Translations
Modern
As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.”
Traditional
And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
Literal
And Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, and he said to Abner the commander of the army, “The son of whom is this youth, Abner?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, if I know.”
Latin
Eo autem tempore quo viderat Saul David egredientem contra Philisthæum, ait ad Abner principem militiæ: De qua stirpe descendit hic adolescens, Abner? Dixitque Abner: Vivit anima tua, rex, si novi.
Original
Hebrew
English
As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.”
Notes
Considering 1 Samuel 16:14–23, it is surprising that neither Saul nor Abner recognized David. The events in 1 Samuel 17 might have occurred either before or long after David's occasional service mentioned in 1 Samuel 16. Saul likely ruled as king for forty-two years, as noted in 1 Samuel 13:1.
Theme notes and profiles
Abner David Saul The Philistines David's Response to Unfriendly Leaders
Events
People
Abner: Saul's cousin and commander of his army David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel
Places
Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan
Glossary
Abner Achish David Giants God, Names of Goliath Psalm 151 Samuel, Books of First and Second Warfare
Topics
Abner: Captain of the Host Tribe of Benjamin: Celebrated Persons of Abner