1 Samuel 17:40
New International Version
Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

New Living Translation
He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.

English Standard Version
Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.

Berean Standard Bible
And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine.

King James Bible
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

New King James Version
Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.

New American Standard Bible
Then he took his staff in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, that is, in his shepherd’s pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.

NASB 1995
He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.

NASB 1977
And he took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.

Amplified Bible
Then he took his [shepherd’s] staff in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones out of the stream bed, and put them in his shepherd’s bag which he had, that is, in his shepherd’s pouch. With his sling in his hand, he approached the Philistine.

Christian Standard Bible
Instead, he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pouch, in his shepherd’s bag. Then, with his sling in his hand, he approached the Philistine.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Instead, he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pouch, in his shepherd’s bag. Then, with his sling in his hand, he approached the Philistine.

American Standard Version
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

Contemporary English Version
and picked up his shepherd's stick. He went out to a stream and picked up five smooth rocks and put them in his leather bag. Then with his sling in his hand, he went straight toward Goliath.

English Revised Version
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He took his stick with him, picked out five smooth stones from the riverbed, and put them in his shepherd's bag. With a sling in his hand, he approached the Philistine.

Good News Translation
He took his shepherd's stick and then picked up five smooth stones from the stream and put them in his bag. With his sling ready, he went out to meet Goliath.

International Standard Version
He took his staff in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook and put them in the pouch in his shepherd's bag. He approached the Philistine with his sling in his hand.

Majority Standard Bible
And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd?s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine.

NET Bible
He took his staff in his hand, picked out five smooth stones from the stream, placed them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag, took his sling in hand, and approached the Philistine.

New Heart English Bible
Then he took his staff in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in the shepherd's bag, in the pouch. And his sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand; and he drew near to the Philistine.

World English Bible
He took his staff in his hand, and chose for himself five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag which he had. His sling was in his hand; and he came near to the Philistine.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he takes his staff in his hand, and chooses five smooth stones for himself from the brook, and puts them in the shepherds’ vessel that he has, even in the leather pouch, and his sling [is] in his hand, and he draws near to the Philistine.

Young's Literal Translation
And he taketh his staff in his hand, and chooseth for him five smooth stones from the brook, and putteth them in the shepherds' habiliments that he hath, even in the scrip, and his sling is in his hand, and he draweth nigh unto the Philistine.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will take his rod in his hand, and he will choose to him five smooth stones from the torrent, and he will put them in a vessel of the shepherds, which is to him, and in a sack; and his sling in his hand: and he will draw near to him of the rovers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he took his staff, which he had always in his hands: and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them into the shepherd's scrip, which he had with him, and he took a sling in his hand, and went forth against the Philistine.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he took up his staff, which he held always in his hands. And he chose for himself five very smooth stones from the torrent. And he put them into the shepherd’s bag that he had with him. And he took up a sling in his hand. And he went out against the Philistine.

New American Bible
Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag. With his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine.

New Revised Standard Version
Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones out of the gravel, and put them into his shepherd's bag, even into his wallet, and his sling was in his hand; and he drew near to the Philistine.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he took his staff in his hand and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the sand and laid them in his Shepherd’s garment in his bag, and his sling was in his hand and he came to the Philistines
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his scrip; and his sling was in his hand; and he drew near to the Philistine.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he took his staff in his hand, and he chose for himself five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's scrip which he had for his store, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Slays Goliath
39David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not accustomed to them. “I cannot walk in these,” David said to Saul. “I am not accustomed to them.” So David took them off. 40And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine. 41Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him.…

Cross References
Judges 7:5-7
So Gideon brought the men down to the water, and the LORD said to him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel to drink.” / And the number of those who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths was three hundred men; all the others knelt to drink. / Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.”

1 Samuel 16:11-13
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.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

2 Samuel 23:21
He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.

2 Kings 3:25
They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.

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.

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.

Psalm 144:1
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 11:4
but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / 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.

Jeremiah 1:7-8
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.

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matthew 17:20
“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mark 11:22-24
“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.


Treasury of Scripture

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a money; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

staff

Judges 3:31
And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

Judges 7:16-20
And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers…

Judges 15:15,16
And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith…

brook.

Matthew 10:10
Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Jump to Previous
Approached Bag Bed Brook Chooseth Chose Direction Draweth Drew Habiliments Hand Nigh Philistine Pouch Putteth Scrip Sending Shepherds Shepherd's Sling Smooth Staff Stick Stones Stream Used Wallet
Jump to Next
Approached Bag Bed Brook Chooseth Chose Direction Draweth Drew Habiliments Hand Nigh Philistine Pouch Putteth Scrip Sending Shepherds Shepherd's Sling Smooth Staff Stick Stones Stream Used Wallet
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 he took his staff in his hand
The staff, in Hebrew "מַקֵּל" (maqel), is a symbol of David's identity as a shepherd. It represents his past experiences and the skills he has honed while tending sheep. The staff is not just a tool but a symbol of God's guidance and protection, reminiscent of Psalm 23:4, "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." David's reliance on his staff signifies his trust in God's provision and his readiness to face challenges with the tools God has given him.

selected five smooth stones from the brook
The act of selecting "five smooth stones" is significant. The Hebrew word for stones, "אֲבָנִים" (avanim), suggests careful selection and preparation. The number five may symbolize grace or completeness in biblical numerology. The smoothness of the stones indicates they were well-suited for flight, having been shaped by the water's flow over time. This imagery can inspire believers to see how God prepares and shapes them for His purposes, using the trials and experiences of life to refine them.

and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag
The "pouch" or "כֶּלִי" (keli) in Hebrew, is a simple, practical container, yet it holds the tools for victory. The shepherd's bag represents David's humble beginnings and his resourcefulness. It is a reminder that God often uses the ordinary and the humble to accomplish extraordinary feats. This phrase encourages believers to trust that God can use their everyday skills and resources for His glory.

And with his sling in hand
The "sling," or "קֶלַע" (qela), was a common weapon for shepherds, used to protect the flock from predators. It symbolizes David's readiness and confidence in his God-given abilities. The sling, though simple, becomes a powerful instrument in God's hands. This teaches that faith, when combined with the skills God has given, can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

he approached the Philistine
David's approach to the Philistine, Goliath, signifies courage and faith. The Hebrew verb "נָגַשׁ" (nagas) implies drawing near with purpose and determination. David's action is a testament to his unwavering faith in God, who had delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear. This phrase inspires believers to face their giants with confidence, knowing that God goes before them and fights their battles.

(40) And he took his staff in his hand.--It was a true stroke of military genius in David, this determination of his to fight only with the weapons, weak and unimportant though they seemed, with which he was familiar, and in the use of which he was so skilful; nor was the issue of the combat, now he had resolved to use the sling, even doubtful. It has been well said he was like one armed with a rifle, while his enemy had only a spear and a sword, and if only he could take sure aim the result was absolutely certain.

Wordsworth, again, on the words "chose him five smooth stones out of the brook," refers to Augustine's Commentary, who finds here a deep mystical signification. It is an admirable specimen of the Patristic School of Exposition, which, although quaint, and not unfrequently "far-fetched," will always, and with good reason, possess great power over the minds of the earnest and devout student. "So our Divine David, the Good Shepherd of Bethlehem, when He went forth at the temptation to meet Satan--our ghostly Goliath--chose five stones out of the brook. He took the five books of Moses out of the flowing stream of Judaism. He took what was solid out of what was fluid. He took what was permanent out of what was transitory. He took what was moral and perpetual out of what was ceremonial and temporary. He took stones out of a brook, and with one of these He overthrew Satan. All Christ's answers to the tempter are moral precepts, taken from one Book of the Law (Deuteronomy), and He prefaced His replies with the same words, 'It is written;' and with this sling and stone of Scripture He laid our Goliath low, and He has taught us by His example how we may also vanquish the tempter." (See St. Augustine, Sermon 32)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And [David] took
וַיִּקַּ֨ח (way·yiq·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

his staff
מַקְל֜וֹ (maq·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4731: A shoot, stick

in his hand,
בְּיָד֗וֹ (bə·yā·ḏōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

selected
וַיִּבְחַר־ (way·yiḇ·ḥar-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

five
חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה (ḥă·miš·šāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 2568: Five

smooth
חַלֻּקֵֽי־ (ḥal·lu·qê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2512: Smooth

stones
אֲבָנִ֣ים ׀ (’ă·ḇā·nîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 68: A stone

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the brook,
הַנַּ֡חַל (han·na·ḥal)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft

and put
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם (way·yā·śem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

them in the pouch
וּבַיַּלְק֖וּט (ū·ḇay·yal·qūṭ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3219: Receptacle, perhaps a wallet

of his shepherd’s
הָרֹעִ֧ים (hā·rō·‘îm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

bag.
בִּכְלִ֨י (biḵ·lî)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

And with his sling
וְקַלְּע֣וֹ (wə·qal·lə·‘ōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7050: A sling, a, screen, the valve

in hand,
בְיָד֑וֹ (ḇə·yā·ḏōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

he approached
וַיִּגַּ֖שׁ (way·yig·gaš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

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


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:40 He took his staff in his hand (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:39
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