1 Samuel 17:33 But 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."

Bible > 1 Samuel > Chapter 17 > Verse 33

◄ 1 Samuel 17:33 ►

New International Version
Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

New Living Translation
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.”

English Standard Version
And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”

Berean Standard Bible
But 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.”

King James Bible
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

New King James Version
And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”

New American Standard Bible
But Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight him; for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior since his youth.”

NASB 1995
Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.”

NASB 1977
Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.”

Amplified Bible
Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight him. For you are [only] a young man and he has been a warrior since his youth.”

Christian Standard Bible
But Saul replied, “You can’t go fight this Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Saul replied, “You can’t go fight this Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.”

American Standard Version
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

Contemporary English Version
"You don't have a chance against him," Saul replied. "You're only a boy, and he's been a soldier all his life."

English Revised Version
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul responded to David, "You can't fight this Philistine. You're just a boy, but he's been a warrior since he was your age."

Good News Translation
"No," answered Saul. "How could you fight him? You're just a boy, and he has been a soldier all his life!"

International Standard Version
Saul told David, "You can't go against this Philistine and fight him. You are only a young man, but he has been a warrior since his youth."

Majority Standard Bible
But 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.?

NET Bible
But Saul replied to David, "You aren't able to go against this Philistine and fight him! You're just a boy! He has been a warrior from his youth!"

New Heart English Bible
Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

World English Bible
Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Saul says to David, “You are not able to go to this Philistine, to fight with him, for you [are] a youth, and he [has been] a man of war from his youth.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul saith unto David, 'Thou art not able to go unto this Philistine, to fight with him, for a youth thou art, and he a man of war from his youth.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will say to David, Thou wilt not be able to go against this of the rovers to war with him, for thou a boy, and he a man of war from his youth.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul said to David: Thou art not able to withstand this Philistine, nor to fight against him: for thou art but a boy, but he is a warrior from his youth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul said to David: “You are not able to withstand this Philistine, nor to fight against him. For you are a boy, but he has been a warrior from his boyhood.”

New American Bible
But Saul answered David, “You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him, for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.”

New Revised Standard Version
Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Saul said to David, You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a boy, and he has been a man of war from his youth.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul said to David: “You cannot go against this Philistine to fight with him, because you are a boy, and he is a man, a warrior from his boyhood!”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul said to David: 'Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul said to David, Thou wilt not in anywise be able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for thou art a mere youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David Accepts the Challenge
…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.” 34David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Numbers 13:31
But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!”

Joshua 14:8
Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God.

Judges 6:15
“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”

1 Samuel 9:21
Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”

1 Samuel 16:11
And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

2 Samuel 21:15-17
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 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

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?

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 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 1:6-8
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

Luke 1:37
For no word from God will ever fail.”

Luke 18:27
But Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Treasury of Scripture

And Saul said to David, You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for you are but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

Thou art not

Numbers 13:31
But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

Deuteronomy 9:2
A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak!

Psalm 11:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

for thou are but

1 Samuel 17:42,56
And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance…

Jump to Previous

Able Boy David Earliest Philistine Saul War Warrior Youth

Jump to Next

Able Boy David Earliest Philistine Saul War Warrior Youth

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

Berean Study Bible

But Saul replied
This phrase introduces us to King Saul's response to David's bold offer to fight Goliath. Saul, the first king of Israel, is a complex figure who often struggles with faith and obedience. His reply here reflects a common human tendency to judge by outward appearances and conventional wisdom rather than faith. The Hebrew root for "replied" (עָנָה, 'anah) often implies a response that is not just verbal but also reflects an attitude or judgment, highlighting Saul's skepticism and doubt.

You cannot go out
Saul's words here are a direct challenge to David's faith and courage. The phrase "go out" (יָצָא, yatsa) in Hebrew often implies a purposeful departure, such as going out to battle. Saul's statement underscores the perceived impossibility of the task from a human perspective, emphasizing the daunting nature of the challenge before David. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God's people are often called to step out in faith against overwhelming odds.

against this Philistine
The Philistines were a significant threat to Israel during this period, often depicted as a formidable and oppressive enemy. The term "Philistine" (פְּלִשְׁתִּי, Pelishti) is not just an ethnic identifier but also represents the spiritual and physical opposition to God's people. This context sets the stage for the confrontation as not merely a physical battle but a spiritual one, where the honor of God and His people is at stake.

to fight him
The act of fighting (לְהִלָּחֵם, lehilachem) in the Hebrew context is more than just physical combat; it is often seen as a struggle that involves divine intervention and support. Saul's doubt in David's ability to fight Goliath reflects a lack of understanding of the spiritual dimension of the battle. This phrase challenges believers to recognize that our battles are not just against flesh and blood but involve spiritual warfare where faith is our greatest weapon.

you are just a boy
Saul's description of David as "just a boy" (נַעַר, na'ar) highlights the perceived inadequacy and inexperience of David. In the ancient Near Eastern context, youth was often associated with inexperience and vulnerability. However, this underestimation sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power through the weak and humble, a recurring biblical theme where God uses the unlikely to accomplish His purposes.

and he has been a warrior from his youth
This phrase contrasts David's youth with Goliath's experience. The term "warrior" (אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה, ish milchamah) denotes a seasoned fighter, emphasizing Goliath's formidable reputation and skill. The historical context of ancient warfare highlights the importance of experience and training, which Goliath possessed. Yet, this sets up the narrative tension where God's deliverance does not depend on human strength or experience but on His sovereign power and purpose.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(33) And Saul said to David . . .--The king evidently looked on the brave boy with love and admiration, but at first doubted in his heart the reality of David's mission. Whether or not Saul recognised the youth as the sweet singer who had charmed away, perhaps more than once, that terrible soul malady of his which was desolating his once vigorous manhood, is doubtful. (See the Note at the end of this chapter.) He--more than any one in that armed camp--evidently felt that David possessed powers not usually bestowed on the sons of men, and was clearly disposed from the first to grant the shepherd boy's startling petition that the honour of Israel might be entrusted to his almost child-hands. Still, Saul would talk with him, and set before him the grave perils of the terrible encounter he was so eager to engage in.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

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

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

“You cannot
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

go out
לָלֶ֙כֶת֙ (lā·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

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

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

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

to fight
לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

him.
עִמּ֑וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

You are
אַ֔תָּה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

just a boy,
נַ֣עַר (na·‘ar)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

and he
וְה֛וּא (wə·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

has been a warrior
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

from his youth.”
מִנְּעֻרָֽיו׃ (min·nə·‘u·rāw)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5271: Youth, the state, the persons

Links

1 Samuel 17:33 NIV
1 Samuel 17:33 NLT
1 Samuel 17:33 ESV
1 Samuel 17:33 NASB
1 Samuel 17:33 KJV

1 Samuel 17:33 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 17:33 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 17:33 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 17:33 French Bible
1 Samuel 17:33 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 17:33 Saul said to David You are not (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)