Old Testament
1 Samuel 17:47
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Everyone gathered here will know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. This battle belongs to the LORD, and he will give all of you into our hands.
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And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands.
What 1 Samuel 17:47 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, David is speaking to the gathered crowd before facing Goliath, the giant. He emphasizes that the true source of victory is not weapons or physical strength, but rather faith in God. David wants everyone to understand that God is powerful and can save in ways that seem impossible. The battle is not just about him; it belongs to God. By declaring this, David shows his confidence that God will deliver them from their enemy. This message is a reminder that when we face challenges, we should rely on our faith rather than our own abilities. It’s about trusting that God has a plan and will fight for us. David’s words inspire courage and hope, encouraging us to look beyond our circumstances and believe in divine intervention. This story teaches us that with faith, we can overcome even the greatest obstacles, as God is always on our side, ready to help us triumph over adversity. David’s assurance is a powerful reminder of the strength found in faith and reliance on God’s power.
How to apply 1 Samuel 17:47 to your life
When facing your own giants, remember that you are not alone. Trust in God’s power to help you overcome challenges. Instead of relying solely on your strength, seek guidance and support through prayer and faith. Believe that God can turn your struggles into victories, just as He did for David. Embrace the courage that comes from faith!
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: David Defeats Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40–58)
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David
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying 1 Samuel 17:47
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 17:47 mean?
1 Samuel 17:47 means that victory comes from faith in God rather than physical weapons. David is declaring that the battle against Goliath is God's, and He will ensure their victory.
What is the meaning of 'the battle is the LORD’s' in 1 Samuel 17:47?
The phrase 'the battle is the LORD’s' signifies that God is in control of the situation and will fight for His people. It emphasizes reliance on divine power rather than human strength.
How does 1 Samuel 17:47 inspire courage?
1 Samuel 17:47 inspires courage by reminding us that we can rely on God's strength in difficult situations. David's faith encourages us to trust that God can help us overcome our own challenges.
What lesson can we learn from 1 Samuel 17:47?
The lesson from 1 Samuel 17:47 is to trust in God's power when facing obstacles. It teaches that faith can lead to victory, even when circumstances seem impossible.
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