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

New Living Translation
David asked the soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”

English Standard Version
And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

Berean Standard Bible
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?”

King James Bible
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

New King James Version
Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

New American Standard Bible
Then David said to the men who were standing by him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and rids Israel of the disgrace? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he has dared to defy the armies of the living God?”

NASB 1995
Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?”

NASB 1977
Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who strikes down this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should reproach the battle lines of the living God?”

Amplified Bible
Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes the disgrace [of his taunting] from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he has taunted and defied the armies of the living God?”

Christian Standard Bible
David spoke to the men who were standing with him: “What will be done for the man who kills that Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David spoke to the men who were standing with him: “What will be done for the man who kills that Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

American Standard Version
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

Contemporary English Version
David asked some soldiers standing nearby, "What will a man get for killing this Philistine and stopping him from insulting our people? Who does that worthless Philistine think he is? He's making fun of the army of the living God!"

English Revised Version
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David asked the men who were standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and gets rid of Israel's disgrace? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should challenge the army of the living God?"

Good News Translation
David asked the men who were near him, "What will the man get who kills this Philistine and frees Israel from this disgrace? After all, who is this heathen Philistine to defy the army of the living God?"

International Standard Version
David asked the men who were standing by him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? Indeed, who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

Majority Standard Bible
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?”

NET Bible
David asked the men who were standing near him, "What will be done for the man who strikes down this Philistine and frees Israel from this humiliation? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he defies the armies of the living God?"

New Heart English Bible
David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done to the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the disgrace from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

World English Bible
David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done to the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David speaks to the men who are standing by him, saying, “What is done to the man who strikes this Philistine, and has turned aside reproach from Israel? For who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine that he has reproached the ranks of the living God?”

Young's Literal Translation
And David speaketh unto the men who are standing by him, saying, 'What is done to the man who smiteth this Philistine, and hath turned aside reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he hath reproached the ranks of the living God?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say to the men standing with him, saying, What shall be done to the man who shall strike this one of the rovers, and take away the reproach from Israel? for who this uncircumcised of the rovers? for he upbraided the ranks of the living God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying: What shall be given to the man that shall kill this Philistine, and shall take away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David spoke to the men who were standing with him, saying: “What will be given to the man who will have struck down this Philistine, and who will have taken away the disgrace from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should reproach the soldiers of the living God?”

New American Bible
David now said to the men standing near him: “How will the man who kills this Philistine and frees Israel from disgrace be rewarded? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should insult the armies of the living God?”

New Revised Standard Version
David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David said to the men who stood by him, What shall be done for the man who kills this uncircumcised Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said to the men who stood with him: “What shall be done to the man who will kill this uncircumcised Philistine and shall take the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine who reproaches the ranks of the living God?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying: 'What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the taunt from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should have taunted the armies of the living God?'

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Accepts the Challenge
25Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see this man who keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.” 26David 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?” 27The people told him about the offer, saying, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”…

Cross References
Numbers 14:9
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”

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 14:3
But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.”

2 Samuel 5:6-8
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” / Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). / On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.”

2 Kings 19:4
Perhaps the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.”

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.

Isaiah 37:23
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!

Isaiah 37:28-29
But I know your sitting down, your going out and coming in, and your raging against Me. / Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:7
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.

Psalm 9:10
Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 27:1-3
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

Psalm 31:23-24
Love the LORD, all His saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant. / Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.

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 56:4
In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?


Treasury of Scripture

And David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

reproach

1 Samuel 11:2
And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.

Joshua 7:8,9
O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! …

2 Kings 19:4
It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.

uncircumcised

1 Samuel 17:36
Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

1 Samuel 14:6
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

defy

1 Samuel 17:10
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

Deuteronomy 5:26
For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?

Jeremiah 10:10
But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

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Armies David Defy Israel Killeth Kills Philistine Reproach Standing Stood Taunt Taunted Uncircumcised
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Armies David Defy Israel Killeth Kills Philistine Reproach Standing Stood Taunt Taunted Uncircumcised
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














David asked the men who were standing with him
This phrase introduces us to David, a young shepherd who would later become the king of Israel. The Hebrew root for "asked" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a seeking of information or clarification. David's inquiry shows his curiosity and concern for the situation at hand. His willingness to engage with the men around him highlights his emerging leadership qualities and his proactive nature. In the historical context, David's question is significant because it marks the beginning of his public involvement in Israel's national affairs.

What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine
Here, David is inquiring about the reward for defeating Goliath. The term "Philistine" refers to the ancient people who were often in conflict with Israel. The Philistines were known for their military prowess and were a significant threat to Israel during this period. David's question underscores the tangible incentives offered by King Saul to motivate someone to face Goliath, which included wealth, exemption from taxes, and marriage to the king's daughter. This reflects the desperate situation Israel found itself in, needing a champion to face the giant.

and removes this disgrace from Israel
The word "disgrace" (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah) in Hebrew conveys a sense of shame or reproach. David perceives Goliath's challenge not just as a military threat but as a spiritual and national insult to Israel. This perspective reveals David's deep sense of identity and loyalty to his people and his God. Historically, the Israelites were God's chosen people, and any affront to them was seen as an affront to God Himself. David's concern for removing this disgrace indicates his understanding of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Who is this uncircumcised Philistine
The term "uncircumcised" is significant in the Hebrew context, as circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. By calling Goliath "uncircumcised," David is emphasizing that Goliath is outside of God's covenant and therefore lacks divine protection and favor. This distinction sets the stage for the spiritual battle that David perceives, beyond the physical confrontation. It highlights David's faith in God's promises and his confidence that God will deliver Israel from its enemies.

that he should defy the armies of the living God
The word "defy" (חָרַף, charaph) suggests a taunting or mocking challenge. Goliath's defiance is not just against Israel but against "the armies of the living God." This phrase underscores the belief that Israel's battles are fought under the banner of Yahweh, the living God, who is active and present in the affairs of His people. David's use of "living God" contrasts with the lifeless idols of the surrounding nations, affirming his faith in a God who is real and powerful. This statement reflects David's theological understanding and his conviction that God's honor is at stake in this confrontation.

(26) And David spake . . .--Very vividly does the historian here depict the scene that morning in the "front:" the dismayed soldiers of King Saul watching and listening to the boastful, impious words, as the giant champion shouted them across the narrow ravine which parted the outposts of the two armies; the enthusiastic shepherd boy, glowing with religious fervour, going from group to group of the advanced guard in the front, as they stood gloomily leaning on their spears, asking questions, and gleaning all the information possible about this insulter of his God.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
David
דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

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

the men
לָאִישׁ֙ (lā·’îš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who were standing
הָעֹמְדִ֣ים (hā·‘ō·mə·ḏîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

with him,
עִמּוֹ֮ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

“What
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

will be done
יֵּעָשֶׂ֗ה (yê·‘ā·śeh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for the man who
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

kills
יַכֶּה֙ (yak·keh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

this
הַלָּ֔ז (hal·lāz)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 1975: This, that

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

and removes
וְהֵסִ֥יר (wə·hê·sîr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

this disgrace
חֶרְפָּ֖ה (ḥer·pāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

from
מֵעַ֣ל (mê·‘al)
Preposition-m
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

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

Just who
מִ֗י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

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

uncircumcised
הֶֽעָרֵל֙ (he·‘ā·rêl)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6189: Having foreskin (uncircumcised)

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

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he should defy
חֵרֵ֔ף (ḥê·rêp̄)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2778: To pull off, to expose, to betroth, to carp at, defame, to spend the winter

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

of the living
חַיִּֽים׃ (ḥay·yîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

God??
אֱלֹהִ֥ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:26 David spoke to the men who stood (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:25
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