1 Samuel 17:10
New International Version
Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.”

New Living Translation
I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!”

English Standard Version
And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”

King James Bible
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

New King James Version
And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I have defied the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man, so that we may fight together.”

NASB 1995
Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”

NASB 1977
Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Again the Philistine said, “I openly reproach the battle lines of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”

Amplified Bible
Again the Philistine said, “I defy the battle lines of Israel this day; give me a man so that we may fight together.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me a man so we can fight each other! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me a man so we can fight each other!”

American Standard Version
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

Contemporary English Version
Here and now I challenge Israel's whole army! Choose someone to fight me!

English Revised Version
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Philistine added, "I challenge the Israelite battle line today. Send out a man so that we can fight each other."

Good News Translation
Here and now I challenge the Israelite army. I dare you to pick someone to fight me!"

International Standard Version
The Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me one man and let's fight together."

Majority Standard Bible
Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”

NET Bible
Then the Philistine said, "I defy Israel's troops this day! Give me a man so we can fight each other!"

New Heart English Bible
The Philistine said, "I defy the armies of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

World English Bible
The Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel today! Give me a man, that we may fight together!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Philistine says, “I have reproached the ranks of Israel this day; give a man to me and we fight together!”

Young's Literal Translation
And the Philistine saith, 'I have reproached the ranks of Israel this day; give to me a man, and we fight together.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he of the rovers will say, I upbraided the ranks of Israel this day; ye shall give to me a man and we will fight together.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Philistine said: I have defied the bands of Israel this day: Give me a man, and let him fight with me hand to hand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Philistine was saying: “I have reproached the troops of Israel today. Present a man to me, and let him undertake a fight against me alone.”

New American Bible
The Philistine continued: “I defy the ranks of Israel today. Give me a man and let us fight together.”

New Revised Standard Version
And the Philistine said, “Today I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man, that we may fight together.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the Philistine said, I have defied the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Philistine said: “I defy the ranks of Israel today! Give me a man! We shall fight together!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the Philistine said: 'I do taunt the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Philistine said, Behold, I have defied the armies of Israel this very day: give me a man, and we will both of us fight in single combat.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Goliath's Challenge
9If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and labor for us.” 10Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!” 11On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.…

Cross References
Numbers 13:31-33
But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” / So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature. / We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!”

Deuteronomy 1:28
Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”

Joshua 2:9-11
and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.

Judges 14:12-14
“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. / But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.” / So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle.

1 Samuel 14:6
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.”

1 Samuel 17:26
David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

1 Samuel 17:36-37
Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” / David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.”

1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

2 Samuel 21:15-22
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” ...

2 Kings 19:9-13
Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? ...

2 Kings 19:22-23
Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! / Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest outposts, the densest of its forests.

Psalm 44:6-8
For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. / For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame. / In God we have boasted all day long, and Your name we will praise forever. Selah

Psalm 46:1-3
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah

Psalm 118:6-7
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? / The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.

Isaiah 37:23-24
Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! / Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests.


Treasury of Scripture

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

I defy

1 Samuel 17:25,26,36,45
And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel…

Numbers 23:7,8
And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel…

2 Samuel 21:21
And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.

give me

Job 40:9-12
Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? …

Psalm 9:4,5
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right…

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

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Armies Defied Defy Israel Philistine Ranks Reproached Shame Taunt Together
1 Samuel 17
1. The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle
4. 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














Then the Philistine said
The term "Philistine" refers to a member of an ancient people who were adversaries of Israel. Historically, the Philistines were known for their advanced weaponry and military prowess, often posing a significant threat to the Israelites. The Philistines occupied the coastal region of Canaan and were frequently in conflict with Israel. This particular Philistine, Goliath, represents the epitome of their strength and defiance against God's chosen people. His words are not just a personal challenge but a national affront to Israel and their God.

I defy
The Hebrew root for "defy" is "חרף" (charaph), which means to reproach, taunt, or scorn. This word conveys a deep sense of contempt and challenge. Goliath's defiance is not merely against the army of Israel but against the God of Israel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, battles were often seen as contests between deities, and Goliath's defiance is a direct challenge to the sovereignty and power of Yahweh.

the ranks of Israel
The "ranks" refer to the organized divisions of the Israelite army. In Hebrew, the word used is "מערכות" (ma'arakot), which implies a structured and strategic military formation. This highlights the seriousness of the challenge, as Goliath is not just confronting individuals but the entire military might of Israel. Theologically, Israel's ranks symbolize God's chosen people, set apart to fulfill His purposes on earth.

this day
The phrase "this day" emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of the challenge. It suggests a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, where the outcome of this confrontation could have significant implications. Biblically, "this day" often marks a moment of decision or divine intervention, where God acts decisively on behalf of His people.

Give me a man
Goliath's demand for a single combatant is a common practice in ancient warfare, known as "single combat," where champions from opposing sides would fight to determine the outcome of the battle. This request underscores the personal nature of the challenge and the Philistine's confidence in his own strength. Spiritually, it foreshadows the coming of David, a man after God's own heart, who would rise to meet this challenge not with physical might but with faith in the Lord.

that we may fight each other
The concept of fighting "each other" in this context is not just a physical battle but a spiritual confrontation. The Hebrew word for "fight" is "נלחם" (nilcham), which can also mean to engage in warfare or struggle. This battle is emblematic of the ongoing struggle between the forces of God and the forces of darkness. It serves as a reminder that the true battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers and principalities. In this narrative, David's eventual victory over Goliath symbolizes the triumph of faith and divine power over human arrogance and earthly might.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the Philistine
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔י (hap·pə·liš·tî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

said,
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I
אֲנִ֗י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

defy
חֵרַ֛פְתִּי (ḥê·rap̄·tî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2778: To pull off, to expose, to betroth, to carp at, defame, to spend the winter

the ranks
מַעַרְכ֥וֹת (ma·‘ar·ḵō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4634: An arrangement, a pile, a military array

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

this
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

day!
הַיּ֣וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

Give
תְּנוּ־ (tə·nū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

me
לִ֣י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

a man
אִ֔ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

to fight!”
וְנִֽלָּחֲמָ֖ה (wə·nil·lā·ḥă·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:10 The Philistine said I defy the armies (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:9
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