Translations
Modern
So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul.
Traditional
And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
Literal
And David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, and Abner took him and brought him before the face of Saul, and the head of the Philistine was in his hand.
Latin
Cumque regressus esset David, percusso Philisthæo, tulit eum Abner, et introduxit coram Saule, caput Philisthæi habentem in manu.
Original
Hebrew
English
So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul.
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
Achish David Giants Goliath Psalm 151 Samuel, Books of First and Second Warfare