1 Samuel 19:5
New International Version
He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?”

New Living Translation
Have you forgotten about the time he risked his life to kill the Philistine giant and how the LORD brought a great victory to all Israel as a result? You were certainly happy about it then. Why should you murder an innocent man like David? There is no reason for it at all!”

English Standard Version
For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?”

Berean Standard Bible
He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”

King James Bible
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

New King James Version
For he took his life in his hands and killed the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause?”

New American Standard Bible
For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then would you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death for no reason?”

NASB 1995
“For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause?”

NASB 1977
“For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood, by putting David to death without a cause?”

Legacy Standard Bible
For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and Yahweh brought about a great salvation for all Israel; you saw it and were glad. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause?”

Amplified Bible
For he took his life in his hand and killed the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then would you sin against innocent blood by killing David without a cause?”

Christian Standard Bible
He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”

American Standard Version
for he put his life in his hand, and smote the Philistine, and Jehovah wrought a great victory for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice; wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

English Revised Version
for he put his life in his hand, and smote the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great victory for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He risked his life and killed the Philistine Goliath, and the LORD gave all Israel a great victory. When you saw it, you rejoiced. Why then should you sin by shedding David's innocent blood for no reason?"

Good News Translation
He risked his life when he killed Goliath, and the LORD won a great victory for Israel. When you saw it, you were glad. Why, then, do you now want to do wrong to an innocent man and kill David for no reason at all?"

International Standard Version
He risked his life and struck down the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a spectacular deliverance for all Israel. You saw that and rejoiced, so why would you do wrong and shed innocent blood by killing David without cause?"

Majority Standard Bible
He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”

NET Bible
He risked his life when he struck down the Philistine and the LORD gave all Israel a great victory. When you saw it, you were happy. So why would you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death for no reason?"

New Heart English Bible
for he put his life in his hand, and struck the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great victory for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause?"

Webster's Bible Translation
For he put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: Why then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

World English Bible
for he put his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and Yahweh worked a great victory for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
indeed, he puts his life in his hand, and strikes the Philistine, and YHWH works a great salvation for all Israel; you have seen, and rejoice, and why do you sin against innocent blood, to put David to death for nothing?”

Young's Literal Translation
yea, he putteth his life in his hand, and smiteth the Philistine, and Jehovah worketh a great salvation for all Israel; thou hast seen, and dost rejoice, and why dost thou sin against innocent blood, to put David to death for nought?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he put his soul in his hand and smote the rover, and Jehovah will make great salvation to all Israel: thou sawest and thou wilt rejoice; and wherefore wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to kill David gratuitously?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought great salvation for all Israel. Thou sawest it and didst rejoice. Why therefore wilt thou sin against innocent blood by killing David, who is without fault?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he took his life in his own hand, and struck down the Philistine. And the Lord wrought a great salvation for all of Israel. You saw it, and you rejoiced. Why then would you sin against innocent blood by killing David, who is without guilt?”

New American Bible
When he took his life in his hands and killed the Philistine, and the LORD won a great victory for all Israel, you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause?”

New Revised Standard Version
for he took his life in his hand when he attacked the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced; why then will you sin against an innocent person by killing David without cause?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For he put his life at your disposal, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel by his hand; you saw it and rejoiced; and now, why then will you sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For he put himself in your hands and he killed the Philistine and LORD JEHOVAH performed great salvation to all Israel by his hand, and you saw and you rejoiced, and now, why do you sin against innocent blood and you would kill David without a cause?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
for he put his life in his hand, and smote the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great victory for all Israel; thou sawest it, and didst rejoice; wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he put his life in his hand, and smote the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great deliverance; and all Israel saw, and rejoined: why then dost thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Attempts to Kill David
4Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. 5He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” 6Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 17:49-51
Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. / Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. / David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.

1 Samuel 18:6-7
As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

1 Samuel 24:17
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, ...

2 Samuel 21:17
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 Samuel 22:1
And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

Psalm 18:1-2
For the choirmaster. Of David the servant of the LORD, who sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love You, O LORD, my strength. / The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 35:1-3
Of David. Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me. / Take up Your shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. / Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”

Psalm 144:1-2
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. / He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

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.’

Acts 13:36
For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. His body was buried with his fathers and saw decay.

Hebrews 11:32-34
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

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

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Treasury of Scripture

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel: you saw it, and did rejoice: why then will you sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

put his life

1 Samuel 28:21
And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.

Judges 9:17
(For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:

Judges 12:3
And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me?

slew

1 Samuel 17:49-51
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth…

wrought

1 Samuel 11:13
And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

1 Samuel 14:45
And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

1 Samuel 17:52,53
And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron…

sin against innocent

1 Samuel 20:32
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?

Jeremiah 26:15
But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.

Matthew 27:4,24
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that

without a cause

Psalm 25:3
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

Psalm 69:4
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

John 15:25
But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

Jump to Previous
Blood Cause David Hand Innocent Israel Kill Life Philistine Rejoice Salvation Sawest Sin Slay Slew Smote Struck Victory Wherefore Wilt Worked Wrought
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Blood Cause David Hand Innocent Israel Kill Life Philistine Rejoice Salvation Sawest Sin Slay Slew Smote Struck Victory Wherefore Wilt Worked Wrought
1 Samuel 19
1. Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh
4. He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah
9. Hannah in grief prays for a child
12. Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her
19. Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned
24. She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord














He took his life in his hands
This phrase signifies the immense risk and courage David displayed when he faced Goliath. In the Hebrew context, "taking one's life in one's hands" implies a willingness to face mortal danger. David's actions were not just a display of bravery but also of faith, trusting in God's protection and purpose. This phrase reminds us of the call to step out in faith, even when the odds seem insurmountable, trusting that God is in control.

when he struck down the Philistine
The "Philistine" here refers to Goliath, the giant warrior who defied the armies of Israel. David's victory over Goliath was not just a military triumph but a spiritual one, demonstrating God's power over the enemies of His people. Historically, the Philistines were a constant threat to Israel, and David's victory was a turning point in Israel's struggle against them. This act of striking down the Philistine symbolizes the triumph of faith and God's deliverance over seemingly impossible challenges.

The LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel
This phrase emphasizes that the victory was not by David's might but by the LORD's intervention. The Hebrew word for "deliverance" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshu'ah) is often associated with salvation and rescue, underscoring that God is the ultimate savior of His people. This deliverance was "great" because it unified Israel and demonstrated God's favor and power. It serves as a reminder that God is the source of all true deliverance and victory in our lives.

You saw it and rejoiced
This statement is directed at Saul, reminding him of his initial reaction to David's victory. The joy that Saul and all Israel experienced was a natural response to witnessing God's hand at work. It highlights the communal aspect of God's deliverance, where the entire nation benefits and rejoices in God's acts. This joy is a testament to the shared faith and hope in God's promises and interventions.

Why would you sin against innocent blood
The phrase "innocent blood" refers to the unjust shedding of life, which is a grave sin in biblical teaching. David is portrayed as innocent, having done nothing to warrant Saul's hostility. This phrase serves as a moral and ethical challenge, urging Saul to reconsider his actions against David. It underscores the biblical principle of justice and the sanctity of life, reminding believers of the importance of righteousness and the protection of the innocent.

by killing David without cause
This phrase highlights the baseless nature of Saul's intent to harm David. "Without cause" indicates that there is no justification for Saul's actions, pointing to the irrationality and sinfulness of envy and hatred. In a broader sense, it serves as a warning against acting out of jealousy or fear, which can lead to unjust actions. It calls believers to examine their motives and ensure that their actions align with God's justice and love.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

his life
נַפְשׁ֨וֹ (nap̄·šōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

in his hands
בְכַפּ֜וֹ (ḇə·ḵap·pōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan

when he struck down
וַיַּ֣ךְ (way·yaḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

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

and the LORD
יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

worked
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

a great
גְדוֹלָה֙ (ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

salvation
תְּשׁוּעָ֤ה (tə·šū·‘āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8668: Deliverance, salvation

for all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

You saw
רָאִ֖יתָ (rā·’î·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

it and rejoiced,
וַתִּשְׂמָ֑ח (wat·tiś·māḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

so why
וְלָ֤מָּה (wə·lām·māh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

would you sin
תֶֽחֱטָא֙ (ṯe·ḥĕ·ṭā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

against innocent
נָקִ֔י (nā·qî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5355: Clean, free from, exempt

blood
בְּדָ֣ם (bə·ḏām)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

by killing
לְהָמִ֥ית (lə·hā·mîṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

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

for no reason?”
חִנָּֽם׃ (ḥin·nām)
Adverb
Strong's 2600: Gratis, devoid of cost, reason, advantage


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OT History: 1 Samuel 19:5 For he put his life in his (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 19:4
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