1 Samuel 17:42

Modern

When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome.

Traditional

And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

Literal

And the Philistine looked about and saw David and despised him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a fair appearance.

Latin

Cumque inspexisset Philisthæus, et vidisset David, despexit eum. Erat enim adolescens, rufus, et pulcher aspectu.

Hebrew

English

When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome.

ruddy: The same Hebrew word is translated “red” (Genesis 25:25). Here, it highlights David’s youth and inexperience.
boy: Saul had expressed similar disbelief (1 Samuel 17:33). Goliath, as a champion, expected to face an Israelite warrior of equal status.

Theme notes and profiles

1 Samuel 16:12
So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”
1 Samuel 17:33
But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”
Psalm 123:3–4
Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
2 Corinthians 11:27–29
…in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure.
2 Kings 18:23–24
Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them!
Nehemiah 4:2–4
…before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?”
1 Kings 20:18
“If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.”

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan