1 Samuel 18:8
New International Version
Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”

New Living Translation
This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!”

English Standard Version
And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?”

Berean Standard Bible
And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?”

King James Bible
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

New King James Version
Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”

New American Standard Bible
Then Saul became very angry, for this lyric displeased him; and he said, “They have given David credit for ten thousands, but to me they have given credit for only thousands! Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”

NASB 1995
Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”

NASB 1977
Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Saul became very angry, for this saying was displeasing in his eyes; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”

Amplified Bible
Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed [only] thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”

Christian Standard Bible
Saul was furious and resented this song. “They credited tens of thousands to David,” he complained, “but they only credited me with thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul was furious and resented this song. “They credited tens of thousands to David,” he complained, “but they only credited me with thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?”

American Standard Version
And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

Contemporary English Version
This song made Saul very angry, and he thought, "They are saying that David has killed ten times more enemies than I ever did. Next they will want to make him king."

English Revised Version
And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul became very angry because he considered this saying to be insulting. "To David they credit tens of thousands," he said, "but to me they credit [only] a few thousand. The only thing left for David is my kingdom."

Good News Translation
Saul did not like this, and he became very angry. He said, "For David they claim tens of thousands, but only thousands for me. They will be making him king next!"

International Standard Version
Saul was very angry and he did not like what the women sang. He told himself, "They have attributed tens of thousands to David, but to me they have attributed thousands. What else can he have but the kingdom?"

Majority Standard Bible
And Saul was furious and resented this song. ?They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,? he said, ?but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom??

NET Bible
This made Saul very angry. The statement displeased him and he thought, "They have attributed to David tens of thousands, but to me they have attributed only thousands. What does he lack, except the kingdom?"

New Heart English Bible
Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands. What can he have more but the kingdom?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands; and what can he have more but the kingdom?

World English Bible
Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have credited David with ten thousands, and they have only credited me with thousands. What can he have more but the kingdom?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it is exceedingly displeasing to Saul, and this thing is evil in his eyes, and he says, “They have given myriads to David, and they have given the thousands to me, and what more [is there] for him but the kingdom?”

Young's Literal Translation
And it is displeasing to Saul exceedingly, and this thing is evil in his eyes, and he saith, 'They have given to David myriads, and to me they have given the thousands, and more to him is only the kingdom;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will kindle to Saul greatly, and this word will be evil in his eyes; and he will say, They gave to David ten thousands and to me they gave thousands, and yet to him but the kingdom.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul was exceeding angry, and this word was displeasing in his eyes, and he said: They have given David ten thousands, and to me they have given but a thousand; what can he have more but the kingdom?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Saul became exceedingly angry, and this word was displeasing in his eyes. And he said: “They have given David ten thousand, and to me they gave only one thousand. What is left for him, except the kingdom itself?”

New American Bible
Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David tens of thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.”

New Revised Standard Version
Saul was very angry, for this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands; what more can he have but the kingdom?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands; and what more can he have but the kingdom?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul was very provoked, and this saying was evil in his eyes, and he said: “They have given to David ten thousands and to me they gave thousands, and next the Kingdom is his!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said: 'They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands; and all he lacketh is the kingdom!'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it seemed evil in the eyes of Saul concerning this matter, and he said, To David they have given ten thousands, and to me they have given thousands.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Envies David
7And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” 8And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” 9And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 15:28
So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.

1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

1 Samuel 24:20
Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

1 Samuel 23:17
saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.”

1 Samuel 20:31
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!”

2 Samuel 3:10
to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.”

2 Samuel 5:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

2 Samuel 7:16
Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.”

1 Kings 2:15
“You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD.

1 Kings 11:11
Then the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.

1 Kings 14:8
I tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you. But you have not been like My servant David, who kept My commandments and followed Me with all his heart, doing only what was right in My eyes.

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.

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.

Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

the saying

Esther 3:5
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

Proverbs 13:10
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

Numbers 11:1
And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

Numbers 22:34
And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

and what

1 Samuel 13:14
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

1 Samuel 15:28
And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

1 Samuel 16:13
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Jump to Previous
Angry Ascribed Credit Credited David Displeased Displeasing Evil Exceedingly Eyes Kingdom Lacketh Myriads Refrain Saul Sight Ten Tens Thought Thousands Unpleasing Wroth
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Angry Ascribed Credit Credited David Displeased Displeasing Evil Exceedingly Eyes Kingdom Lacketh Myriads Refrain Saul Sight Ten Tens Thought Thousands Unpleasing Wroth
1 Samuel 18
1. Jonathan befriends David
5. Saul envies his praise
10. seeks to kill him in his fury
12. fears him for his good success
17. offers him his daughters for snare
23. David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law,
25. gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry
28. Saul's hatred and David's glory increase














And Saul was furious
The Hebrew word for "furious" is "charah," which conveys a deep, burning anger. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's righteous anger, but here it reflects Saul's personal and sinful wrath. Saul's fury is not just a momentary outburst but a reflection of his growing insecurity and jealousy. Historically, Saul's anger marks the beginning of his tragic downfall, as he allows his emotions to cloud his judgment and lead him away from God's favor.

and resented this song
The word "resented" in Hebrew is "ra'ah," which means to be displeased or to view something as evil. Saul's resentment is not just against the song itself but against the implications it carries. The song, sung by the women of Israel, praises David's military successes, which Saul perceives as a threat to his own status. This resentment is a seed of bitterness that grows into a destructive force in Saul's life, illustrating the danger of allowing envy to take root in one's heart.

'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,'
The phrase "ascribed to David tens of thousands" highlights the public recognition and honor David receives for his victories. The Hebrew word "natan," meaning "to give" or "to ascribe," indicates that the people are attributing great success and worth to David. This public acclaim is a turning point in David's life, setting the stage for his eventual rise to kingship. It also serves as a test of character for both David and Saul, revealing David's humility and Saul's pride.

'but to me they have ascribed only thousands.'
Saul's comparison of the numbers "tens of thousands" and "thousands" reveals his preoccupation with human accolades and his insecurity about his own achievements. The Hebrew word "eleph" for "thousands" is used here to emphasize the perceived disparity in honor between Saul and David. This comparison is a reflection of Saul's internal struggle with pride and his inability to find contentment in God's calling for his life.

What more can he have but the kingdom?
This rhetorical question exposes Saul's fear and paranoia. The Hebrew word "malkuth" for "kingdom" signifies not just a physical realm but also authority and rule. Saul's fear that David will take the kingdom is prophetic, as it foreshadows David's future as king. However, Saul's focus on earthly power blinds him to the spiritual reality that God is sovereign over Israel's leadership. This statement marks the beginning of Saul's obsession with eliminating David, which ultimately leads to his own demise.

(8) What can he have more but the kingdom?--In this foreboding utterance of Saul there was involved not only a conjecture which the result confirmed, but a deep inward truth: if the king stood powerless before the subjugators of his kingdom at so decisive a period as this, and a shepherd boy came and decided the victory, this was an additional mark of his rejection.--V. Gerlach, quoted in Keil.

Some years had passed since he first heard from the lips of his old prophet-friend the Divine sentence of his rejection from the kingdom. In that sad period he had doubtless been on the look-out for the one destined by the Invisible King to be his successor. This dread expectation of ruin and dethronement had been a powerful factor in the causes which had led to the unhingement of Saul's mind. Was not this gifted shepherd boy--now the idol of the people--the future hope of Israel?

Verses 8, 9. - What can he have more? etc. Literally, "And there is beside for him only the kingdom. Though many years had passed since Samuel pronounced Saul's deposition, and the choice of another in his place (1 Samuel 15:28), yet it was not a thing that a king could ever forget. No doubt he had often looked out for signs of the person destined to be his successor; and now, when he had stood powerless before the enemy, a shepherd boy had stepped forth and given him the victory. And this stripling, taken to be his companion in arms, had shown so great qualities that the people reckoned him at ten times Saul's worth. Had Saul been the high-minded man he was when appointed to the kingdom (1 Samuel 11:13), he would have thrust such thoughts from him. But his mind had become cankered with discontent and brooding thoughts, and so he eyed David from that day and forward. In many nations the eye of an envious man is supposed to have great power of injury. Here it means that Saul cast furtive glances at David full of malice and ill will.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Saul
לְשָׁא֜וּל (lə·šā·’ūl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

was furious
וַיִּ֨חַר (way·yi·ḥar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

and resented
וַיֵּ֤רַע (way·yê·ra‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7489: To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad

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

song.
הַדָּבָ֣ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

“They have ascribed
נָתְנ֤וּ (nā·ṯə·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

tens of thousands
רְבָב֔וֹת (rə·ḇā·ḇō·wṯ)
Number - feminine plural
Strong's 7233: Multitude, myriad, ten thousand

to David,”
לְדָוִד֙ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

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

“but only
נָתְנ֖וּ (nā·ṯə·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

thousands
הָאֲלָפִ֑ים (hā·’ă·lā·p̄îm)
Article | Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505: A thousand

to me.
וְלִ֥י (wə·lî)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

What more
וְע֥וֹד (wə·‘ō·wḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

can he have
ל֖וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

but
אַ֥ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

the kingdom?”
הַמְּלוּכָֽה׃ (ham·mə·lū·ḵāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4410: Something ruled, a realm


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OT History: 1 Samuel 18:8 Saul was very angry and this saying (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 18:7
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