1 Samuel 17 42

1 Samuel 17:42 kjv

And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

1 Samuel 17:42 nkjv

And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking.

1 Samuel 17:42 niv

He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him.

1 Samuel 17:42 esv

And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance.

1 Samuel 17:42 nlt

sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy.

1 Samuel 17 verses

1 Samuel 17 42 Meaning

1 Samuel 17:42 describes the moment Goliath, the Philistine champion, assessed David. Upon seeing David, Goliath felt immediate contempt and disdain. His judgment was based entirely on David's youthful appearance, lack of battle experience, healthy and perhaps youthful complexion ("ruddy"), and overall handsome features, which were not indicative of a formidable warrior in ancient eyes. This verse powerfully sets the stage for the dramatic and divinely orchestrated reversal of expectations.

1 Samuel 17 42 Context

1 Samuel 17:42 is pivotal in the narrative of David and Goliath, marking Goliath’s miscalculation and the climax of his overconfidence. For forty days, Goliath, a giant warrior of Gath and champion of the Philistines, had openly mocked the Israelite army, challenging anyone to single combat. Saul and his entire army were terrified, unwilling to answer the challenge. David, a young shepherd boy, unexpectedly arrived at the battle lines to bring supplies to his brothers. Hearing Goliath's defiant boasts, and angered by the Philistine's contempt for the armies of the living God, David volunteered to fight. Saul reluctantly agreed, but David rejected Saul's armor, choosing instead his simple shepherd's staff, sling, and five smooth stones. Goliath, clad in heavy armor, likely expected to face a seasoned warrior equally equipped. Culturally, military prowess was often judged by physical size, strength, and battle experience. Goliath embodied these ideals, while David, as described, presented a striking antithesis. This encounter was more than a mere duel; it was a confrontation between two distinct worldviews: one trusting in human might and idolatrous symbols (Goliath, representing the Philistine gods and strength), the other trusting in the sovereign power of the invisible God of Israel (David). Goliath's disdain directly challenges the efficacy of YHWH, setting up a polemic against reliance on perceived human strength and highlighting God's power to deliver through the most unexpected means.

1 Samuel 17 42 Word analysis

• And when the Philistine: Refers to Goliath, a massive warrior from Gath (1 Sam 17:4), representing the pinnacle of physical strength and military might from a human perspective. He is the champion and symbol of Philistine dominance.
• looked about: Hebrew: wayyabbat (from nabat), meaning "he gazed attentively" or "he looked intently." It suggests a deliberate visual inspection rather than a casual glance, emphasizing his initial assessment.
• and saw David: Implies a recognition of David’s distinct appearance among others or perhaps as the one finally stepping forward to accept the challenge.
• he disdained him: Hebrew: wayyibzehu (from bāzāh). This verb means "to despise," "to scorn," "to hold in contempt," or "to think lightly of." It signifies a profound lack of respect and a belief in David’s utter insignificance and inferiority as an opponent. This emotional response is critical to understanding Goliath’s mindset.
• for he was but a youth: Hebrew: ki naʿar hu. The term naʿar refers to a young boy or a young man, often someone still considered a servant or without full adult status in military terms. It implies inexperience and physical immaturity, which for Goliath meant an easy victory and an insult to his professional standing. This highlights the stark contrast between perceived military standards and God's chosen instrument.
• ruddy: Hebrew: admoni. This adjective describes a reddish or fair complexion. In ancient cultures, particularly among those who labored outdoors, a ruddy complexion could indicate a healthy, possibly well-nourished, and vibrant young person. It is often associated with youthful beauty (compare 1 Sam 16:12 regarding David’s appearance when chosen). For a battle-hardened warrior like Goliath, David’s ruddy appearance might have indicated he hadn't spent much time under a battle-worn sun, emphasizing his youth and lack of warrior’s tan.
• and of a comely countenance: Hebrew: yᵉpeh marʾeh (beautiful/pleasant of appearance). This phrase emphasizes David's good looks, describing him as handsome or physically appealing. Together with "ruddy," it paints a picture of a pastoral, almost delicate appearance, utterly unlike the fierce, hardened warrior Goliath expected or respected.

Words-group analysis:

• "looked about and saw David, he disdained him": This sequence illustrates Goliath's progression from observation to immediate judgment. His physical evaluation led directly to a visceral contempt. It is a moment of professional appraisal, though flawed by human metrics.
• "for he was but a youth, ruddy, and of a comely countenance": This threefold description is Goliath's complete assessment of David, presenting the specific reasons for his disdain. Each element ("youth," "ruddy," "comely countenance") underlines David's perceived unsuitability for combat against a seasoned giant. These characteristics, usually positive (youth, good looks), become liabilities in Goliath's eyes, ironically positioning David as the antithesis of a fearsome warrior and setting him up as God's unexpected champion.

1 Samuel 17 42 Bonus section

• Goliath's disdain was not merely personal but was implicitly aimed at the God whom David represented. To humiliate David was to humiliate Israel and their God, much like the Philistines capturing the Ark previously (1 Sam 5).
• The contrast between Goliath's full, heavy armor and David's unadorned simplicity (only his sling) amplifies Goliath's misjudgment of appearance versus actual threat.
• David's physical characteristics ("ruddy," "comely countenance") echo his prior description in 1 Samuel 16:12 when chosen by God, linking divine selection to an unlikely warrior whose very appearance would underscore God's power.
• Scholarly discussions suggest that Goliath’s pride and disdain blinded him to any actual strategic disadvantage David’s agility or unique weapon might present. Goliath, used to frontal, heavy combat, was ill-prepared for David’s unorthodox approach.
• This verse illustrates a recurring biblical motif: God's use of the underdog, the underestimated, and the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes, thereby ensuring that all glory redounds to Him, not to human strength or wisdom.

1 Samuel 17 42 Commentary

1 Samuel 17:42 underscores a profound biblical truth: God's perspective and methods differ fundamentally from human expectations. Goliath, representing the epitome of human strength and reliance on external appearance and might, completely misjudged David. His disdain stemmed from a worldview that valued physical prowess, seasoned experience, and intimidating stature, which David manifestly lacked from a worldly vantage point. David's "youth," "ruddy" complexion, and "comely countenance" painted him as an effeminate, inexperienced lad, an insult to a champion like Goliath. This scorn, however, becomes the catalyst for God's dramatic demonstration of power, showing that He chooses the weak and unlikely to confound the strong and self-assured. It is a divine polemic against the pride of human strength and the limited scope of human judgment, asserting God’s sovereignty over outward appearances and worldly estimations of worth. The very attributes that brought David Goliath's scorn would, ironically, highlight God's glory in the ensuing victory.