1 Samuel 17:10
New International Version
Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.”

New Living Translation
I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!”

English Standard Version
And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”

King James Bible
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

New King James Version
And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I have defied the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man, so that we may fight together.”

NASB 1995
Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”

NASB 1977
Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Again the Philistine said, “I openly reproach the battle lines of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”

Amplified Bible
Again the Philistine said, “I defy the battle lines of Israel this day; give me a man so that we may fight together.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me a man so we can fight each other! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me a man so we can fight each other!”

American Standard Version
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

Contemporary English Version
Here and now I challenge Israel's whole army! Choose someone to fight me!

English Revised Version
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Philistine added, "I challenge the Israelite battle line today. Send out a man so that we can fight each other."

Good News Translation
Here and now I challenge the Israelite army. I dare you to pick someone to fight me!"

International Standard Version
The Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me one man and let's fight together."

NET Bible
Then the Philistine said, "I defy Israel's troops this day! Give me a man so we can fight each other!"

New Heart English Bible
The Philistine said, "I defy the armies of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”

World English Bible
The Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel today! Give me a man, that we may fight together!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Philistine says, “I have reproached the ranks of Israel this day; give a man to me and we fight together!”

Young's Literal Translation
And the Philistine saith, 'I have reproached the ranks of Israel this day; give to me a man, and we fight together.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he of the rovers will say, I upbraided the ranks of Israel this day; ye shall give to me a man and we will fight together.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Philistine said: I have defied the bands of Israel this day: Give me a man, and let him fight with me hand to hand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Philistine was saying: “I have reproached the troops of Israel today. Present a man to me, and let him undertake a fight against me alone.”

New American Bible
The Philistine continued: “I defy the ranks of Israel today. Give me a man and let us fight together.”

New Revised Standard Version
And the Philistine said, “Today I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man, that we may fight together.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the Philistine said, I have defied the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Philistine said: “I defy the ranks of Israel today! Give me a man! We shall fight together!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the Philistine said: 'I do taunt the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Philistine said, Behold, I have defied the armies of Israel this very day: give me a man, and we will both of us fight in single combat.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Goliath's Challenge
9If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and labor for us.” 10Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!” 11On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.…

Cross References
Numbers 13:31-33
But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” / So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature. / We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!”

Deuteronomy 1:28
Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”

Joshua 2:9-11
and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.

Judges 14:12-14
“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. / But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.” / So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle.

1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”

1 Samuel 17:26
David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

1 Samuel 17:36-37
Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” / David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.”

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 21:15-22
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” ...

2 Kings 19:9-13
Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? ...

2 Kings 19:22-23
Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! / Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest outposts, the densest of its forests.

Psalm 44:6-8
For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. / For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame. / In God we have boasted all day long, and Your name we will praise forever. Selah

Psalm 46:1-3
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah

Psalm 118:6-7
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? / The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.

Isaiah 37:23-24
Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! / Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests.


Treasury of Scripture

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

I defy

1 Samuel 17:25,26,36,45
And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel…

Numbers 23:7,8
And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel…

2 Samuel 21:21
And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.

give me

Job 40:9-12
Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? …

Psalm 9:4,5
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right…

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

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Armies Defied Defy Israel Philistine Ranks Reproached Shame Taunt Together
1 Samuel 17
1. The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle
4. 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














Then the Philistine said,
The Philistine in this context is Goliath, a giant warrior from Gath, one of the five city-states of the Philistines. The Philistines were a seafaring people who settled in the coastal regions of Canaan. Goliath's challenge is part of a larger narrative where the Philistines and Israelites are in conflict. Historically, the Philistines were known for their advanced weaponry and military prowess, often posing a significant threat to Israel.

“I defy the ranks of Israel this day!
Goliath's defiance is not just a personal challenge but a direct affront to the God of Israel. In ancient warfare, battles were often seen as contests between the gods of the respective nations. By defying Israel, Goliath is also challenging the power and authority of Yahweh. This act of defiance sets the stage for a confrontation that is both physical and spiritual. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of the ultimate battle between good and evil, with Goliath representing the forces opposed to God.

Give me a man to fight!”
This challenge for single combat was a common practice in ancient warfare, intended to avoid large-scale bloodshed by settling disputes through representative champions. Goliath's demand for a man to fight highlights the absence of a willing champion from Israel, underscoring the fear and lack of faith among Saul's army. This moment foreshadows the emergence of David, who will later step forward to accept the challenge. David's victory over Goliath is often seen as a type of Christ's victory over sin and death, where the seemingly weak and insignificant triumph over the mighty through faith in God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Goliath
A Philistine giant from Gath, known for his immense size and strength. He challenges the Israelites to send a champion to fight him.

2. Philistines
An ancient people who were often in conflict with the Israelites. They occupied parts of the coastal region of Canaan.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, led by King Saul at this time. They are encamped in the Valley of Elah, facing the Philistine army.

4. Valley of Elah
The location where the Israelites and Philistines are encamped, setting the stage for the confrontation between David and Goliath.

5. David
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, David is the young shepherd who later accepts Goliath's challenge, trusting in God's deliverance.
Teaching Points
Understanding Defiance Against God
Goliath's challenge is not just against Israel but against God Himself. Recognize that defiance against God's people is ultimately defiance against God.

The Nature of Spiritual Battles
Like Goliath's challenge, our battles often have a spiritual dimension. We must be prepared to face them with faith and reliance on God.

Courage in the Face of Intimidation
Goliath's size and strength were intimidating, yet David's courage came from his trust in God. We too can face our "giants" with confidence in God's power.

The Importance of Faithful Leadership
Saul's fear contrasts with David's faith. Effective leadership in spiritual battles requires trust in God and a willingness to act on that faith.

God's Sovereignty in Our Battles
The account of David and Goliath reminds us that God is sovereign and can deliver us from seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 17:10?

2. How does Goliath's challenge in 1 Samuel 17:10 test Israel's faith in God?

3. What does Goliath's defiance reveal about the spiritual battle facing Israel?

4. How can we respond to modern-day "Goliaths" with faith and courage?

5. How does 1 Samuel 17:10 connect to Ephesians 6:12 about spiritual warfare?

6. What role does trust in God play when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?

7. What does Goliath's challenge in 1 Samuel 17:10 reveal about the nature of faith and fear?

8. How does 1 Samuel 17:10 illustrate the concept of spiritual warfare in the Bible?

9. Why did the Israelites fear Goliath's defiance in 1 Samuel 17:10 despite God's past deliverances?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17?

11. How can David's earlier triumphs over the Philistines, such as in 1 Samuel 17, be reconciled with Achish's acceptance of him in 1 Samuel 29?

12. Why would a sophisticated army reduce an entire conflict to a one-on-one duel (1 Samuel 17)?

13. How reliable is the claim of 30,000 Israelite deaths (1 Samuel 4:10) given historical population estimates of that era?

14. Is there archaeological evidence of the Philistines controlling Beth-shan (1 Samuel 31:10) and displaying enemy bodies on its walls?
What Does 1 Samuel 17:10 Mean
Then the Philistine said,

• The speaker is Goliath, the nine-foot champion described in 1 Samuel 17:4–7, who has already stepped forward morning and evening for forty days (17:16).

• His very presence reminds Israel of earlier Philistine oppression (Judges 13:1) and of Samson’s battles at the same border (Judges 16:23–30).

• Scripture records the words of unbelievers as accurately as the words of the faithful; God wants us to hear exactly what was said so we can measure it against His truth (cf. Psalm 2:1–4).

• Goliath’s speech is intentional, calculated, and public—he “stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel” (17:8), ensuring maximum intimidation.


“I defy the ranks of Israel this day!

• “Defy” carries the sense of taunting, reproaching, and blaspheming (see 1 Samuel 17:25–26, 36). When Goliath insults Israel’s army, he is also insulting “the armies of the living God” (17:26).

• Similar language appears when Rabshakeh taunts Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:6, 22), and the LORD treats it as an assault on His own honor.

• The covenant nation was promised victory when obedient (Deuteronomy 20:1–4), so Goliath’s boast highlights Israel’s lapse of faith: instead of resting in God’s pledge, they cower (17:11, 24).

• David later interprets the taunt spiritually: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (17:26). The real battle line is drawn between unbelief and faith in the LORD.


Give me a man to fight!”

• Champion warfare—one warrior representing each side—was common in the ancient Near East (cf. 2 Samuel 2:14–16). Goliath proposes it because he trusts his size, skill, and armor.

• Israel already had “a man” by all human reckoning—King Saul—whose own stature had once impressed the nation (1 Samuel 9:2; 10:23). Saul’s silence reveals the emptiness of fleshly confidence.

• The challenge exposes Israel’s need for a Spirit-filled deliverer. God will supply that man, not from the king’s tent but from the sheepfold (17:33–37; Psalm 78:70–72).

• The pattern echoes earlier rescues: Jonathan stepping out against overwhelming odds (1 Samuel 14:6), Gideon facing Midian with a fraction of an army (Judges 7:2). The LORD delights in saving “not by sword or spear” (17:47).


summary

1 Samuel 17:10 records Goliath’s deliberate, God-mocking taunt: “Then the Philistine said, ‘I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!’ ” By preserving the exact words, Scripture underscores three truths:

• The enemy is real, vocal, and intent on shaming God’s people.

• To defy Israel is to defy the living God, bringing the issue beyond mere military strength to divine honor.

• Human champions will fail, but the LORD raises up His own representative to win the battle—here, David; ultimately, Christ. The verse sets the stage for faith’s triumph over fear and for God’s glory over human boasting.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the Philistine
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔י (hap·pə·liš·tî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

said,
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I
אֲנִ֗י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

defy
חֵרַ֛פְתִּי (ḥê·rap̄·tî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2778: To pull off, to expose, to betroth, to carp at, defame, to spend the winter

the ranks
מַעַרְכ֥וֹת (ma·‘ar·ḵō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4634: An arrangement, a pile, a military array

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

this
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

day!
הַיּ֣וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

Give
תְּנוּ־ (tə·nū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

me
לִ֣י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

a man
אִ֔ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

to fight!”
וְנִֽלָּחֲמָ֖ה (wə·nil·lā·ḥă·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:10 The Philistine said I defy the armies (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:9
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