1 Samuel 17:58
New International Version
“Whose son are you, young man?” Saul asked him. David said, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”

New Living Translation
“Tell me about your father, young man,” Saul said. And David replied, “His name is Jesse, and we live in Bethlehem.”

English Standard Version
And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Whose son are you, young man?” asked Saul. “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,” David replied.

King James Bible
And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.

New King James Version
And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” So David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

New American Standard Bible
Then Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

NASB 1995
Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

NASB 1977
And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

Amplified Bible
Saul asked him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”

Christian Standard Bible
Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man? ” “The son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,” David answered.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” “The son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,” David answered.

American Standard Version
And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.

Contemporary English Version
and Saul asked, "Who are you?" "I am David the son of Jesse, a loyal Israelite from Bethlehem."

English Revised Version
And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul asked him, "Whose son are you, young man?" "The son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem," David answered.

Good News Translation
Saul asked him, "Young man, whose son are you?" "I am the son of your servant Jesse from Bethlehem," David answered.

International Standard Version
Saul told him, "Whose son are you, young man?" David said, "The son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem."

Majority Standard Bible
?Whose son are you, young man?? asked Saul. ?I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,? David replied.

NET Bible
Saul said to him, "Whose son are you, young man?" David replied, "I am the son of your servant Jesse in Bethlehem."

New Heart English Bible
Saul said to him, "Whose son are you, young man?" David answered, "I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.

World English Bible
Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, you young man?” David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Saul says to him, “Whose son [are] you, O youth?” And David says, “Son of your servant Jesse, the Beth-Lehemite.”

Young's Literal Translation
and Saul saith unto him, 'Whose son art thou, O youth?' and David saith, 'Son of thy servant Jesse, the Beth-Lehemite.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will say to him, Whose son thou, O youth? And David will say, Thy servant the son of Jesse of the House of Bread.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul said to him: Young man, of what family art thou? And David said: I am the son of thy servant Isai the Bethlehemite.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul said to him, “Young man, from what ancestry are you?” And David said, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”

New American Bible
Saul then asked him, “Whose son are you, young man?” David replied, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”

New Revised Standard Version
Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul said to him, Whose son are you, young man? And David said to him, I am the son of your servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Shaul said to him: “Whose son are you, young man?” David said to him: “Son of your Servant Iyshay, who is from Bayth Lekhem”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul said to him: 'Whose son art thou, thou young man?' And David answered: 'I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.'

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Slays Goliath
57So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul. 58“Whose son are you, young man?” asked Saul. “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,” David replied.

Cross References
1 Samuel 16:12-13
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.

1 Samuel 16:18
One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.”

1 Samuel 18:2
And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house.

1 Samuel 18:17-19
Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” / And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” / So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.

1 Samuel 20:30-31
Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? / For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!”

1 Samuel 22:7-8
Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? / Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”

1 Samuel 24:16-17
When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud / and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.

1 Samuel 25:28-31
Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. / And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling. / When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel, ...

1 Samuel 26:17-18
Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said. / And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?

2 Samuel 7:8-9
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. / I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like that of the greatest in the land.

2 Samuel 22:51
Great salvation He brings to His king. He shows loving devotion to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever.”

1 Chronicles 17:7
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.

Psalm 89:20-21
I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him.

Matthew 1:1
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Matthew 22:42-45
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. / Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: / ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ ...


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul said to him, Whose son are you, you young man? And David answered, I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.

1 Samuel 17:31
And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.

I am the son

1 Samuel 17:12
Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

1 Samuel 16:18,19
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…

Jump to Previous
Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Bethlehemite Beth-Lehemite David Jesse Saul Servant Thou Young Youth
Jump to Next
Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Bethlehemite Beth-Lehemite David Jesse Saul Servant Thou Young 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














Whose son are you, young man?
This question posed by Saul is significant in the context of ancient Israelite society, where lineage and family heritage were crucial. The Hebrew word for "son" is "ben," which not only refers to a biological relationship but also to one's identity and social standing. Saul's inquiry reflects a desire to understand David's background, as family ties often determined one's role and status within the community. The term "young man" (Hebrew: "na'ar") indicates David's youth and vigor, highlighting the remarkable nature of his victory over Goliath despite his age.

Saul asked him
Saul, the first king of Israel, is depicted here as a leader seeking to understand the origins of the young hero who has just delivered a significant victory for Israel. This moment is pivotal, as it marks the beginning of Saul's awareness of David, who will later become a central figure in Israel's history. Saul's inquiry can be seen as a moment of recognition, where the king acknowledges the potential and promise in David, setting the stage for their complex relationship.

And David replied
David's response is humble and straightforward, reflecting his character. The Hebrew root for "replied" is "anah," which can also mean to answer or respond. This indicates a respectful and direct communication, characteristic of David's interactions. His reply is not only an answer to Saul's question but also an introduction of himself to the royal court, marking the beginning of his rise to prominence.

I am the son of your servant Jesse
David identifies himself as the son of Jesse, emphasizing his humble origins. The term "servant" (Hebrew: "ebed") signifies loyalty and service, indicating Jesse's and, by extension, David's allegiance to Saul. This phrase underscores the theme of servanthood and humility that runs throughout David's early life. Jesse's role as a servant to Saul also highlights the social structure of the time, where families often served the king and were part of the broader community network.

of Bethlehem
Bethlehem, a small town in Judah, is significant both historically and theologically. Known as the "House of Bread" (Hebrew: "Bet Lechem"), Bethlehem is later recognized as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, linking David's lineage to the Messianic prophecy. At this point in the narrative, Bethlehem is introduced as the humble origin of Israel's future king, emphasizing God's tendency to choose the unlikely and the lowly to fulfill His purposes. This setting foreshadows the greater role Bethlehem will play in the salvation history of Israel and the world.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Whose
מִ֥י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

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

young man?”
הַנָּ֑עַר (han·nā·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

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

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

“[I am] the son
בֶּֽן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

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

Jesse
יִשַׁ֖י (yi·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3448: Jesse -- father of David

of Bethlehem,”
הַלַּחְמִֽי׃ (hal·laḥ·mî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1022: Bethlehemite -- a Beth-lechemite

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

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


Links
1 Samuel 17:58 NIV
1 Samuel 17:58 NLT
1 Samuel 17:58 ESV
1 Samuel 17:58 NASB
1 Samuel 17:58 KJV

1 Samuel 17:58 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 17:58 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 17:58 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 17:58 French Bible
1 Samuel 17:58 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 17:58 Saul said to him Whose son (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:57
Top of Page
Top of Page