1 Samuel 26 17

1 Samuel 26:17 kjv

And Saul knew David's voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.

1 Samuel 26:17 nkjv

Then Saul knew David's voice, and said, "Is that your voice, my son David?" David said, "It is my voice, my lord, O king."

1 Samuel 26:17 niv

Saul recognized David's voice and said, "Is that your voice, David my son?" David replied, "Yes it is, my lord the king."

1 Samuel 26:17 esv

Saul recognized David's voice and said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" And David said, "It is my voice, my lord, O king."

1 Samuel 26:17 nlt

Saul recognized David's voice and called out, "Is that you, my son David?" And David replied, "Yes, my lord the king.

1 Samuel 26 verses

1 Samuel 26 17 Meaning

1 Samuel 26:17 captures a pivotal moment where King Saul, despite his relentless pursuit and deep animosity, recognizes the distinct voice of David, asking with surprise and a touch of familiar address, "Is this your voice, my son David?" David, in turn, humbly yet firmly affirms his identity, addressing Saul respectfully as "my lord, O king." This exchange underscores Saul's momentary clarity and David's consistent honor and submissive stance towards God's anointed leader, even when unjustly persecuted.

1 Samuel 26 17 Context

1 Samuel chapter 26 recounts David's second opportunity to kill King Saul, who relentlessly sought his life out of paranoid jealousy. Saul, accompanied by Abner and his army, camps for the night, pursuing David. David and Abishai secretly infiltrate Saul's encampment, finding Saul asleep with his spear stuck in the ground near his head, and his water jug beside him. Abishai offers to strike Saul dead, but David vehemently refuses, reiterating his principle from 1 Samuel chapter 24 not to harm "the LORD's anointed." Instead, David takes Saul's spear and water jug as proof of his proximity and spared life, leaving the judgment of Saul to God. David then retreats to a nearby hill and shouts across the valley to Abner and Saul's men, rebuking Abner for failing to protect the king. It is at this point that Saul's ear picks up a familiar sound, leading to the exchange in verse 17. This event further highlights David's integrity, patience, and profound reverence for the divine appointment of kingship, in stark contrast to Saul's ongoing sinful obsession.

1 Samuel 26 17 Word analysis

• And Saul knew David's voice,

  • And Saul knew: Hebrew: וַיַּכֵּר שָׁאוּל (va-yakker Shaul). The verb "knew" (נָכַר - nākar) is in the Hifil conjugation, signifying causative or intensive action. It implies a distinct recognition, a discernment, not just hearing. This moment marks a sudden, shocking clarity for Saul amidst his obsessive pursuit.
  • David's voice: Hebrew: קוֹל דָּוִד (qol Dawid). The "voice" (קוֹל - qol) here is more than just sound; it carries the weight of David's actions just demonstrated—his integrity, his honor, and his restraint. Saul's recognition is a realization of how utterly exposed he was, and how David had once again chosen mercy over vengeance.

• and said, Is this thy voice, my son David?

  • Is this thy voice: The question reveals Saul's astonishment. It echoes a previous similar exchange in 1 Sam 24:16, indicating a recurring pattern of momentary repentance and recognition from Saul, followed by a lapse into his destructive jealousy.
  • my son David: Hebrew: בְּנִי דָוִד (beni Dawid). This form of address is poignant. It recalls a past intimacy and Saul's initial favor toward David, but now stands in stark contrast to his present murderous intent. It hints at a deeply conflicted emotion, a flash of parental affection, or perhaps a manipulative attempt to regain control.

• And David answered, It is my voice, my lord, O king.

  • And David answered: David immediately confirms his identity without hesitation or fear, signifying his confidence in his own righteous actions.
  • It is my voice: A simple, direct affirmation of truth. David doesn't evade.
  • my lord, O king: Hebrew: אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ (adoni ha-melekh). This is David's response, consistently maintaining the highest level of respect and deference. Even though Saul is actively trying to kill him, David honors the office and God's anointing upon Saul. This demonstrates David's steadfast humility and his trust that God, not he, will handle the ultimate resolution of the kingship.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • Saul knew David's voice / Is this thy voice, my son David?: This pair emphasizes Saul's temporary recognition. His question is loaded with surprise, perhaps regret, and a stark awareness of David's moral superiority and proximity. It highlights the deeply complex and tragic relationship between the two. Saul cannot deny the evidence of his own ears, nor the implication of David's virtuous act.
  • It is my voice, my lord, O king: David's concise and respectful reply. He acknowledges his identity and reaffirms Saul's position of authority, despite the king's unrighteous persecution. This response solidifies David's consistent character of honoring God's chosen, setting him apart as a king "after God's own heart." It avoids any hint of insubordination or self-aggrandizement.

1 Samuel 26 17 Bonus section

The scene's irony is palpable: the hunter (Saul) is utterly at the mercy of the hunted (David), yet it is the hunted who demonstrates moral superiority and restraint. David's repeated refusal to lay a hand on "the LORD's anointed" serves as a powerful theological statement about God's sovereignty over kingship and the divine institution of authority. It teaches believers not to take matters of divine judgment into their own hands but to trust God to act in His perfect timing and method. This principle found its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who, when reviled, did not revile in return, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Pet 2:23).

1 Samuel 26 17 Commentary

1 Samuel 26:17 presents a profound and complex interchange, a moment of fleeting clarity for King Saul, dramatically juxtaposed with David's unwavering integrity and respectful humility. Saul's sudden recognition of David's voice after being so near to death without realizing it underscores his vulnerability and David's remarkable self-restraint. Saul's question, "Is this thy voice, my son David?" reveals a momentary breakthrough in his obsessive paranoia, momentarily acknowledging David's true character and their prior, paternal-filial bond. Yet, this recognition from Saul is, tragically, short-lived, much like his similar outburst of remorse in chapter 24. David's response, "It is my voice, my lord, O king," is exemplary. He directly confirms his identity, avoiding deceit, and consistently demonstrates honor towards God's anointed, even when persecuted by him. This entire interaction vividly portrays the character of God's chosen king—one who defers vengeance to the Lord, maintains humility even in righteousness, and respects divine authority despite human failings. This is a foundational display of leadership marked by godly character rather than mere power.