1 Samuel 17:11
New International Version
On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.

New Living Translation
When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken.

English Standard Version
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

Berean Standard Bible
On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.

King James Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

New King James Version
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

New American Standard Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and very fearful.

NASB 1995
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

NASB 1977
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

Legacy Standard Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

Amplified Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

Christian Standard Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard these words from the Philistine, they lost their courage and were terrified.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard these words from the Philistine, they lost their courage and were terrified.

American Standard Version
And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

Contemporary English Version
Saul and his men heard what Goliath said, but they were so frightened of Goliath that they couldn't do a thing.

English Revised Version
And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Saul and all the Israelites heard what this Philistine said, they were gripped with fear.

Good News Translation
When Saul and his men heard this, they were terrified.

International Standard Version
When Saul and all the Israelis heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and very frightened.

Majority Standard Bible
On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.

NET Bible
When Saul and all the Israelites heard these words of the Philistine, they were upset and very afraid.

New Heart English Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

Webster's Bible Translation
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

World English Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul hears—and all Israel—these words of the Philistine, and they are broken down and greatly afraid.

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul heareth -- and all Israel -- these words of the Philistine, and they are broken down and greatly afraid.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will hear and all Israel, these words of him of the rovers, and they will be terrified and greatly afraid.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul and all the Israelites hearing these words of the Philistine were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul and all the Israelites, hearing these words of the Philistine in this manner, were stupefied and exceedingly afraid.

New American Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard this challenge of the Philistine, they were stunned and terrified.

New Revised Standard Version
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Saul and all Israel heard the words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul and all Israel heard the words of the Philistine, and they trembled and they were very afraid
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, and they were dismayed, and greatly terrified.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Goliath's Challenge
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 7:3
Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.

1 Samuel 14:15
Then panic struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked, and panic spread from God.

1 Samuel 28:5
When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.

2 Samuel 17:10
Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him.

2 Kings 19:6-7
who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. / Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”

2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.

Nehemiah 4:14
After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Psalm 27:1-3
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

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

Isaiah 7:2
When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Jeremiah 1:8
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

dismayed

Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Psalm 27:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

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Afraid Broken Dismayed Heard Heareth Hearing Israel Israelites Philistine Philistine's Saul Terrified Troubled Words
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Afraid Broken Dismayed Heard Heareth Hearing Israel Israelites Philistine Philistine's Saul Terrified Troubled Words
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














On hearing the words of the Philistine
This phrase sets the stage for the psychological warfare that Goliath, the Philistine champion, waged against Israel. The Philistines were a formidable enemy, often at odds with Israel. The term "Philistine" in Hebrew is "P'lishtim," which is derived from a root meaning "to roll" or "to wallow," possibly indicating their migratory or invasive nature. Historically, the Philistines were known for their advanced weaponry and military prowess, which would have made Goliath's words particularly intimidating. This moment highlights the power of words and the fear they can instill, especially when backed by a reputation of strength.

Saul and all the Israelites
Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen for his physical stature and leadership potential. However, this verse reveals a critical flaw in his kingship: a lack of faith and courage. The Israelites, God's chosen people, were meant to rely on divine strength rather than human might. The collective fear of Saul and the Israelites underscores a spiritual crisis, as they forgot the numerous times God had delivered them from their enemies. This phrase invites reflection on the importance of leadership rooted in faith and the impact of a leader's fear on their followers.

were dismayed and greatly afraid
The Hebrew words used here, "chathath" (dismayed) and "yare" (afraid), convey a deep, paralyzing fear. "Chathath" suggests a breaking down or shattering, while "yare" indicates a reverence or awe that has turned into terror. This reaction contrasts sharply with the courage that faith in God should inspire. Historically, Israel had faced numerous threats, yet their fear in this instance reveals a lapse in remembering God's past faithfulness. This phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the human tendency to focus on immediate threats rather than eternal promises, and it challenges believers to trust in God's power over any adversary.

(11) They were dismayed, and greatly afraid.--Saul the king, perhaps, was restrained from personally accepting the challenge by motives of dignity, but the marked silence on his part, and the utter hopelessness of his army, reads in strange contrast to the former records of Hebrew daring. Where was Jonathan, for instance, ever the bravest of the brave, and his gallant armour-bearer? There had assuredly been a time when neither motives of dignity nor prudence would have restrained Saul and his warriors from accepting the challenge of the uncircumcised enemy. We notice, too, here there is no inquiry of the Urim and Thummim, no mention of prayer to the God of the armies of Israel. An evil spirit was indeed upon the King of Israel.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On hearing
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע (way·yiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the
הָאֵ֑לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

words
דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

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

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

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

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

were dismayed
וַיֵּחַ֥תּוּ (way·yê·ḥat·tū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear

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

afraid.
וַיִּֽרְא֖וּ (way·yir·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:11 When Saul and all Israel heard those (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:10
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