BibleWord.ai› Bible› 1 Samuel› Chapter 17› Verse 57

1 Samuel 17:57

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 17:57 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
1 Samuel 17:57 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
54And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.
55And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
56And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is.
57And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
58And 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.
← 1 Samuel 17:561 Samuel 17:58 →
← Full Chapter 17 1 Samuel Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, etc.] Carrying his head in triumph, and no doubt accompanied with the acclamations of the people: Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the head of the Philistine in his hand; to give an answer to the king’s question concerning him, who could best do it himself; and that Saul might have the opportunity of rewarding him, according to his merit, for so great a piece of service he had done for Israel, of which the head in his hand was a sufficient proof.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the head: Sa1 17:54 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 17:58”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“When David returned "from the slaughter of the Philistine," i.e., after the defeat of Goliath, and when Abner, who probably went as commander to meet the brave hero and congratulate him upon his victory, had brought him to Saul, the king addressed the same question to David, who immediately gave him the information he desired. For it is evident that David said more than is here communicated, viz., "the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite," as we have already observed, from the words of Sa1 18:1, which presuppose a protracted conversation between Saul and David. The only reason, in all probability, why this conversation has not been recorded, is that it was not followed by any lasting…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 1 Samuel 17 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification