Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” New Living Translation “What have I done now?” David replied. “I was only asking a question!” English Standard Version And David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word?” Berean Standard Bible “What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?” King James Bible And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? New King James Version And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” New American Standard Bible But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?” NASB 1995 But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?” NASB 1977 But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?” Legacy Standard Bible But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a word?” Amplified Bible But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a [harmless] question?” Christian Standard Bible “What have I done now? ” protested David. “It was just a question.” Holman Christian Standard Bible “What have I done now?” protested David. “It was just a question.” American Standard Version And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? Contemporary English Version "Now what have I done?" David answered. "Can't I even ask a question?" English Revised Version And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? GOD'S WORD® Translation "What have I done now?" David snapped at him. "Didn't I [merely] ask a question?" Good News Translation "Now what have I done?" David asked. "Can't I even ask a question?" International Standard Version "What have I done now?" David asked. "It was just a question, wasn't it?" Majority Standard Bible ?What have I done now?? said David. ?Was it not just a question?? NET Bible David replied, "What have I done now? Can't I say anything?" New Heart English Bible David said, "What have I now done? Is there not a cause?" Webster's Bible Translation And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? World English Bible David said, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says, “What have I done now? Is it not a word?” Young's Literal Translation And David saith, 'What have I done now? is it not a word?' Smith's Literal Translation And David will say, What did I now? is this not the word? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David said: What have I done? is there not cause to speak? Catholic Public Domain Version And David said: “What have I done? Is there any word against me?” New American Bible David protested, “What have I done now? I was only talking.” New Revised Standard Version David said, “What have I done now? It was only a question.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said, What have I done now? Behold, I was just talking. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David said: “What have I done now? Behold, this is a speech!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said: 'What have I now done? Was it not but a word?' Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Accepts the Challenge…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!” 29“What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?” 30Then he turned from him toward another and asked about the offer, and those people answered him just as the first ones had answered.… 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!” Numbers 14:6-9 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes / and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. / If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. ... 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 14:6-7 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.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 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 Samuel 10:12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” 2 Kings 6:16 “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon 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 31:24 Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 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. Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 14:29-31 “Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. / But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” / Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” Treasury of Scripture And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Acts 11:2-4 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, … 1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. Jump to Previous Cause David Laid Question Speak WordJump to Next Cause David Laid Question Speak Word1 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 “What have I done now?” David's question reflects his frustration and innocence in the face of his brother Eliab's anger. This moment occurs after David arrives at the battlefield to deliver supplies and hears Goliath's challenge. Eliab's reaction may stem from jealousy or embarrassment, as David's presence and interest in the battle highlight Eliab's own inaction. This phrase underscores the tension between David and his brothers, reminiscent of Joseph's relationship with his brothers in Genesis 37:4, where sibling rivalry and misunderstanding are evident. David's question also highlights his role as an outsider, not yet recognized as the future king, yet already demonstrating the qualities that God saw in him. “said David.” “Was it not just a question?” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. At this point, he is a shepherd and a musician in Saul's court. 2. Eliab David's eldest brother, who is serving in King Saul's army. He is present at the battlefield where Goliath is challenging the Israelites. 3. The Valley of Elah The location where the Philistine army, led by Goliath, is encamped against the Israelites. 4. Goliath A giant Philistine warrior who defies the armies of Israel, challenging them to send a champion to fight him. 5. Israelite Army The forces of Israel, led by King Saul, who are intimidated by Goliath's challenge. Teaching Points Courage in the Face of CriticismDavid's response to Eliab's criticism shows his focus on God's mission rather than human approval. We should remain steadfast in our purpose, even when misunderstood by others. The Power of Questions David's question highlights the importance of seeking understanding and challenging the status quo. Asking the right questions can lead to greater faith and action. Faith Over Fear David's willingness to confront Goliath stems from his faith in God rather than fear of man. We are called to trust in God's power over our circumstances. Family Dynamics and God's Calling David's interaction with Eliab reminds us that family may not always understand or support our divine calling. We must prioritize God's voice over familial expectations. Preparation for Greater Battles David's past experiences as a shepherd prepared him for this moment. God uses our everyday experiences to equip us for future challenges.(29) Is there not a cause?--David answers his jealous and over-bearing elder brother with all gentleness and forbearance, but he does not cease to make his inquiries of the soldiers respecting the giant, nor does he refrain from loudly expressing his astonishment at such a public insult to the God of Israel being allowed to continue for so many days. The Hebrew here would be more literally rendered, "Is it not a word," or "It was only a word," thus deprecating his elder brother's anger. "What have I done? It was but a mere word. I was only speaking with holy anger about this impious challenge of the Philistine; nothing more." The ancient versions thus understand this clause. If we render as the Authorised Version, then the sense is quite clear. "You seem bitterly displeased with my zeal in this matter, but surely, is there not a good cause for my passionate emotion here--such an insult to our God?" Hebrew “Whatמֶ֥ה (meh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have I done עָשִׂ֖יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 6213: To do, make now?” עָ֑תָּה (‘āt·tāh) Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say David. דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “Was it not הֽוּא׃ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are just a question?” דָּבָ֥ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause Links 1 Samuel 17:29 NIV1 Samuel 17:29 NLT 1 Samuel 17:29 ESV 1 Samuel 17:29 NASB 1 Samuel 17:29 KJV 1 Samuel 17:29 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 17:29 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 17:29 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 17:29 French Bible 1 Samuel 17:29 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 17:29 David said What have I now done? 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