Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “I will give her to him,” he thought, “so that she may be a snare to him and so that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “Now you have a second opportunity to become my son-in-law.” New Living Translation “Here’s another chance to see him killed by the Philistines!” Saul said to himself. But to David he said, “Today you have a second chance to become my son-in-law!” English Standard Version Saul thought, “Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall now be my son-in-law.” Berean Standard Bible “I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” Berean Literal Bible And Saul said, “I will give her to him, that she may be to him a snare, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” And Saul said to David a second time, “You shall be son-in-law to me today.” King James Bible And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain. New King James Version So Saul said, “I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall be my son-in-law today.” New American Standard Bible For Saul thought, “I will give her to him so that she may become a trap for him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David, “For a second time you may become my son-in-law, today.” NASB 1995 Saul thought, “I will give her to him that she may become a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David, “For a second time you may be my son-in-law today.” NASB 1977 And Saul thought, “I will give her to him that she may become a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David, “For a second time you may be my son-in-law today.” Legacy Standard Bible And Saul said, “I will give her to him that she may become a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David, “For a second time you may be my son-in-law today.” Amplified Bible Saul said, “I will give her to him so that she may become a snare (bad influence, source of trouble) to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David for a second time, “You shall be my son-in-law today.” Berean Annotated Bible “I will give her to David, Saul (desired) thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines (immigrants) may be against him.” So Saul said to David (beloved), “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” Christian Standard Bible “I’ll give her to him,” Saul thought. “She’ll be a trap for him, and the hand of the Philistines will be against him.” So Saul said to David a second time, “You can now be my son-in-law.” Holman Christian Standard Bible “I’ll give her to him,” Saul thought. “She’ll be a trap for him, and the hand of the Philistines will be against him.” So Saul said to David a second time, “You can now be my son-in-law.” American Standard Version And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son-in-law a second time. Contemporary English Version and he thought, "I'll tell David he can marry Michal, but I'll set it up so that the Philistines will kill him." He told David, "I'm going to give you a second chance to marry one of my daughters." English Revised Version And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law a second time. GOD'S WORD® Translation Saul thought, "I'll give her to David. She will trap him, and the Philistines will get him." So he said to David a second time, "You will now be my son-in-law." Good News Translation He said to himself, "I'll give Michal to David; I will use her to trap him, and he will be killed by the Philistines." So for the second time Saul said to David, "You will be my son-in-law." International Standard Version Saul told himself, "I'll give her to him and she can be a snare to him and the Philistines will harm him." So Saul told David, "For a second time you can be my son-in-law today." NET Bible Saul said, "I will give her to him so that she may become a snare to him and the hand of the Philistines may be against him." So Saul said to David, "Today is the second time for you to become my son-in-law." New Heart English Bible And Saul thought, "I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. "Therefore Saul said to David, "You shall this day be my son-in-law a second time." Webster's Bible Translation And Saul said, I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son-in-law, in the one of the two. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” World English Bible Saul said, I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall today be my son-in-law.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Saul says, “I give her to him, and she is for a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines is on him”; and Saul says to David, “By the second—you become my son-in-law today.” Berean Literal Bible And Saul said, “I will give her to him, that she may be to him a snare, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” And Saul said to David a second time, “You shall be son-in-law to me today.” Young's Literal Translation and Saul saith, 'I give her to him, and she is to him for a snare, and the hand of the Philistines is on him;' and Saul saith unto David, 'By the second -- thou dost become my son-in-law to-day.' Smith's Literal Translation And Saul will say, I will give her to him, and she shall be to him for a snare, and the hand of the rovers shall be against him. And Saul will say to David, In the second time thou shalt be son-in-law to me this day. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Saul said: I will give her to him, that she may be a stumblingblock to him, and that the band of the Philistines may be upon him. And Saul said to David: In two things thou shalt be my son in law this day. Catholic Public Domain Version And Saul said, “I will give her to him, so that she may be a stumbling block to him, and so that the hand of the Philistines may be upon him.” And Saul said to David, “In two things, you shall be my son-in-law today.” New American Bible He thought, “I will offer her to him as a trap, so that the hand of the Philistines may strike him.” So for the second time Saul said to David, “You shall become my son-in-law today.” New Revised Standard Version Saul thought, “Let me give her to him that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall now be my son-in-law.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Saul said, I will give her to him, that she may be a hindrance to him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, You shall this day be my son-in-law in doing one of two things. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Shaul said: “I shall give her to him and she shall be a scandal to him, that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” And Shaul said to David: “In the two of them you will be to me a son in law today!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Saul said: 'I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.' Wherefore Saul said to David: 'Thou shalt this day be my son-in-law through the one of the twain.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Saul said, I will give her to him, and she shall be a stumbling-block to him. Now the hand of the Philistines was against Saul. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Marries Michal…20Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. 21“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” 22Then Saul ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’ ”… Cross References “I will give her to David,” Saul thought, 1 Samuel 25:44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim. Judges 14:20 and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him. Genesis 29:25-27 When morning came, there was Leah! “What have you done to me?” Jacob said to Laban. “Wasn’t it for Rachel that I served you? Why have you deceived me?” / Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older. / Finish this week’s celebration, and we will give you the younger one in return for another seven years of work.” “so that she may be a snare to him, Deuteronomy 7:16 You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you. Do not look on them with pity. Do not worship their gods, for that will be a snare to you. Judges 16:4-5 Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. / The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.” 1 Kings 11:4 For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Judges 16:18-21 When Delilah realized that he had revealed to her all that was in his heart, she sent this message to the lords of the Philistines: “Come up once more, for he has revealed to me all that is in his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands. / And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him. / Then she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” When Samson awoke from his sleep, he thought, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him. … 1 Samuel 17:45-47 But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” 2 Samuel 5:17-19 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” 2 Samuel 3:13-14 “Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.” / Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.” 1 Kings 3:1 Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 3:14 Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.” 1 Samuel 14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter). 1 Samuel 19:11-17 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. … 1 Samuel 25:39-42 On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. / When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” / She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” … 2 Samuel 6:20-23 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.” … Treasury of Scripture And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Why Saul said to David, You shall this day be my son in law in the one of the two. a snare Exodus 10:7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed? Psalm 7:14-16 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood… Psalm 38:12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. the hand 1 Samuel 18:17 And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. 1 Samuel 19:11,12 Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain… this day 1 Samuel 18:26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired. Jump to Previous Cause Danger David Hand Hands Law Opportunity Philistines Saul Second Snare Son-In-Law Thought Time Today To-Day Twain WhereforeJump to Next Cause Danger David Hand Hands Law Opportunity Philistines Saul Second Snare Son-In-Law Thought Time Today To-Day Twain Wherefore1 Samuel 18 1. Jonathan befriends David5. Saul envies his praise 10. seeks to kill him in his fury 12. fears him for his good success 17. offers him his daughters for snare 23. David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law, 25. gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry 28. Saul's hatred and David's glory increase “I will give her to David,” Saul's offer to give his daughter in marriage to David is a strategic move rather than a gesture of goodwill. In ancient Israel, marriages often served political purposes, solidifying alliances or consolidating power. Saul's intention here is not to honor David but to manipulate the situation to his advantage. This reflects the complex dynamics of royal marriages in the ancient Near East, where personal relationships were often secondary to political strategy. “so that she may be a snare to him,” “and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly jealous and fearful of David's rising popularity and success. 2. David A young shepherd anointed by God to be the future king of Israel, known for his faithfulness and bravery, particularly in defeating Goliath. 3. Michal Saul's daughter, whom Saul offers to David as a wife, intending to use her as a snare. 4. Philistines A perennial enemy of Israel, whom Saul hopes will be the downfall of David. 5. Marriage Proposal Saul's offer of his daughter Michal to David, which is a strategic move rather than a genuine gesture of goodwill. Teaching Points The Dangers of ManipulationSaul's use of his daughter as a pawn highlights the destructive nature of manipulation and deceit. Believers are called to act with integrity and honesty, avoiding using others for selfish gain. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Schemes Despite Saul's intentions, God's plan for David's life prevails. This reminds us that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes, and we can trust Him to work all things for good. The Importance of Discernment David's situation calls for discernment in relationships and alliances. Christians should seek God's wisdom in discerning the motives of others and making decisions that align with His will. Faithfulness in Adversity David's continued faithfulness, even when faced with Saul's plots, serves as an example of steadfastness. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful to God, even when facing trials and opposition. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 18:21?2. How does 1 Samuel 18:21 illustrate Saul's manipulation for personal gain? 3. What does Saul's plan reveal about his character and intentions? 4. How can we guard against using others for selfish purposes, like Saul? 5. Compare Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 18:21 with Proverbs 26:24-26. 6. How can we seek God's wisdom to discern others' true intentions? 7. Why did Saul offer his daughter to David in 1 Samuel 18:21? 8. How does 1 Samuel 18:21 reflect Saul's intentions towards David? 9. What does 1 Samuel 18:21 reveal about Saul's character and leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18? 11. 1 Samuel 18:20–21: Why would Saul offer his daughter Michal to David if he intended to harm him, and does this suggest inconsistencies within the narrative? 12. Why did Michal help David escape from Saul? 13. 1 Samuel 18:17-27: Is the story of David collecting Philistine foreskins historically plausible, and what does it imply about the reliability of the text? 14. Why does 1 Samuel 13:3-4 give conflicting impressions of who actually attacked the Philistine garrison, Jonathan or Saul? What Does 1 Samuel 18:21 Mean “I will give her to David,”Saul’s words sound generous, yet his heart holds a hidden agenda. • Earlier Saul had promised Merab (1 Samuel 18:17) but withheld her at the last moment; now he turns to Michal (18:20). • Marriage into the royal family would, in human terms, elevate David—precisely what God had already promised (16:13). • Scripture repeatedly shows God overruling rulers’ schemes for His purposes, as with Laban and Jacob (Genesis 29:18–25). “so that she may be a snare to him,” Saul views his own daughter as bait. • “Snare” echoes warnings like Joshua 23:13 and Judges 2:3, where alliances with the ungodly entice God’s people. • Michal loved David (18:20), yet she kept household idols (19:13). Saul hopes her influence will draw David into spiritual compromise or domestic conflict. • Saul’s thinking reduces marriage—ordained for blessing (Genesis 2:24)—to a trap. This corruption highlights the king’s spiritual decline. “and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Saul wants Philistine swords to accomplish what his own cannot. • He had already reasoned this way: “Let the hand of the Philistines be against him” (18:17). • The coming bride-price of one hundred foreskins (18:25) reveals the same plot. • Yet every time David meets the Philistines, God grants victory (19:8; 23:1–5). The Lord turns the king’s murderous plan into further proof of David’s divine protection. “So Saul said to David,” The private scheme becomes a public offer. • Saul masks malice with smooth words, reminiscent of the serpent’s subtlety (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:3). • David, still serving loyally (18:5, 14), hears the king’s voice—but God hears the king’s heart (Proverbs 21:2). “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” A repeated invitation exposes Saul’s instability and God’s steady purpose. • First offer: Merab (18:17–19). Second offer: Michal (18:21). • David responds with humility (18:23), never grasping at the throne God has promised. • Later, after Saul’s death, David insists on Michal’s return (2 Samuel 3:13), showing that even Saul’s treachery cannot cancel a covenant once made. summary 1 Samuel 18:21 pulls back the curtain on Saul’s heart. He plots to use family, marriage, and enemy armies to rid himself of the rising shepherd-king. Yet every strand of his scheme weaves into God’s larger design: David is preserved, the Philistines are defeated, and Saul’s own decline accelerates. The verse reminds us that human manipulation cannot overturn divine promise, and what the enemy intends as a snare God can turn into a step toward His appointed future. (21) That she may be a snare to him.--Is it not possible that this dark plot of Saul against a life once so dear to him--a plot which in after days, when the enmity of the king was a matter of general notoriety, became of course known by David--suggested to him (David) the means by which, in the darkest hours of his life, he got rid of the brave Uriah, the husband of Bath-sheba, at the siege of Rabbah? (2 Samuel 11)In the one of the twain.--More accurately translated. in this second time, or in this second way. The LXX. again leaves out this statement, no doubt because it refers back to the omitted passage in 1Samuel 18:17-19. Hebrew “I will give herאֶתְּנֶ֤נָּה (’et·tə·nen·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set to [David],” לּוֹ֙ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew Saul שָׁא֜וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites thought, וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “so that she may be וּתְהִי־ (ū·ṯə·hî-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a snare לְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ (lə·mō·w·qêš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4170: A bait or lure, a snare to him, ל֣וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew and the hand יַד־ (yaḏ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of the Philistines פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia may be וּתְהִי־ (ū·ṯə·hî-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be against him.” ב֖וֹ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew So Saul שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to David, דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “For a second [time] בִּשְׁתַּ֛יִם (biš·ta·yim) Preposition-b | Number - fd Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) now הַיּֽוֹם׃ (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day you can be my son-in-law.” תִּתְחַתֵּ֥ן (tiṯ·ḥat·tên) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 2859: To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage Links 1 Samuel 18:21 NIV1 Samuel 18:21 NLT 1 Samuel 18:21 ESV 1 Samuel 18:21 NASB 1 Samuel 18:21 KJV 1 Samuel 18:21 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 18:21 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 18:21 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 18:21 French Bible 1 Samuel 18:21 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 18:21 Saul said I will give her (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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