Old Testament
1 Samuel 18:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Saul told them, "Say this to David: 'The king doesn't want any bride price — just 100 foreskins from the Philistines, as revenge against his enemies.'" Saul's real plan was for David to die at the hands of the Philistines.
Compare translations
And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
What 1 Samuel 18:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, King Saul is plotting against David, who has become a popular figure in Israel. Saul pretends to offer a simple request for a bride price, but his true intention is much darker. He wants David to face the Philistines in battle, hoping that David will be killed. By asking for 100 foreskins, Saul is setting an impossible and dangerous task. This reflects Saul's jealousy and fear of David's rising fame and success. Instead of seeing David as a potential ally, Saul views him as a threat. This moment highlights the lengths to which people will go when they feel insecure or threatened. It serves as a reminder of the destructive power of envy and the consequences of manipulation. Saul's actions reveal how personal vendettas can lead to dangerous situations, not just for the target but for everyone involved. David, unaware of Saul's true intentions, is caught in a deadly game of politics and power, illustrating the complexities of human relationships and ambition.
How to apply 1 Samuel 18:25 to your life
When faced with jealousy or insecurity, it's important to reflect on our motivations. Are we acting out of fear or envy? Instead of plotting against others, we should seek to build relationships based on trust and support. Recognizing our feelings can help us avoid destructive actions that harm ourselves and others. Choose collaboration over competition for a healthier environment.
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 18:25
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 18:25
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 18:25 mean?
1 Samuel 18:25 reveals King Saul's deceptive plan to eliminate David by sending him to battle the Philistines. Saul pretends to request a bride price of 100 foreskins, but his true intention is to have David killed, showcasing his jealousy and fear of David's growing popularity.
What is the significance of foreskins in 1 Samuel 18:25?
In 1 Samuel 18:25, the request for 100 foreskins symbolizes a dangerous and humiliating task meant to provoke David into a deadly confrontation with the Philistines. It highlights Saul's manipulative tactics and the extreme lengths he would go to eliminate his rival.
How does 1 Samuel 18:25 reflect Saul's character?
1 Samuel 18:25 reflects Saul's character as insecure and envious, willing to resort to treachery to maintain his power. His actions reveal a deep fear of losing control to David, whom he sees as a threat.
What can we learn from 1 Samuel 18:25?
From 1 Samuel 18:25, we learn about the destructive nature of jealousy and the consequences of manipulation. It serves as a reminder to reflect on our motivations and choose collaboration over competition in our relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.