1 Samuel 17:31 net — When David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, he called for him.

NET Bible

"When David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, he called for him."

— 1 Samuel 17:31, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 17:31 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 17 — Context

28

When David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, he became angry with David and said,“Why have you come down here? To whom did you entrust those few sheep in the wilderness? I am familiar with your pride and deceit! You have come down here to watch the battle!”

29

David replied,“What have I done now? Can’t I say anything?”

30

Then he turned from those who were nearby to someone else and asked the same question, but they gave him the same answer as before.

31

When David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, he called for him.

32

David said to Saul,“Don’t let anyone be discouraged. Your servant will go and fight this Philistine!”

33

But Saul replied to David,“You aren’t able to go against this Philistine and fight him! You’re just a boy! He has been a warrior from his youth!”

34

David replied to Saul,“Your servant has been a shepherd for his father’s flock. Whenever a lion or bear would come and carry off a sheep from the flock,

1 Samuel 17:31 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 17:31 say?
1 Samuel 17:31 in the NET Bible reads: “When David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, he called for him.”
Where is 1 Samuel 17:31 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 17:31 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 17, verse 31.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 17:31.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 17:31 in?
1 Samuel 17:31 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 17:31?
1 Samuel 17:31 reads (NET): “When David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, he called for him.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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