Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. New Living Translation sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. English Standard Version And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. Berean Standard Bible When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome. Berean Literal Bible And the Philistine looked about and saw David and despised him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a fair appearance. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. New American Standard Bible When the Philistine looked and saw David, he was contemptuous of him; for he was only a youth, and reddish, with a handsome appearance. NASB 1995 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. NASB 1977 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. Legacy Standard Bible And the Philistine looked and saw David. And he despised him; for he was but a youth and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. Amplified Bible When the Philistine looked around and saw David, he derided and disparaged him because he was [just] a young man, with a ruddy complexion, and a handsome appearance. Berean Annotated Bible When the Philistine (immigrants) looked and saw David (beloved), he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome. Christian Standard Bible When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a youth, healthy and handsome. Holman Christian Standard Bible When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a youth, healthy and handsome. American Standard Version And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance. Contemporary English Version When Goliath saw that David was just a healthy, good-looking boy, he made fun of him. English Revised Version And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance. GOD'S WORD® Translation When the Philistine got a good look at David, he despised him. After all, David was a young man with a healthy complexion and good looks. Good News Translation and when he got a good look at David, he was filled with scorn for him because he was just a nice, good-looking boy. International Standard Version When the Philistine looked and saw David, he had contempt for him, because he was only a young man. David had a dark, healthy complexion and was handsome. NET Bible When the Philistine looked carefully at David, he despised him, for he was only a ruddy and handsome boy. New Heart English Bible When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him, for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance. Webster's Bible Translation And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome. World English Bible When the Philistine looked around and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and had a good looking face. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the Philistine looks attentively, and sees David, and despises him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. Berean Literal Bible And the Philistine looked about and saw David and despised him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a fair appearance. Young's Literal Translation and the Philistine looketh attentively, and seeth David, and despiseth him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a fair appearance. Smith's Literal Translation And he of the rovers will look and will see David, and he will despise him, for he was a boy, and red, with a fair aspect. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the Philistine looked, and beheld David, he despised him. For he was a young man, ruddy, and of a comely countenance. Catholic Public Domain Version And when the Philistine had seen and considered David, he despised him. For he was a youth, ruddy and of handsome appearance. New American Bible When he sized David up and saw that he was youthful, ruddy, and handsome in appearance, he began to deride him. New Revised Standard Version When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Philistine looked out and he saw David and had contempt for him, because he was a ruddy boy and handsome in his appearance OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Goliath saw David, and despised him; for he was a lad, and ruddy, with a fair countenance. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Slays Goliath…41Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him. 42When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome. 43“Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.… Cross References When the Philistine looked and saw David, 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” 2 Corinthians 10:7 You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does. Daniel 1:4 young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans. he despised him Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Psalm 22:6-7 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. / All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: 2 Samuel 6:16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. because he was just a boy, 1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” Jeremiah 1:6 “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ruddy and handsome. 1 Samuel 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” Songs 5:10 My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. Genesis 39:6 So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 2 Samuel 6:20-22 When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.” / But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, / and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.” Isaiah 53:2-3 He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. / He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. Treasury of Scripture 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. disdained 1 Kings 20:18 And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive. 2 Kings 18:23,24 Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them… Nehemiah 4:2-4 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? … a youth 1 Samuel 17:33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Jump to Previous Appearance Attentively Beautiful Besides Boy Countenance David Despised Despiseth Disdained Handsome Note Opinion Philistine Poor Ruddy Withal YouthJump to Next Appearance Attentively Beautiful Besides Boy Countenance David Despised Despiseth Disdained Handsome Note Opinion Philistine Poor Ruddy Withal Youth1 Samuel 17 1. The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle4. Goliath challenges a combat 12. David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge 28. Eliab chides him 30. He is brought to Saul 32. shows the reason of his confidence 38. and slays the giant 55. Saul takes notice of David When the Philistine looked and saw David The Philistine referred to here is Goliath, a giant warrior from Gath, representing the Philistine army. The act of looking and seeing David signifies a moment of assessment and judgment. In the context of ancient warfare, visual assessment was crucial for determining the strength and threat of an opponent. Goliath's observation of David, a young shepherd, would have seemed inconsequential compared to his own stature and experience. This moment sets the stage for the contrast between human perception and divine reality, a recurring theme in Scripture, where God often chooses the seemingly weak to accomplish His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27). he despised him because he was just a boy ruddy and handsome Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidA young shepherd boy, later anointed as the future king of Israel. Known for his faith in God and his courage, David is a central figure in this account. 2. The Philistine (Goliath) A giant warrior from Gath, representing the Philistine army. He is known for his size, strength, and defiance against the armies of Israel. 3. The Valley of Elah The location where the battle between David and Goliath takes place. It serves as a significant setting for this pivotal event in Israel's history. 4. Israelites The people of God, led by King Saul at this time. They are in conflict with the Philistines and are initially fearful of Goliath. 5. Philistines A recurring enemy of Israel, known for their military prowess and opposition to the Israelites. Teaching Points God's Perspective vs. Human PerspectiveHumans often judge by outward appearances, but God looks at the heart. David's youth and appearance were despised by Goliath, yet God saw his faith and courage. Faith Over Fear David's confidence was not in his own strength but in the Lord. This teaches us to trust in God's power rather than be intimidated by seemingly insurmountable challenges. The Power of Humility David's humble beginnings as a shepherd boy remind us that God often uses the humble and lowly to accomplish great things for His glory. Courage to Stand Alone David stood alone against Goliath, demonstrating that sometimes faith requires us to stand firm even when others are fearful or doubtful. God's Sovereignty in Choosing Leaders God's choice of David, despite his youth, underscores His sovereignty and wisdom in raising leaders according to His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 17:42?2. How does 1 Samuel 17:42 illustrate the danger of judging by appearances? 3. What can we learn from David's confidence despite Goliath's disdain in 1 Samuel 17:42? 4. How does 1 Samuel 17:42 connect to 1 Samuel 16:7 about God's perspective? 5. How can we apply David's faith in God's power to our daily battles? 6. What does Goliath's reaction in 1 Samuel 17:42 teach about pride and downfall? 7. Why did Goliath despise David in 1 Samuel 17:42? 8. How does 1 Samuel 17:42 challenge perceptions of strength and weakness? 9. What does Goliath's reaction in 1 Samuel 17:42 reveal about human pride? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17? 11. How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David? 12. How did David defeat the giant Goliath? 13. 2 Kings 2:23–24 – Why would God allow bears to kill 42 youths simply for mocking Elisha? 14. What is the significance of red hair in the Bible? What Does 1 Samuel 17:42 Mean When the Philistine looked“When the Philistine looked…” (1 Samuel 17:42) places us on the battlefield at the precise moment Goliath shifts his gaze from Israel’s ranks to the lone youth approaching him. • The narrative stresses literal sight—Goliath’s towering eyes measuring the challenger (cf. 1 Samuel 17:4–7). • Scripture often depicts God reversing what the eye expects (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Kings 6:17), preparing us for the coming upset of human calculations. and saw David Goliath “saw David,” not an army. He observes one shepherd, staff in hand (1 Samuel 17:40). • David’s presence fulfills the earlier anointing promise (1 Samuel 16:13), showing God’s chosen servant in action. • The contrast recalls earlier deliverances through solitary leaders—Moses before Pharaoh (Exodus 5), Gideon against Midian (Judges 6). he despised him Goliath’s reaction is visceral contempt. • “Despised” echoes 1 Samuel 17:43, where he curses David “by his gods,” underscoring spiritual hostility (cf. Psalm 74:18). • Such scorn anticipates divine vindication; those who despise God’s servants face judgment (Proverbs 14:31; Luke 10:16). because he was just a boy The Philistine’s disdain hinges on David’s youth. • Saul earlier voiced the same doubt (1 Samuel 17:33), yet David’s testimony of lion and bear victories (17:34–37) proves God equips the young. • Scripture confirms that age never limits divine calling: Samuel as a child (1 Samuel 3), Josiah at eight (2 Kings 22:1), and Timothy urged, “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12). ruddy and handsome David’s “ruddy and handsome” appearance, first noted at his anointing (1 Samuel 16:12), stands in contrast to Goliath’s armored bulk. • The description highlights David’s vitality—God chooses beauty unarmed over brute force (cf. Psalm 147:10–11). • It underscores the irony: the very qualities that charm others provoke Goliath’s scorn, yet the outward that sways human hearts still yields to the inward faith God values (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 3:4). summary Every phrase of 1 Samuel 17:42 underlines the wider theme of the chapter: human perception versus divine purpose. Goliath’s eyes measure youth, beauty, and apparent weakness; God’s plan raises that very youth to victory. The verse reminds us that literal events recorded in Scripture reveal enduring truths—God delights to confound the proud through vessels the world underestimates, ensuring all glory goes to Him. Hebrew When the Philistineהַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י (hap·pə·liš·tî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia looked וַיַּבֵּ֧ט (way·yab·bêṭ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5027: To scan, look intently at, to regard and saw וַיִּרְאֶ֥ה (way·yir·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see David, דָּוִ֖ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse he despised וַיִּבְזֵ֑הוּ (way·yiḇ·zê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 959: To disesteem him because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he was הָיָ֣ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be just a boy, נַ֔עַר (na·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer ruddy וְאַדְמֹנִ֖י (wə·’aḏ·mō·nî) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 132: Red, ruddy and עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with handsome. יְפֵ֥ה (yə·p̄êh) Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 3303: Fair, beautiful Links 1 Samuel 17:42 NIV1 Samuel 17:42 NLT 1 Samuel 17:42 ESV 1 Samuel 17:42 NASB 1 Samuel 17:42 KJV 1 Samuel 17:42 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 17:42 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 17:42 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 17:42 French Bible 1 Samuel 17:42 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 17:42 When the Philistine looked about and saw (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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