemingly disparate gifts, all culminating in His ultimate purpose.