1 Samuel 18:30
New International Version
The Philistine commanders continued to go out to battle, and as often as they did, David met with more success than the rest of Saul’s officers, and his name became well known.

New Living Translation
Every time the commanders of the Philistines attacked, David was more successful against them than all the rest of Saul’s officers. So David’s name became very famous.

English Standard Version
Then the commanders of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed.

Berean Standard Bible
Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed.

King James Bible
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

New King James Version
Then the princes of the Philistines went out to war. And so it was, whenever they went out, that David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed.

New American Standard Bible
Then the commanders of the Philistines went to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David was more successful than all the servants of Saul. So his name was held in high esteem.

NASB 1995
Then the commanders of the Philistines went out to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed.

NASB 1977
Then the commanders of the Philistines went out to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the commanders of the Philistines went out to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David behaved himself more insightfully than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed.

Amplified Bible
Then the Philistine commanders (princes) came out to battle, and it happened as often as they did, that David acted more wisely and had more success than all Saul’s servants. So his name was highly esteemed.

Christian Standard Bible
Every time the Philistine commanders came out to fight, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers. So his name became well known.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Every time the Philistine commanders came out to fight, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers. So his name became well known.

American Standard Version
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, as often as they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

Contemporary English Version
The Philistine rulers kept coming to fight Israel, but whenever David fought them, he won. He was famous because he won more battles against the Philistines than any of Saul's other officers.

English Revised Version
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, as often as they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Philistine generals still went out [to fight Israel]. But whenever they went out [to fight], David was more successful than the rest of Saul's officers. So David gained a good reputation.

Good News Translation
The Philistine armies would come and fight, but in every battle David was more successful than any of Saul's other officers. As a result David became very famous.

International Standard Version
The Philistine commanders would go out to fight and whenever they did, David was more successful than any of Saul's other leaders. His name was held in high esteem.

Majority Standard Bible
Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul?s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed.

NET Bible
Then the leaders of the Philistines would march out, and as often as they did so, David achieved more success than all of Saul's servants. His name was held in high esteem.

New Heart English Bible
Then the leaders of the Philistines went forth: and it happened, as often as they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was highly esteemed.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much esteemed.

World English Bible
Then the princes of the Philistines went out; and as often as they went out, David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the princes of the Philistines come out, and it comes to pass from the time of their coming out, David has acted more wisely than any of the servants of Saul, and his name is very precious.

Young's Literal Translation
And the princes of the Philistines come out, and it cometh to pass from the time of their coming out, David hath acted more wisely than any of the servants of Saul, and his name is very precious.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the chiefs of the rovers will go forth: and it will be whenever they went forth, David was prudent above all the servants of Saul: and his name will be very precious.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the princes of the Philistines went forth: and from the beginning of their going forth, David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul, and his name became very famous.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the leaders of the Philistines departed. And from the beginning of their departure, David conducted himself more prudently than all the servants of Saul, and his name became exceedingly celebrated.

New American Bible
The Philistine chiefs continued to make forays, but each time they took the field, David was more successful against them than any of Saul’s other officers, and his name was held in great esteem.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the commanders of the Philistines came out to battle; and as often as they came out, David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his fame became very great.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth raiding; and it came to pass at the time they went forth raiding, David was more successful than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was highly honored.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Princes of the Philistines went out, and it happened in the time that they had gone out, David was more successful than all the Servants of Shaul, and his name was honored greatly
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth; and it came to pass, as often as they went forth, that David prospered more than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Marries Michal
29he grew even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy. 30Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed.

Cross References
1 Samuel 18:5
So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.

1 Samuel 18:14-15
and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. / When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him.

1 Samuel 19:8
When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.

1 Samuel 23:1-5
Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.” / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” ...

1 Samuel 24:4-7
So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” ...

1 Samuel 26:1-12
Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” / So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there. / Saul camped beside the road at the hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon, but David was living in the wilderness. When he realized that Saul had followed him there, ...

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

2 Samuel 8:6
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

2 Samuel 8:14
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

2 Samuel 23:8-39
These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. ...

1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Chronicles 11:10-25
Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. / This is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chief of the officers; he wielded his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. ...

1 Chronicles 18:13
He placed garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

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 144:1-2
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. / He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.


Treasury of Scripture

Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

went forth

2 Samuel 11:1
And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

behaved himself

1 Samuel 18:5
And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.

Psalm 119:99
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

Daniel 1:20
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

set by [heb] precious

1 Samuel 2:30
Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

1 Samuel 26:21
Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

2 Kings 1:13
And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

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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














Every time
This phrase indicates the consistency and regularity of the events described. In the Hebrew text, the word used here suggests a repeated action, emphasizing that David's success was not a one-time occurrence but a continual pattern. This consistency in David's victories highlights the divine favor upon him, as God was with him in every battle, aligning with the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him.

the Philistine commanders
The Philistines were a significant adversary of Israel during this period. Historically, they were a sea-faring people known for their military prowess and advanced weaponry, particularly their use of iron. The mention of their commanders underscores the organized and formidable nature of the Philistine threat. David's success against such a well-equipped enemy further underscores the miraculous nature of his victories, suggesting divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

went out to battle
This phrase reflects the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. The Hebrew verb used here conveys the idea of going forth with purpose and determination. The battles were not mere skirmishes but significant military campaigns. David's participation in these battles as a leader under Saul's command demonstrates his growing role in Israel's military and his increasing responsibility and influence.

David was more successful
The Hebrew word for "successful" can also be translated as "wise" or "prosperous," indicating not just military success but also skillful leadership and strategic acumen. David's success is attributed to his wisdom and reliance on God, contrasting with Saul's declining favor with God. This success is a testament to David's anointing and God's plan for his future kingship.

than the rest of Saul’s officers
This comparison highlights David's exceptional abilities and the favor he enjoyed over Saul's other officers. It sets David apart as a leader of extraordinary capability and divine blessing. This distinction foreshadows the tension between Saul and David, as Saul becomes increasingly aware of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him.

So his name became well known
The phrase indicates the growing reputation and fame of David throughout Israel and beyond. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a person's name represented their character and achievements. David's name becoming well known signifies not only his military success but also his emerging status as a leader chosen by God. This widespread recognition is a precursor to his eventual kingship and the fulfillment of God's promise to establish David's lineage.

(30) Went forth.--Probably to avenge the last raid of David (recounted in 1Samuel 18:27). Wordsworth, quoting from the Rabbis, suggests that they were emboldened to make this attack, supposing that their successful foe would, according to the Hebrew Law, claim exemption from warfare for a year after marriage (Deuteronomy 24:5).

Verse 30. - The princes of the Philistines went forth. See on ver. 5. This new war was the result of David's raid, but it only led to an increase of his fame and popularity. For he behaved himself more wisely. I.e. was more successful and skilful than any of Saul's other officers.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Every time
מִדֵּ֣י (mid·dê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1767: Sufficiency, enough

the Philistine
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

commanders
שָׂרֵ֣י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

came out [for battle],
וַיֵּצְא֖וּ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

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

was more successful
שָׂכַ֤ל (śā·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent

than all
מִכֹּל֙ (mik·kōl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

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

officers,
עַבְדֵ֣י (‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

so that his name
שְׁמ֖וֹ (šə·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

was highly
מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

esteemed.
וַיִּיקַ֥ר (way·yî·qar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3365: To be heavy, valuable, to make rare


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OT History: 1 Samuel 18:30 Then the princes of the Philistines went (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 18:29
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