1 Samuel 16:21
New International Version
David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers.

New Living Translation
So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer.

English Standard Version
And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.

Berean Standard Bible
When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer.

King James Bible
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

New King James Version
So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer.

New American Standard Bible
Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul greatly loved him, and he became his armor bearer.

NASB 1995
Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer.

NASB 1977
Then David came to Saul and attended him, and Saul loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then David came to Saul and stood before him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer.

Amplified Bible
Then David came to Saul and attended him. Saul loved him greatly and [later] David became his armor bearer.

Christian Standard Bible
When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer.

American Standard Version
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armorbearer.

Contemporary English Version
David went to Saul and started working for him. Saul liked him so much that he put David in charge of carrying his weapons.

English Revised Version
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David came to Saul and served him. Saul loved him very much and made David his armorbearer.

Good News Translation
David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much and chose him as the man to carry his weapons.

International Standard Version
David went to Saul and began to serve him. Saul loved him very much, and he became his armor bearer.

Majority Standard Bible
When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer.

NET Bible
David came to Saul and stood before him. Saul liked him a great deal, and he became his armor bearer.

New Heart English Bible
David came to Saul, and stood before him. He loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armor-bearer.

World English Bible
David came to Saul and stood before him. He loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David comes to Saul, and stands before him, and he loves him greatly; and he is a bearer of his weapons.

Young's Literal Translation
And David cometh in unto Saul, and standeth before him, and he loveth him greatly; and he is a bearer of his weapons.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will come to Saul, and stand before him: and he will love him greatly; and he will be to him lifting up the arms.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him exceedingly, and made him his armourbearer.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David went to Saul, and stood before him. And he loved him exceedingly, and he made him his armor bearer.

New American Bible
Thus David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul became very fond of him and made him his armor-bearer.

New Revised Standard Version
And David came to Saul, and entered his service. Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David came to Saul, and stood before him; and he loved him greatly; and he became his armorbearer.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David came to Shaul and stood before him, and he loved him greatly, and he was Armor Bearer for him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David came to Saul, and stood before him; and he loved him greatly; and he became his armour-bearer.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David went in to Saul, and stood before him; and he loved him greatly; and he became his armour-bearer.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Serves Saul
20And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat, and sent them to Saul with his son David. 21When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer. 22Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 18:1-5
After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. ...

1 Samuel 17:55-58
As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.” / “Find out whose son this young man is!” said the king. / So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul. ...

1 Samuel 19:4-7
Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. / He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” / Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.” ...

1 Samuel 20:1-4
Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” / “Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!” / But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” ...

1 Samuel 22:14
Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house?

2 Samuel 5:2
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.’”

2 Samuel 7:8
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

1 Chronicles 17:7
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.

Psalm 78:70-72
He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

Romans 13:1-4
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

Ephesians 6:5-9
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...

Philippians 2:19-22
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing. / I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs. / For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ...

Colossians 3:22-24
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.


Treasury of Scripture

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.

stood before him

Genesis 41:46
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 1:38
But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

loved him

Psalm 62:9
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

Psalm 118:9
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Psalm 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

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1 Samuel 16
1. Samuel sent by God, under pretense of a sacrifice, comes to Bethlehem
6. His human judgment is reproved
11. He anoints David
15. Saul sends for David to quiet his evil spirit














When David came to Saul
This phrase marks a significant moment in the biblical narrative, as David, the future king of Israel, enters the service of Saul, the current king. The Hebrew root for "came" (בּוֹא, bo) implies an arrival or coming into a new situation. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for David's rise to prominence. Historically, this meeting is orchestrated by God, who has already chosen David as the next king. It is a divine appointment that begins David's journey from shepherd to sovereign.

and entered his service
The phrase "entered his service" indicates David's formal induction into Saul's court. The Hebrew word for "service" (שָׁרַת, sharath) often denotes ministering or attending to someone of higher status. This reflects David's initial role as a servant, highlighting his humility and willingness to serve. In a broader theological context, it underscores the biblical principle that true leadership begins with servanthood, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

Saul admired him greatly
The admiration Saul has for David is noteworthy. The Hebrew root for "admired" (אָהַב, ahav) is often translated as "loved" or "had affection for." This suggests a deep appreciation and fondness that Saul develops for David. Historically, this admiration is significant because it shows the initial positive relationship between Saul and David, which later becomes strained. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of how God can grant favor and influence in the eyes of others, even in challenging circumstances.

and David became his armor-bearer
The role of an "armor-bearer" was one of great trust and responsibility. The Hebrew term (נָשָׂא כֵּלִים, nasa kelim) literally means "one who carries the armor." This position required loyalty and bravery, as the armor-bearer was often close to the king in battle. David's appointment to this role signifies his growing importance in Saul's court and foreshadows his future as a warrior king. It also illustrates the providential preparation God provides for those He calls, equipping them for future tasks through present experiences.

(21) And he became his armour-bearer.--But probably only for a very short time. David returned, we should conclude, to Samuel, whose pupil and friend we know he was. The seer was watching over the young man with a view to his lofty destiny. Saul apparently, from his question in 1Samuel 17:55, "Whose son is this youth?" had forgotten all about him. There is no "note of time," so we are not able to determine how long a period had elapsed between the events narrated in this chapter and the combat with the Philistines told in 1 Samuel 17. It is, however, likely that the king's malady, which was making rapid progress in this period of his reign, had already obscured his once powerful mind; his memory for the past was likely enough to have been treacherous.

Verses 21-23. - David came to Saul, and stood before him. The latter phrase means, "became one of his regular attendants." This, and his being appointed one of Saul's armour bearers, happened only after the lapse of some time. The armour bearer, like the esquire in the middle ages, had to carry his lord's lance, and sword, and shield, and was always a tried soldier, and one whom the king trusted. It was apparently after the combat with Goliath that Saul sent to Jesse, and asked that David might be always with him; and until his jealousy burst forth David was very dear to him, and his music exercised a soothing influence upon his melancholy. At first, probably, these fits of insanity came upon Saul only at distant intervals, but afterwards more frequently, and with such loss of self-control that he more than once tried to murder David, and even Jonathan, his own son. We have, then, here a summary of the relations of Saul to David until the unfortunate day when the king heard the women ascribe to the youthful soldier the higher honor (1 Samuel 18:7); and thenceforward these friendly feelings gave way to a growing dislike which deprived Saul of a faithful servant, and finally cost him his crown and life on Mount Gilboa.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When David
דָוִד֙ (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

came
וַיָּבֹ֤א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

and entered his service,
וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד (way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

Saul admired
וַיֶּאֱהָבֵ֣הֽוּ (way·ye·’ĕ·hā·ḇê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

him greatly,
מְאֹ֔ד (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

and David became
וַֽיְהִי־ (way·hî-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

his armor-bearer.
נֹשֵׂ֥א (nō·śê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take


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OT History: 1 Samuel 16:21 David came to Saul and stood before (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 16:20
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