1 Samuel 17:27
New International Version
They repeated to him what they had been saying and told him, “This is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

New Living Translation
And these men gave David the same reply. They said, “Yes, that is the reward for killing him.”

English Standard Version
And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”

Berean Standard Bible
The people told him about the offer, saying, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

King James Bible
And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.

New King James Version
And the people answered him in this manner, saying, “So shall it be done for the man who kills him.”

New American Standard Bible
The people answered him in agreement with this statement, saying, “This is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

NASB 1995
The people answered him in accord with this word, saying, “Thus it will be done for the man who kills him.”

NASB 1977
And the people answered him in accord with this word, saying, “Thus it will be done for the man who kills him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the people spoke to him in accord with this word, saying, “Thus it will be done for the man who strikes him down.”

Amplified Bible
The men told him, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

Christian Standard Bible
The troops told him about the offer, concluding, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The people told him about the offer, concluding, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

American Standard Version
And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.

Contemporary English Version
The soldiers told David what the king would give the man who killed Goliath.

English Revised Version
And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The soldiers repeated [to David] how the man who kills Goliath would be treated.

Good News Translation
They told him what would be done for the man who killed Goliath.

International Standard Version
The people also told him the same thing, saying, "This is what will be done for the man who kills him."

NET Bible
The soldiers told him what had been promised, saying, "This is what will be done for the man who can strike him down."

New Heart English Bible
The people answered him in this way, saying, "So shall it be done to the man who kills him."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The people told him about the offer, saying, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

World English Bible
The people answered him in this way, saying, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the people speak to him according to this word, saying, “Thus it is done to the man who strikes him.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the people speak to him according to this word, saying, 'Thus it is done to the man who smiteth him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the people will say to him according to this word, saying, Thus it shall be done to the man who shall smite him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the people answered him the same words saying: These things shall be given to the man that shall slay him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the people repeated to him the same words, saying, “These things shall be given to the man who will have struck him down.”

New American Bible
They repeated the same words to him and said, “That is how the man who kills him will be rewarded.”

New Revised Standard Version
The people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done for the man who kills him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the people told him the king's promises, saying, So shall it be done to the man who kills him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the people said to him: “According to this statement, thus it shall be done to a man who will kill him”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the people answered him after this manner, saying: 'So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.'

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Accepts the Challenge
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.” 28Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!”…

Cross References
Numbers 13:30
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”

Joshua 14:12
Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD’s help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken.”

Judges 6:14
The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?”

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 18:7
And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

1 Samuel 24:10
Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’

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 19:35
And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

1 Chronicles 11:22-23
And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. / He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.

Psalm 18:32-34
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear. / He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights. / He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

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 44:6-7
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.

Psalm 60:12
With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies.

Psalm 144:1
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.


Treasury of Scripture

And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that kills him.

So shall it

1 Samuel 17:25
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.

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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














The people told him about the offer
In the context of 1 Samuel 17, David is inquiring about the situation with Goliath, the Philistine giant. The "people" here refers to the Israelite soldiers who are discussing the rewards King Saul has promised to anyone who defeats Goliath. This reflects the communal nature of ancient Israelite society, where news and information were often shared verbally among the people. The offer itself is significant, as it demonstrates the desperation and fear among the Israelites, who were unable to face Goliath themselves. This moment also sets the stage for David's rise, as he is not motivated by the reward but by his faith in God.

about the offer, saying
The "offer" mentioned is a substantial reward promised by King Saul, which includes great wealth, the king's daughter in marriage, and exemption from taxes for the victor's family. This reflects the high stakes and the king's desperation to find a champion willing to face Goliath. The mention of the offer highlights the contrast between David's motivations and those of others; while many are enticed by the material rewards, David is driven by his zeal for God's honor.

“That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”
This phrase underscores the certainty and seriousness of the king's promise. The use of "will be done" indicates a formal and binding commitment from Saul, emphasizing the importance of defeating Goliath for the morale and future of Israel. The phrase also foreshadows David's eventual victory and the fulfillment of these promises, which play a crucial role in his journey to becoming king. This moment can be seen as a type of Christ, where David, like Jesus, steps forward to face a seemingly insurmountable enemy, not for personal gain, but for the deliverance of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
A young shepherd who later becomes the king of Israel. At this point in the account, he is visiting his brothers at the battlefield.

2. Goliath
A Philistine giant who challenges the Israelites, causing fear among the Israelite army.

3. Israelite Army
The forces of Israel, led by King Saul, who are intimidated by Goliath's challenge.

4. Philistines
The enemies of Israel, who have gathered for battle against the Israelites.

5. The Reward
The offer made by King Saul to the man who defeats Goliath, which includes wealth, the king's daughter in marriage, and tax exemption for his family.
Teaching Points
Faith Over Fear
David's inquiry about the reward shows his interest but also sets the stage for his faith-driven action. Believers are encouraged to focus on God's promises rather than the size of their challenges.

God's Provision
The reward offered by Saul can be seen as a symbol of God's provision for those who step out in faith. Trusting in God's provision can lead to unexpected blessings.

Courage in Action
David's willingness to face Goliath demonstrates that true courage is rooted in faith. Christians are called to act courageously in the face of daunting challenges, trusting in God's strength.

The Power of Testimony
The people's repetition of the reward serves as a reminder of the power of testimony. Sharing what God has promised can inspire others to step out in faith.

Divine Purpose
David's encounter with Goliath was part of God's larger plan for his life. Believers should seek to understand and align with God's purpose for their lives, even in seemingly small or intimidating situations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 17:27?

2. How does 1 Samuel 17:27 demonstrate God's provision for those who trust Him?

3. What can we learn about God's rewards from 1 Samuel 17:27?

4. How does 1 Samuel 17:27 connect to Matthew 6:33 about seeking God's kingdom?

5. How can we apply the message of 1 Samuel 17:27 in daily challenges?

6. What does 1 Samuel 17:27 teach about the importance of faith in God's promises?

7. What reward did David expect for defeating Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:27?

8. How does 1 Samuel 17:27 reflect God's provision for His people?

9. Why is the promise of reward significant in the context of 1 Samuel 17:27?

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

11. What does worshiping God entail?

12. How do we reconcile David's apparent deception before King Achish (1 Samuel 27:10-12) with biblical moral standards?

13. Psalm 63:2 speaks of seeing God's power in the sanctuary--how could David witness this if he was exiled from the sanctuary?

14. What causes the Arab-Israeli conflict?
What Does 1 Samuel 17:27 Mean
The people told him about the offer

• David has just arrived at the front lines (1 Samuel 17:22) and is trying to understand why Israel is allowing Goliath to taunt them.

• The “people” are the soldiers near David; they repeat what Saul has announced in verse 25—great riches, the king’s daughter in marriage, and tax‐free status for the hero’s family.

• Their words highlight Saul’s reliance on earthly incentives rather than personal faith to confront the giant, a contrast to passages where leaders themselves step forward in faith (Joshua 10:24–25).

• By recording this conversation, the Spirit shows how human motivations often revolve around reward, yet God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7; cf. Matthew 6:19–21).


about the offer, saying

• The phrase “saying” signals an emphatic, repeated report; multiple eyewitnesses confirm Saul’s pledge, fulfilling the principle that “every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1).

• Repetition underscores the seriousness of the king’s promise and the desperation of Israel’s army (1 Samuel 17:11).

• It also sets up David’s later appeal when he reminds Saul that he has already killed lion and bear and trusts the Lord to deliver him from Goliath (verses 34–37), showing that faith, not incentives, ultimately moves him.


“That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

• The soldiers quote the king verbatim, as if reciting a royal proclamation (compare Esther 6:6–9, where a reward is carefully detailed).

• The promised reward is tangible, yet David’s focus quickly shifts to the spiritual issue: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (verse 26).

• Scripture often pairs earthly reward with a higher purpose—Abram declining the king of Sodom’s riches to keep God’s glory spotless (Genesis 14:22–23), Moses choosing “the reproach of Christ” over Egyptian treasures (Hebrews 11:24–26).

• Here, the verse reminds us that God may use human incentives, but He ultimately seeks servants whose chief reward is His honor (Psalm 19:9–11; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27).


summary

1 Samuel 17:27 captures the soldiers’ repetition of Saul’s reward offer. The line exposes Israel’s fear, Saul’s reliance on material motivation, and the contrast between human incentives and genuine faith. David hears the same promise everyone else hears, yet his heart is fixed on defending God’s name. In the larger narrative, the verse prepares us to see that the true victory—and the true reward—belong to those who trust the living God rather than earthly gain.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The people
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

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

him
לוֹ֙ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

about the
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

offer,
כַּדָּבָ֥ר (kad·dā·ḇār)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

saying,
לֵאמֹ֑ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“That is what
כֹּ֣ה (kōh)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

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

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

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

kills him.”
יַכֶּֽנּוּ׃ (yak·ken·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:27 The people answered him after this manner (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:26
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