Old Testament
1 Samuel 18:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Saul instructed his servants, "Talk to David privately and tell him, 'The king is fond of you, and all his servants like you. You should become the king's son-in-law.'"
Compare translations
And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king’s son in law.
What 1 Samuel 18:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King Saul is trying to bring David closer to him by suggesting that he marry one of his daughters. Saul knows that David is well-liked by his servants and believes that this connection could strengthen their bond. By encouraging David to become his son-in-law, Saul hopes to secure David's loyalty and keep him close. This is a strategic move, as Saul is aware of David's rising popularity and potential threat to his throne. The king's affection for David is genuine, but it is also mixed with jealousy and fear. Saul's plan reveals the complexities of their relationship, where friendship and rivalry coexist. This moment sets the stage for future conflicts, as Saul's intentions are not entirely pure. It highlights the challenges of navigating relationships when power dynamics are at play, reminding us that even in close connections, ulterior motives can exist. David's response to this proposal will be crucial in shaping his future and his relationship with Saul.
How to apply 1 Samuel 18:22 to your life
Consider the relationships in your life. Are there connections that seem supportive but may have hidden motives? Reflect on how you can build genuine relationships based on trust and transparency, avoiding the pitfalls of jealousy and manipulation. Seek to understand the intentions behind others' actions to foster healthier interactions and connections in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: David Marries Michal (1 Samuel 18:17–30)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 18:22
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 18:22
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 18:22 mean?
1 Samuel 18:22 shows King Saul trying to bring David closer by suggesting he marry one of his daughters. This reflects Saul's desire to secure David's loyalty while also revealing his jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity.
What themes are present in 1 Samuel 18:22?
The themes present in 1 Samuel 18:22 include loyalty, jealousy, and the complexities of relationships, especially in power dynamics. This verse illustrates how personal connections can be influenced by ulterior motives.
How does 1 Samuel 18:22 relate to power dynamics?
In 1 Samuel 18:22, Saul's suggestion to David to marry his daughter reflects the power dynamics at play, as Saul seeks to control David's loyalty through familial ties while grappling with his own insecurities.
What can we learn from 1 Samuel 18:22 about relationships?
From 1 Samuel 18:22, we learn that relationships can be complicated, often involving hidden motives. It encourages us to seek genuine connections based on trust and transparency, rather than manipulation or jealousy.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.