1 Samuel 17:32
New International Version
David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”

New Living Translation
“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!”

English Standard Version
And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”

Berean Standard Bible
And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!”

King James Bible
And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

New King James Version
Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”

New American Standard Bible
And David said to Saul, “May no one’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine!”

NASB 1995
David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”

NASB 1977
And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”

Amplified Bible
David said to Saul, “Let no man’s courage fail because of him (Goliath). Your servant will go out and fight with this Philistine.”

Christian Standard Bible
David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone be discouraged by him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone be discouraged by him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine!”

American Standard Version
And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

Contemporary English Version
"Your Majesty," he said, "this Philistine shouldn't turn us into cowards. I'll go out and fight him myself!"

English Revised Version
And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David told Saul, "No one should be discouraged because of this. I will go and fight this Philistine."

Good News Translation
David said to Saul, "Your Majesty, no one should be afraid of this Philistine! I will go and fight him."

International Standard Version
David told Saul, "Let no one's courage fail because of him; your servant will go fight this Philistine."

Majority Standard Bible
And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!”

NET Bible
David said to Saul, "Don't let anyone be discouraged. Your servant will go and fight this Philistine!"

New Heart English Bible
David said to Saul, "Let not my lord's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine."

Webster's Bible Translation
And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

World English Bible
David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David says to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fall because of him, your servant goes, and has fought with this Philistine.”

Young's Literal Translation
and David saith unto Saul, 'Let no man's heart fall because of him, thy servant doth go, and hath fought with this Philistine.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say to Saul, man's heart shall not fall on account of him; thy servant will go and fight with this one of the rovers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he was brought to him, he said to him: Let not any man's heart be dismayed in him: I thy servant will go, and will fight against the Philistine.

Catholic Public Domain Version
When he had been led to Saul, he said to him: “Let no one lose heart over him. I, your servant, shall go and fight against the Philistine.”

New American Bible
Then David spoke to Saul: “My lord should not lose heart. Let your servant go and fight this Philistine.”

New Revised Standard Version
David said to Saul, “Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said to Shaul: “Do not let the heart of a man fall because of him. I, your Servant, shall go and fight with this Philistine”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David said to Saul: 'Let no man's heart fail within him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said to Saul, Let not, I pray thee, the heart of my lord be dejected within him: thy servant will go, and fight with this Philistine.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Accepts the Challenge
31Now David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, who called for him. 32And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!” 33But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”…

Cross References
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

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.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Psalm 27:1
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?

Matthew 14:27
But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

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.

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

1 John 4:4
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.


Treasury of Scripture

And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

Let

Numbers 13:30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

Numbers 14:9
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

Deuteronomy 20:1-3
When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt…

thy

1 Samuel 14:6
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

1 Samuel 16:18
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.

Joshua 14:12
Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

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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














David said to Saul
This phrase introduces us to the young shepherd, David, who is speaking to King Saul. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used to denote a declaration or proclamation. David's approach to Saul is bold and confident, reflecting his faith and trust in God. Historically, this moment is significant as it marks the beginning of David's rise to prominence in Israel. David's willingness to speak to the king shows his courage and conviction, qualities that are central to his character throughout the biblical narrative.

Let no man's heart fail
The phrase "heart fail" comes from the Hebrew "לֵב" (lev) for "heart" and "נָפַל" (naphal) for "fail" or "fall." In ancient Hebrew culture, the heart was considered the center of emotion and courage. David is encouraging the Israelites not to lose heart or be discouraged by the intimidating presence of Goliath. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where faith in God is presented as the antidote to fear and despair. David's words are a call to trust in God's power rather than be overwhelmed by the enemy's might.

on account of this Philistine
The Philistines were a significant threat to Israel during this period, often depicted as fierce and formidable warriors. The term "Philistine" in Hebrew is "פְּלִשְׁתִּי" (P'lishti), and they were known for their advanced weaponry and military prowess. By referring to Goliath simply as "this Philistine," David diminishes the giant's perceived power and threat, emphasizing his own faith in God's superiority over any earthly adversary.

Your servant
David refers to himself as "your servant," using the Hebrew word "עֶבֶד" (eved), which denotes humility and submission. This is significant as it shows David's respect for Saul's authority as king, even as he steps forward to take on a role that Saul himself is unable to fulfill. It also highlights David's servant leadership, a quality that will define his future reign as king.

will go and fight him
The phrase "will go and fight" is a declaration of action and intent. The Hebrew word for "go" is "הָלַךְ" (halak), and "fight" is "לָחַם" (lacham). David's willingness to confront Goliath is not based on his own strength or experience but on his faith in God. This act of courage is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, demonstrating that God often chooses the unlikely and the humble to accomplish His purposes. David's readiness to fight Goliath is an inspirational reminder of the power of faith and the importance of stepping forward in obedience to God's call, regardless of the odds.

Verses 32, 33. - On being brought before the king, David says, Let no man's heart fail because of him, i.e. "on account of this Philistine." Literally it is "upon him," and some therefore translate "within him." The Septuagint forman reads "my lord" - "Let not my lord's heart fail within him." Probably "within him" is the best rendering of the phrase. Thou art but a youth. I.e. "a lad" (see on 1 Samuel 1:24; 2:18). It is the word applied to David's brethren in 1 Samuel 16:11, and his friend must have been very enthusiastic when, in 1 Samuel 16:18, he described him as a "hero of valour and a man of war."

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

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

“Let no
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

man's
אָדָ֖ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

heart
לֵב־ (lêḇ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

fail
יִפֹּ֥ל (yip·pōl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

on account of
עָלָ֑יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

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

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

Your servant
עַבְדְּךָ֣ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

will go
יֵלֵ֔ךְ (yê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and fight him!”
וְנִלְחַ֖ם (wə·nil·ḥam)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:32 David said to Saul Let no man's (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:31
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