New International Version“Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?”
New Living Translation“What have I done now?” David replied. “I was only asking a question!”
English Standard VersionAnd David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word?”
Berean Standard Bible“What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?”
King James BibleAnd David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
New King James VersionAnd David said, “What have I done now? Isthere not a cause?”
New American Standard BibleBut David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?”
NASB 1995But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?”
NASB 1977But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?”
Legacy Standard BibleBut David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a word?”
Amplified BibleBut David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a [harmless] question?”
Christian Standard Bible“What have I done now? ” protested David. “It was just a question.”
Holman Christian Standard Bible“What have I done now?” protested David. “It was just a question.”
American Standard VersionAnd David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
Contemporary English Version"Now what have I done?" David answered. "Can't I even ask a question?"
English Revised VersionAnd David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
GOD'S WORD® Translation"What have I done now?" David snapped at him. "Didn't I [merely] ask a question?"
Good News Translation"Now what have I done?" David asked. "Can't I even ask a question?"
International Standard Version"What have I done now?" David asked. "It was just a question, wasn't it?"
NET BibleDavid replied, "What have I done now? Can't I say anything?"
New Heart English BibleDavid said, "What have I now done? Is there not a cause?"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?”
World English BibleDavid said, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says, “What have I done now? Is it not a word?”
Young's Literal Translation And David saith, 'What have I done now? is it not a word?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd David will say, What did I now? is this not the word? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David said: What have I done? is there not cause to speak?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd David said: “What have I done? Is there any word against me?”
New American BibleDavid protested, “What have I done now? I was only talking.”
New Revised Standard VersionDavid said, “What have I done now? It was only a question.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said, What have I done now? Behold, I was just talking.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd David said: “What have I done now? Behold, this is a speech!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said: 'What have I now done? Was it not but a word?'
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context David Accepts the Challenge… 28Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!” 29“Whathave I donenow?”saidDavid.“Was it notjust a question?”30Then he turned from him toward another and asked about the offer, and those people answered him just as the first ones had answered.…
Cross References Numbers 13:30Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”
Numbers 14:6-9Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes / and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. / If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. ...
Joshua 14:12Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD’s help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken.”
Judges 6:14The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?”
1 Samuel 14:6-7Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”
1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
2 Samuel 10:12Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
2 Kings 6:16“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
2 Chronicles 20:12Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Psalm 27:1-3Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.
Psalm 31:24Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 56:3-4When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Isaiah 41:10Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Matthew 10:28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 14:29-31“Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. / But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” / Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
Treasury of Scripture And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Acts 11:2-4 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, … 1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. Jump to Previous CauseDavidLaidQuestionSpeakWordJump to Next CauseDavidLaidQuestionSpeakWord1 Samuel 17 1.The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle4.Goliath challenges a combat12.David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge28.Eliab chides him30.He is brought to Saul32.shows the reason of his confidence38.and slays the giant55.Saul takes notice of David“What have I done now?”David's question reflects his frustration and innocence in the face of his brother Eliab's anger. This moment occurs after David arrives at the battlefield to deliver supplies and hears Goliath's challenge. Eliab's reaction may stem from jealousy or embarrassment, as David's presence and interest in the battle highlight Eliab's own inaction. This phrase underscores the tension between David and his brothers, reminiscent of Joseph's relationship with his brothers in Genesis 37:4, where sibling rivalry and misunderstanding are evident. David's question also highlights his role as an outsider, not yet recognized as the future king, yet already demonstrating the qualities that God saw in him. “said David.”
David, the youngest son of Jesse, is introduced in1 Samuel 16 as a shepherd and musician, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel to be king. His character is marked by faith, courage, and a heart aligned with God's will. This moment in the narrative foreshadows David's future leadership and his reliance on God rather than human strength. David's life is a type of Christ, as both are shepherds who become kings, and both face opposition from their own people. David's faith and reliance on God in this chapter prefigure Christ's trust in the Father during His earthly ministry. “Was it not just a question?”
David's rhetorical question emphasizes his innocence and genuine curiosity about the situation with Goliath. It also highlights his courage and willingness to challenge the status quo, contrasting with the fear and hesitation of the Israelite army. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for David's confrontation with Goliath, where he demonstrates his faith in God over the might of human warriors. The question also reflects a deeper spiritual truth: the importance of questioning and seeking God's perspective in the face of fear and doubt. David's inquiry can be seen as a precursor to his psalms, where he often questions and seeks understanding from God. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. At this point, he is a shepherd and a musician in Saul's court. 2. EliabDavid's eldest brother, who is serving in King Saul's army. He is present at the battlefield where Goliath is challenging the Israelites. 3. The Valley of ElahThe location where the Philistine army, led by Goliath, is encamped against the Israelites. 4. GoliathA giant Philistine warrior who defies the armies of Israel, challenging them to send a champion to fight him. 5. Israelite ArmyThe forces of Israel, led by King Saul, who are intimidated by Goliath's challenge. Teaching Points Courage in the Face of CriticismDavid's response to Eliab's criticism shows his focus on God's mission rather than human approval. We should remain steadfast in our purpose, even when misunderstood by others. The Power of QuestionsDavid's question highlights the importance of seeking understanding and challenging the status quo. Asking the right questions can lead to greater faith and action. Faith Over FearDavid's willingness to confront Goliath stems from his faith in God rather than fear of man. We are called to trust in God's power over our circumstances. Family Dynamics and God's CallingDavid's interaction with Eliab reminds us that family may not always understand or support our divine calling. We must prioritize God's voice over familial expectations. Preparation for Greater BattlesDavid's past experiences as a shepherd prepared him for this moment. God uses our everyday experiences to equip us for future challenges. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17
How can David's earlier triumphs over the Philistines, such as in 1 Samuel 17, be reconciled with Achish's acceptance of him in 1 Samuel 29?
Why is there no mention of the Israelites objecting to David's alliance with Philistines in 1 Samuel 29, given David's notable status and background?
In 1 Samuel 29:3-5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time?
How could David and his men realistically fight from dusk until the following evening without rest (1 Samuel 30:17)?(29) Is there not a cause?--David answers his jealous and over-bearing elder brother with all gentleness and forbearance, but he does not cease to make his inquiries of the soldiers respecting the giant, nor does he refrain from loudly expressing his astonishment at such a public insult to the God of Israel being allowed to continue for so many days. The Hebrew here would be more literally rendered, "Is it not a word," or "It was only a word," thus deprecating his elder brother's anger. "What have I done? It was but a mere word. I was only speaking with holy anger about this impious challenge of the Philistine; nothing more." The ancient versions thus understand this clause. If we render as the Authorised Version, then the sense is quite clear. "You seem bitterly displeased with my zeal in this matter, but surely, is there not a good cause for my passionate emotion here--such an insult to our God?"
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Whatמֶ֥ה(meh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whathave I doneעָשִׂ֖יתִי(‘ā·śî·ṯî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makenow?”עָ֑תָּה(‘āt·tāh)Adverb
Strong's 6258:At this timesaidוַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayDavid.דָּוִ֔ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse“Was it notהֽוּא׃(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arejust a question?”דָּבָ֥ר(dā·ḇār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause
Links 1 Samuel 17:29 NIV1 Samuel 17:29 NLT1 Samuel 17:29 ESV1 Samuel 17:29 NASB1 Samuel 17:29 KJV
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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:29 David said What have I now done? (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
