1 Samuel 17:43

Translations

Modern

“Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

Traditional

And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

Literal

And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you would come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

Latin

Et dixit Philisthæus ad David: Numquid ego canis sum, quod tu venis ad me cum baculo? Et maledixit Philisthæus David in diis suis:

Original

Hebrew

English

“Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

Notes

1 Samuel 17:43

a dog: This phrase is a metaphor (a word picture) for a low-status servant who bows and obeys others. Goliath used it to insult David and treat him as worthless (see 2 Samuel 9:8).
sticks: David had hidden his sling. Goliath could see only David’s staff, so he thought David was coming with a simple weapon.
by his gods: Goliath called on his gods, so David's win would also show God's victory over Dagon, the main god of the Philistines (see 1 Samuel 5:2, 5).

Theme notes and profiles

Abner David Saul The Philistines David's Response to Unfriendly Leaders

Events

Related verses

2 Samuel 3:8
Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman!
2 Samuel 9:8
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?”
1 Samuel 24:14
Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?
Genesis 27:29
May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.”
Proverbs 26:2
Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
2 Samuel 16:9
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!”
2 Kings 8:13
“But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
Numbers 22:6
So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”
Judges 9:27
And after they had gone out into the fields, gathered grapes from their vineyards, and trodden them, they held a festival and went into the house of their god; and as they ate and drank, they cursed Abimelech.
Numbers 22:11–12
‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’”

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Places

Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Achish Archaeology and the Bible David Dog Giants Goliath Psalm 151 Samuel, Books of First and Second Sling, Slinger Warfare

Topics

Armies: March in Ranks: Champions Fight Instead of Championship: Goliath and David Courage: Personal Bravery: David, in Killing Goliath Decision: David Dog: Epithet of Contempt Reviling and Reproaching: Goliath Sling: David Kills Goliath with A The Philistines: David: Slew Goliath the Champion of Trust of the Wicked: Goliath

1 Samuel 17:43

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Events

Related verses

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