1 Samuel 18:20
New International Version
Now Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased.

New Living Translation
In the meantime, Saul’s daughter Michal had fallen in love with David, and Saul was delighted when he heard about it.

English Standard Version
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

Berean Standard Bible
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.

King James Bible
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

New King James Version
Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

New American Standard Bible
Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they informed Saul, the thing was pleasing to him.

NASB 1995
Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they told Saul, the thing was agreeable to him.

NASB 1977
Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they told Saul, the thing was agreeable to him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. So they told Saul, and the thing was right in his eyes.

Amplified Bible
Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and when they told Saul, it pleased him.

Christian Standard Bible
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when it was reported to Saul, it pleased him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when it was reported to Saul, it pleased him.

American Standard Version
And Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

Contemporary English Version
Saul had another daughter. Her name was Michal, and Saul found out that she was in love with David. This made Saul happy,

English Revised Version
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, Saul's daughter Michal fell in love with David. When Saul was told about it, the news pleased him.

Good News Translation
Saul's daughter Michal, however, fell in love with David, and when Saul heard of this, he was pleased.

International Standard Version
Saul's daughter Michal loved David. Saul was informed of this and he liked the idea.

Majority Standard Bible
Now Saul?s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.

NET Bible
Now Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David. When they told Saul about this, it pleased him.

New Heart English Bible
Mikal, Saul's daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

World English Bible
Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Michal daughter of Saul loves David, and they declare [it] to Saul, and the thing is right in his eyes,

Young's Literal Translation
And Michal daughter of Saul loveth David, and they declare to Saul, and the thing is right in his eyes,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Michal, Saul's daughter, will love David: and they will announce to Saul, and the word was straight in his eyes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Michol the other daughter of Saul loved David. And it was told Saul, and it pleased him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now Michal, the other daughter of Saul, loved David. And this was reported to Saul, and it pleased him.

New American Bible
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. When this was reported to Saul, he was pleased.

New Revised Standard Version
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. Saul was told, and the thing pleased him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Malchel Saul's daughter loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Malkil, daughter of Shaul, loved David, and they told Shaul, and the statement was pleasing in his eyes
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Melchol the daughter of Saul loved David; and it was told Saul, and the thing was pleasing in his eyes.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Marries Michal
19So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. 20Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. 21“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 19:11-17
Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. ...

1 Samuel 25:44
But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

2 Samuel 3:13-14
“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.” / Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”

2 Samuel 6:16-23
As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. / So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. / When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts. ...

2 Samuel 21:8
But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite.

1 Kings 11:1-3
King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. / He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away.

Genesis 29:18-20
Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.

Genesis 34:12
Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!”

Judges 14:1-3
One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. / So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” / 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.”

Judges 16:4-5
Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. / The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.”

Ruth 3:10-11
Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. / And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.

Esther 2:17
And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

Proverbs 31:10
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.

Song of Solomon 1:2-4
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine. / The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you. / Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you.

Matthew 1:18-19
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.


Treasury of Scripture

And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

loved David

1 Samuel 18:28
And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him.

Judges 16:4,15
And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah…

2 Samuel 13:1
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

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Agreeable Daughter David Declare Eyes Loved Michal Pleased Right Saul Saul's Sight Word
1 Samuel 18
1. Jonathan befriends David
5. 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














Now Saul’s daughter Michal
The mention of "Saul’s daughter Michal" introduces us to a significant character in the narrative of David's rise to kingship. Michal, as a daughter of King Saul, represents a connection to the royal family, which is crucial in the unfolding of David's story. Her name, Michal, in Hebrew (מִיכַל), can mean "who is like God?" This name may reflect her noble status and the expectations placed upon her as a member of the royal household. Historically, daughters of kings were often used in political alliances, and Michal's role will become pivotal in the relationship between David and Saul.

loved David
The phrase "loved David" is significant as it highlights the personal affection Michal had for David, which is a recurring theme in David's life—being loved and admired by those around him. The Hebrew word for love used here is "אָהַב" (ahav), which denotes a deep emotional attachment and affection. This love is not merely political or strategic; it is genuine and personal. Michal's love for David sets the stage for future events, as it contrasts with Saul's growing jealousy and animosity towards David. Her love also foreshadows the complex and often tumultuous relationship she will have with David.

and when this was reported to Saul
The phrase "and when this was reported to Saul" indicates the communication channels within the royal court. Information about Michal's affection for David reaches Saul, suggesting that the king is kept informed about the personal lives of his family members, which is typical in a royal setting where alliances and relationships are of political importance. This report to Saul is a turning point, as it provides him with an opportunity to use Michal's love to his advantage. It reflects the dynamics of court life, where personal relationships are often intertwined with political strategy.

it pleased him
The phrase "it pleased him" reveals Saul's initial reaction to the news of Michal's love for David. The Hebrew word used here is "יָשַׁר" (yashar), which means to be right, straight, or pleasing. Saul's pleasure is not rooted in a father's joy over his daughter's affection but rather in the potential advantage he sees in this situation. Saul's pleasure is strategic; he sees an opportunity to ensnare David, whom he views as a threat to his throne. This reaction is a reflection of Saul's increasingly manipulative and paranoid nature, as he seeks to maintain his hold on power by any means necessary.

(20) And Michal Saul's daughter loved David.--But the love of the younger of the two royal princesses for her father's brilliant officer gave the unhappy king a fresh excuse to expose David's life to peril, while at the same time he appeared to be endeavouring to carry out an old formal promise.

Verses 20, 21. - Michal... loved David. Probably there was some short lapse of time between Merab's marriage and the growth of this affection, the news of which pleased Saul. He was not an ungenerous man, and possibly may have felt ashamed at having acted so meanly by David after having exposed him to danger. And yet evil thoughts again are uppermost, and his purposes are selfish; for either way Saul will be the gainer. David will probably be slain, he thinks, in trying to get the dowry asked of him; and if not, at all events he will himself be cleared of the stain of public dishonesty now resting upon him. Therefore Saul said to David. Not in person, which accounts for David giving no answer, but through his servants, as is recounted more fully afterwards.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Saul’s
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

daughter
בַּת־ (baṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1323: A daughter

Michal
מִיכַ֥ל (mî·ḵal)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4324: Michal -- wife of David

loved
וַתֶּאֱהַ֛ב (wat·te·’ĕ·haḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

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

and when this was reported
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ (way·yag·gi·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

to Saul,
לְשָׁא֔וּל (lə·šā·’ūl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

it
הַדָּבָ֖ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

pleased
וַיִּשַׁ֥ר (way·yi·šar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3474: To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous

him.
בְּעֵינָֽיו׃ (bə·‘ê·nāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain


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OT History: 1 Samuel 18:20 Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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