1 Samuel 17 29

1 Samuel 17:29 kjv

And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

1 Samuel 17:29 nkjv

And David said, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?"

1 Samuel 17:29 niv

"Now what have I done?" said David. "Can't I even speak?"

1 Samuel 17:29 esv

And David said, "What have I done now? Was it not but a word?"

1 Samuel 17:29 nlt

"What have I done now?" David replied. "I was only asking a question!"

1 Samuel 17 verses

1 Samuel 17 29 Meaning

David's declaration in 1 Samuel 17:29 serves as a concise yet profound response to his elder brother Eliab's unjust rebuke. When Eliab accuses him of pride and mischievousness for merely inquiring about the Goliath challenge, David defends his actions. He asks, "What have I done now?" implying he has committed no offense worthy of such condemnation. More significantly, he presses with the question, "Is there not a cause?" (or "Is there not a legitimate reason?"), asserting that his curiosity and concern are not idle but stem from a serious, righteous, and perhaps divinely-appointed matter at hand, specifically the challenge to God's honor by Goliath.

1 Samuel 17 29 Context

1 Samuel 17 sets the stage for David's iconic encounter with Goliath. The Philistine army and their champion, Goliath, are defying the armies of Israel and blaspheming the God of Israel (1 Sam 17:1-10). Saul and all Israel are "dismayed and greatly afraid" (1 Sam 17:11, 24). David, having been secretly anointed king (1 Sam 16), is sent by his father Jesse to deliver food to his brothers and their commander in the Israelite camp (1 Sam 17:17-19).

Upon arriving, David hears Goliath's daily taunts and the general fear gripping the Israelite soldiers (1 Sam 17:23-24). He learns of the king's reward for anyone who defeats Goliath (1 Sam 17:25). David's repeated inquiries about this challenge and the reward demonstrate his deep concern for the honor of God and the well-being of Israel, as well as a burgeoning sense of righteous indignation (1 Sam 17:26).

This inquisitive nature triggers a sharp rebuke from his oldest brother, Eliab, who misinterprets David's earnest concern as pride and mischief (1 Sam 17:28). Eliab's anger may stem from jealousy, perhaps remembering Samuel's initial consideration of him for kingship, or resentment that his younger brother would dare to question the established fear. David's response in 1 Samuel 17:29 directly challenges this unwarranted condemnation, highlighting the legitimate spiritual and national crisis at hand. This verse is pivotal as it establishes David's character as one driven by conviction and divine purpose, rather than self-glorification, amidst human misunderstanding and opposition.

1 Samuel 17 29 Word analysis

• And David said: Simple narrative connector, showing David's immediate response.
• "What have I done now?":
  • Hebrew: מַה פֶּשַׁעְתִּי עָתָּה (Mah pashati attah?)
  • "What have I done": Pasha (פשׁע) implies a transgression, rebellion, or serious wrongdoing. David is challenging the severity of Eliab's accusation, questioning what great "sin" or "rebellion" he could possibly have committed by asking. It conveys a sense of bewilderment at the disproportionate anger.
  • "now": Attah (עתה) denotes immediate present. David is questioning his action at this very moment that warrants such an intense reaction.
  • This phrase reveals David's calm yet direct approach, not retaliating in anger but logically addressing the accusation.
• "Is there not a cause?":
  • Hebrew: הֲלֹא דָּבָר הֽוּא (Hǎlōw' dāvār hû').
  • "Is there not": Hǎlōw' (הֲלוֹא) is a rhetorical question expecting an affirmative answer, "Certainly there is..." or "Isn't it obvious?"
  • "a cause": Dāvār (דּבר) is a highly significant and rich Hebrew term.
    • Literally, it means "word," "thing," "matter," "affair," "reason," or "event."
    • In this context, it signifies a weighty, legitimate, and pressing matter or reason. It points to the grave nature of Goliath's challenge—the insult to Israel's God and the demoralization of His people—which transcends mere curiosity.
    • The use of dāvār can also subtly evoke its theological sense, referring to "God's word" or "God's divine utterance/command/purpose." David's question suggests he perceives this "matter" as being infused with divine importance, a call to action from God.
  • "it/that" (hû'): This pronoun emphasizes the singularity and undeniable nature of the "cause" David perceives.
  • This phrase highlights David's spiritual discernment and conviction. He sees beyond the fear of men and recognizes a divine affront and a need for action that others have missed. He's not just curious; he's assessing a situation with God's honor in mind.

1 Samuel 17 29 Bonus section

• David's willingness to speak up, despite being the youngest and in a seemingly insignificant role, underscores a crucial principle: God's servants should not be silent when His name or His people are dishonored. Their responsibility to speak for truth and righteousness supersedes social hierarchy or family disapproval.
• The opposition David faced from his brother Eliab foreshadows later instances in his life and ministry, including Saul's envy, his own sons' rebellion, and the ongoing challenges of leadership. It highlights that criticism often comes from within, even from those closest, but it should not deter one from a divinely appointed path.
• David's ability to maintain composure and respond without anger or defensiveness when falsely accused is a testament to his spiritual maturity and trust in God's ultimate vindication. He doesn't engage in a verbal fight with Eliab but pivots back to the divine "cause," keeping his focus on what truly matters to God.

1 Samuel 17 29 Commentary

1 Samuel 17:29 stands as a pivotal verse showcasing David's emerging character, defined by his profound faith and alignment with God's perspective. Eliab's accusatory outburst ("I know your pride and the naughtiness of your heart!") stems from human jealousy and perhaps a sense of his own inadequacy, seeing David's inquiry as an unwelcome intrusion or a sign of an unbefitting ambition for a mere shepherd boy. Eliab projects his own insecurities and perhaps remembers Samuel bypassing him for David (1 Sam 16:6-13).

In contrast, David's response is measured, calm, and firmly rooted in conviction. His question, "What have I done now?" highlights the baselessness of Eliab's charge. David's follow-up, "Is there not a cause?", reveals the crux of his motivation: it is not personal glory, but a compelling, undeniable matter. The davar (cause, matter) David refers to is multifaceted: it is Goliath's daily blasphemy against the Living God, the shaming of God's chosen people, and the collective paralysis of the Israelite army. David perceives this crisis as a direct challenge to God Himself, a matter so serious that it demands an answer.

This brief dialogue underscores the stark difference between human sight and divine insight. Eliab sees an impudent youth; David sees a battlefield where God's honor is at stake. David's "cause" is deeply spiritual and reflects his prior anointing (1 Sam 16:13), where God's Spirit came powerfully upon him, granting him the discernment and courage necessary to respond to God's concerns. His actions, spurred by this "cause," demonstrate a vital truth: God often works through those whom human wisdom dismisses, moving them to act on divine impulses, even when facing opposition from unexpected quarters, including family. This verse sets the stage for David to be God's instrument for deliverance, showcasing faith responding to a righteous calling regardless of criticism.