Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my clan in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?” New Living Translation “Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” David exclaimed. “My father’s family is nothing!” English Standard Version And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father’s clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” Berean Standard Bible And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” King James Bible And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? New King James Version So David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” New American Standard Bible But David said to Saul, “Who am I, and who is my family, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” NASB 1995 But David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” NASB 1977 But David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” Legacy Standard Bible But David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” Amplified Bible David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” Christian Standard Bible Then David responded, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel that I should become the king’s son-in-law? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then David responded, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel that I should become the king’s son-in-law?” American Standard Version And David said unto Saul, Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king? Contemporary English Version David answered, "How could I possibly marry your daughter? I'm not very important, and neither is my family." English Revised Version And David said unto Saul, Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? GOD'S WORD® Translation "Who am I?" David asked Saul. "And how important are my relatives or my father's family in Israel that I should be the king's son-in-law?" Good News Translation David answered, "Who am I and what is my family that I should become the king's son-in-law?" International Standard Version David told Saul, "Who am I and what is my life or my father's family in Israel that I should be the king's son-in-law?" NET Bible David said to Saul, "Who am I? Who are my relatives or the clan of my father in Israel that I should become the king's son-in-law?" New Heart English Bible David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?" Webster's Bible Translation And David said to Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” World English Bible David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says to Saul, “Who [am] I? And what [is] my life—the family of my father in Israel—that I am son-in-law of the king?” Young's Literal Translation And David saith unto Saul, 'Who am I? and what my life -- the family of my father in Israel -- that I am son-in-law to the king?' Smith's Literal Translation And David will say to Saul, Who am I? and who was my father's family in Israel that I shall be son-in-law to the king? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David said to Saul: Who am I, or what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law of the king? Catholic Public Domain Version Then David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life, and what is my father’s kinship within Israel, that I should be the son-in-law of the king?” New American Bible But David answered Saul: “Who am I? And who are my kindred or my father’s clan in Israel that I should become the king’s son-in-law?” New Revised Standard Version David said to Saul, “Who am I and who are my kinsfolk, my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said to Saul, Who am I? And what have I done, or what is my life or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David said to Shaul: “Who am I and what have I done and what is my life and the family of my father in Israel, that I should take the daughter of the King?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said unto Saul: 'Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?' Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Marries Michal17Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” 18And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” 19So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.… Cross References 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” 1 Samuel 24:14 Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? 2 Samuel 7:18 Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? 1 Chronicles 17:16 Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? Judges 6:15 “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” Exodus 3:11 But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 1 Samuel 15:17 And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel 1 Samuel 26:20 So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” 2 Samuel 9:8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” 1 Kings 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. Psalm 8:4 what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? Isaiah 41:14 Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Luke 1:48 For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Treasury of Scripture And David said to Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? Who am I 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. 1 Samuel 9:21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? Exodus 3:11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? Jump to Previous Clan David Israel King's Kinsfolk Life Saul Son-In-LawJump to Next Clan David Israel King's Kinsfolk Life Saul Son-In-Law1 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 And David said to Saul David's response to Saul comes after Saul offers his daughter in marriage to David. This offer is not just a personal matter but a political one, as marriage into the royal family would elevate David's status significantly. David's humility is evident here, reflecting his character as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). This humility contrasts with Saul's growing pride and insecurity. Who am I and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel that I should become the son-in-law of the king? Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidA young shepherd who was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. At this point, he is serving in King Saul's court and has gained favor due to his victory over Goliath and his military successes. 2. Saul The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly jealous and fearful of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him. 3. David's Family David refers to his humble origins, coming from the tribe of Judah and the family of Jesse, a modest lineage without royal connections. 4. Israel The nation chosen by God, consisting of twelve tribes. David's question reflects his humility and awareness of his place within the larger community of Israel. 5. King’s Son-in-law The position David is being offered, which would elevate his status significantly by marrying into the royal family. Teaching Points Humility in ElevationDavid's response to Saul's offer demonstrates humility. Despite his accomplishments, he does not presume to be worthy of royal status. This teaches us to remain humble, recognizing that any elevation in life is by God's grace. Understanding Our Identity David's question reflects an understanding of his identity in God rather than in societal status. We should find our worth and identity in God's view of us, not in worldly achievements or connections. God's Sovereignty in Promotion David's life illustrates that God is the one who elevates and positions us according to His purpose. We should trust in God's timing and plan for our lives, rather than striving for positions through our own efforts. Gratitude for God's Favor Recognizing our humble beginnings and God's favor should lead us to gratitude. Like David, we should acknowledge God's hand in our lives and remain thankful for His blessings. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 18:18?2. How does David's humility in 1 Samuel 18:18 inspire your daily interactions? 3. What does David's response reveal about his understanding of God's sovereignty? 4. How can David's humility in 1 Samuel 18:18 guide your leadership approach? 5. Compare David's humility here with Philippians 2:3-4. How are they similar? 6. How can you practice humility like David in your current life situation? 7. Why does David question his worthiness to become the king's son-in-law in 1 Samuel 18:18? 8. How does 1 Samuel 18:18 reflect David's humility and self-perception? 9. What cultural significance does marriage to a king's daughter hold in 1 Samuel 18:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18? 11. Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18? 12. 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? 13. 1 Samuel 18:5-7: Did the women's song about David killing 'ten thousands' reflect historical reality or an exaggeration? 14. How historically plausible is it that one person like Doeg could have slaughtered 85 priests in one event (1 Samuel 22:18)? What Does 1 Samuel 18:18 Mean And David said to Saul- David’s response comes immediately after Saul has offered his eldest daughter Merab in marriage (1 Samuel 18:17). - Rather than rushing to accept royal honor, David pauses to speak with respectful deference, echoing earlier moments when servants of God address leaders humbly (Genesis 41:16; Daniel 2:30). - His readiness to converse openly with the king shows the transparency of a man whom the Lord had already anointed (1 Samuel 16:13). Who am I - David begins with personal humility, similar to Moses’ “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11). - Though he has defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50), David refuses self-exaltation, embodying Proverbs 27:2—“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” - His posture anticipates God’s preference for the lowly (Psalm 138:6; James 4:6), underscoring that any promotion comes from the LORD (Psalm 75:6-7). and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel - Jesse’s household is modest, hailing from Bethlehem, “small among the clans of Judah” (Micah 5:2). - David stresses three layers of insignificance—his own person, his immediate family, and his wider clan—mirroring Gideon’s triple admission of weakness in Judges 6:15. - The statement witnesses to literal social realities: shepherd families held little clout next to royal lineage, yet God delights to lift such ordinary folk (1 Colossians 1:26-29). that I should become the son-in-law of the king? - Marriage into the royal house would place David in direct line for national influence (cf. 2 Samuel 3:13-14). - David senses the gravity of covenant ties, knowing that becoming “son-in-law” means more than romance; it binds him to Saul, the reigning monarch, and by extension to the covenant community (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). - His cautious tone foreshadows later events where Saul’s jealousy weaponizes these marital connections (1 Samuel 18:20-29). - The underlying truth: God sovereignly positions individuals, moving from shepherd fields to palace courts according to His unerring plan (Psalm 113:7-8; Romans 8:28). summary David’s reply in 1 Samuel 18:18 blends genuine humility with a clear recognition of his family’s modest standing. By highlighting personal and familial insignificance, he magnifies the LORD’s grace that elevates the lowly. The verse invites readers to trust that God literally fulfills His purposes, exalting whomever He chooses, while calling His servants to walk in humble awe when unexpected honor appears. (18) What is my life?--These words in David's modest and wise answer have been variously interpreted. (a) They have been taken to refer to David's personal life; but surely that has been alluded to in the preceding words, "Who am I?" (b) As referring to the condition of life in which he was born and to which he was accustomed; so Keil; but it is doubtful if the Hebrew word here used ever has this significance. (c) With a reference to David's family; so Ewald and Lange. Ewald would translate, "What are my folks or relations?" Of these (c) is undoubtedly the preferable meaning.Hebrew And Davidדָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (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 Saul, שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites “Who מִ֤י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix am I, אָֽנֹכִי֙ (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 595: I and what וּמִ֣י (ū·mî) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is my family חַיַּ֔י (ḥay·yay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life or my father’s אָבִ֖י (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1: Father clan מִשְׁפַּ֥חַת (miš·pa·ḥaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people in Israel, בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I should become אֶהְיֶ֥ה (’eh·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the son-in-law חָתָ֖ן (ḥā·ṯān) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2860: A relative by marriage, a circumcised child of the king?” לַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (lam·me·leḵ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Links 1 Samuel 18:18 NIV1 Samuel 18:18 NLT 1 Samuel 18:18 ESV 1 Samuel 18:18 NASB 1 Samuel 18:18 KJV 1 Samuel 18:18 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 18:18 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 18:18 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 18:18 French Bible 1 Samuel 18:18 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 18:18 David said to Saul Who am I (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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