Online Bible

First Book of Samuel, Chapter 18

Twitter · Facebook
1 Samuel 18 NWT - New World Translation1 Samuel 18 NWT - New World Translation

Chapter 18 of 1 Samuel—New World Translation (NWT)

  1. ¶ And it came about that, as soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, Jonʹa·than’s[a]1 very soul became bound2 up with the soul of David, and Jonʹa·than began to love him as his own soul.3
  2. Then Saul took him on that day, and he did not allow him to return to his father’s house.4
  3. And Jonʹa·than and David proceeded to conclude a covenant,5 because of his loving him as his own soul.6
  4. Further, Jonʹa·than stripped himself of the sleeveless coat that was on him and gave it to David, and also his garments, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.
  5. And David began going out. Wherever Saul would send him he would act prudently,7 so that Saul placed him over the men of war;8 and it seemed good in the eyes of all the people and also in the eyes of the servants of Saul.
  6. ¶ And it came about that at their coming in, when David returned from striking the Phi·lisʹtines[b] down,[c] the women began coming out from all the cities of Israel with song9 and dances to meet Saul the king, with tambourines,10 with rejoicing11 and with lutes.
  7. And the women that were celebrating kept responding and saying:
    ¶ “Saul has struck down his thousands,
    ¶ And David his tens of thousands.”12
  8. ¶ And Saul began to be very angry,13 and this saying was bad from his viewpoint,[d] so that he said: “They have given David tens of thousands, but to me they have given the thousands, and there is yet only the kingship to give him!”14
  9. And Saul was continually looking suspiciously at David from that day forward.15
  10. ¶ And it came about the next day16 that God’s bad spirit became operative upon Saul,17 so that he behaved like a prophet18 within the house, while David was playing music with his hand,19 as in former days; and the spear was in Saul’s hand.20
  11. And Saul proceeded to hurl the spear21 and say: “I will pin David even to the wall!”22 but David turned aside from before him, twice.23
  12. And Saul grew afraid24 of David because Jehovah proved to be with him,25 but from Saul he had departed.26
  13. Consequently Saul removed him from his company27 and appointed him as chief of a thousand for him; and he regularly went out and came in before the people.28
  14. And David was continually acting prudently29 in all his ways, and Jehovah was with him.30
  15. And Saul kept seeing that he was acting very prudently,31 so that he was scared of him.
  16. And all Israel and Judah were lovers of David, because he was going out and coming in before them.
  17. ¶ Finally Saul said to David: “Here is my oldest daughter Meʹrab.32 She is the one that I shall give you as a wife.33 Only prove yourself a valiant person to me and fight the wars[e] of Jehovah.”34 But as for Saul, he said to himself: “Do not let my hand come to be upon him, but let the hand of the Phi·lisʹtines come to be upon him.”35
  18. At this David said to Saul: “Who am I and who are my kinsfolk, my father’s family, in Israel, so that I should become son-in-law to the king?”36
  19. However, it came about that at the time for giving Meʹrab, Saul’s daughter, to David, she herself had already been given to Aʹdri·el37 the Me·holʹath·ite38 as a wife.
  20. ¶ Now Miʹchal,39 Saul’s daughter, was in love with David, and they went reporting it to Saul, and the matter was to his liking.[f]
  21. So Saul said: “I shall give her to him that she may serve as a snare to him,40 and that the hand of the Phi·lisʹtines may come to be upon him.” Accordingly Saul said to David: “By [one of] the two women[g] you will form a marriage alliance with me today.”
  22. Further, Saul commanded his servants: “Speak to David secretly, saying, ‘Look! The king has found delight in you, and all his servants themselves have fallen in love with you. So now form a marriage alliance with the king.’”
  23. And the servants of Saul began to speak these words in the ears of David, but David said: “Is it an easy thing in YOUR eyes to form a marriage alliance with the king, when I am a man of little means41 and lightly esteemed?”42
  24. Then the servants of Saul reported to him, saying: “It was with words like these that David spoke.”
  25. ¶ At that Saul said: “This is what YOU men will say to David, ‘The king has delight, not in marriage money,43 but in a hundred foreskins44 of the Phi·lisʹtines, to avenge45 himself on the enemies of the king.’” But as for Saul, he had schemed to have David fall by the hand of the Phi·lisʹtines.
  26. So his servants reported these words to David, and the matter was to David’s liking,[h] to form a marriage alliance46 with the king, and the days had not yet expired.
  27. So David rose and he and his men went and struck47 down among the Phi·lisʹtines two[i] hundred men, and David came bringing their foreskins48 and giving them in full number to the king, to form a marriage alliance with the king. In turn Saul gave him Miʹchal his daughter as a wife.49
  28. And Saul got to see and know that Jehovah was with David.50 As for Miʹchal, Saul’s daughter, she loved him.[j]51
  29. And again Saul felt still more fear because of David, and Saul came to be an enemy of David always.52
  30. ¶ And the princes53 of the Phi·lisʹtines would go out, and it would happen that as often as they went out David acted most prudently54 of all the servants of Saul; and his name came to be very precious.55

FOOTNOTES

  1. ^ Lit., “Jehonathan’s.” See 19:1 ftn.
  2. ^ Lit., “the Philistine,” but in a collective sense.
  3. ^ LXXB omits from 17:55 to here.
  4. ^ Lit., “bad in his eyes.”
  5. ^ Or, “battles.”
  6. ^ Lit., “was right in his eyes.”
  7. ^ “By one of the two women,” T; M, “By two,” that is, a second time.
  8. ^ Lit., “was right in David’s eyes.”
  9. ^ “Two,” MSyVg; LXX, “one.”
  10. ^ “With David, and all Israel was loving him,” LXX.

REFERENCES

  1. ^ 1Sa 14:1, 49; 2Sa 1:4
  2. ^ Ge 44:30; 1Pe 1:22
  3. ^ 1Sa 19:2; 20:17, 41; 2Sa 1:26
  4. ^ 1Sa 8:11; 16:22; 17:15
  5. ^ 1Sa 20:8, 42; 23:18; 2Sa 9:1; 21:7
  6. ^ Pr 17:17; 18:24; Col 3:14
  7. ^ Jos 1:7; 1Sa 18:30; Pr 14:35
  8. ^ 1Sa 14:52; Pr 20:18
  9. ^ Ex 15:21; Jg 5:1
  10. ^ Ex 15:20; Jg 11:34; Ps 68:25
  11. ^ Je 31:13
  12. ^ 1Sa 21:11; 29:5; Pr 15:30
  13. ^ Ge 4:5; Pr 14:30; 27:4; Jm 3:16
  14. ^ 1Sa 13:14; 15:28; 16:13; 20:31; 24:20
  15. ^ 1Sa 20:33; 21:10; Pr 27:4; 1Ti 6:4
  16. ^ Eph 4:26
  17. ^ Jg 9:23; 1Sa 16:14; 19:9; Jb 34:12
  18. ^ 1Sa 10:6, 11; 19:24
  19. ^ 1Sa 16:16, 23
  20. ^ 1Sa 19:9
  21. ^ 1Sa 19:10; 20:33
  22. ^ Pr 27:4; 1Jo 3:15; 4:20
  23. ^ Ps 37:32; Lu 4:30; Jn 8:59
  24. ^ 1Sa 18:29
  25. ^ 1Sa 16:13
  26. ^ 1Sa 16:14; 28:15
  27. ^ 1Sa 18:5
  28. ^ Nu 27:17; 2Sa 5:2; Ps 121:8
  29. ^ 1Sa 18:5
  30. ^ Ge 39:2; Jos 6:27; 1Sa 10:7; 16:18
  31. ^ Jos 1:7; Pr 20:18
  32. ^ 1Sa 14:49
  33. ^ 1Sa 17:25
  34. ^ 1Sa 25:28
  35. ^ 1Sa 18:25; 2Sa 11:15; 12:9; Ps 7:16
  36. ^ 2Sa 7:18; Pr 15:33; 18:12; 22:4; Jm 4:6; 1Pe 5:6
  37. ^ 2Sa 21:8
  38. ^ Jg 7:22; 2Sa 21:8
  39. ^ 1Sa 14:49; 19:11; 25:44; 2Sa 3:13; 6:16; 1Ch 15:29
  40. ^ Ex 10:7; 1Sa 18:17; Ps 7:14; 38:12; Pr 26:24; Je 9:8
  41. ^ 1Sa 18:18
  42. ^ Ps 119:141
  43. ^ Ge 29:18; 34:12; Ex 22:16
  44. ^ Jg 14:3; 1Sa 17:26, 36; 21:11; 2Sa 1:20; 3:14
  45. ^ 1Sa 14:24
  46. ^ 1Sa 18:21
  47. ^ Jg 14:19
  48. ^ 2Sa 3:14
  49. ^ 1Sa 17:25
  50. ^ 1Sa 16:13; 24:20
  51. ^ 1Sa 18:20
  52. ^ 1Sa 18:9, 12; 20:33; Ps 37:12
  53. ^ 1Sa 29:3
  54. ^ 1Sa 18:5; 1Ki 2:3; Ps 119:99
  55. ^ 2Sa 7:9; Pr 22:1; Ec 7:1

Read 1 Samuel Chapter 18 in other Bible versions:

Comments

  1. Kiamia DoelKiamia Doel
    Jan 9, 2025 23:00 GMT

    The NWT adds words to the text that are not in the greek Manuscripts to fit it's own doctrinal position for example

    Compare the wording of the NWT and the NKJV at Colossians 1:15-17

    NKJV says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

    NWT says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn OF all creation;16 because by means of him all OTHER things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All OTHER things have been created through him and for him. 17 Also, he is before all OTHER things,and by means of him all OTHER things were made to exist,

    The word “other” is not in the Greek but they add it Why? So they can decieve their followers into thinking that Christ was created by the Father and that he then created other things, that is not what the Greek says.

    1. SmeSme
      Feb 27, 2025 11:17 GMT

      Truth is from God and those that follow him. As for lies? John8:44

      Kiamia, I noticed you used a modern version of kjv to make your point about the nwt.

      Why didn’t you use the original kjv of col1:15?

      Is it because it disproves your point? It proves the opposite of what you wrote?

      Here is kjv col1:15 ¶” Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn OF every creature:“

      Now I appeal to your Christian nature to correct your mistake as God is watching each of us, and let us bless the God of Jesus his father.

      Kjv 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ….

  2. YanekYanek
    Dec 24, 2024 22:18 GMT

    Joshua, Jehovah’s Witnesses have never denied the deity of the Messiah in his prehuman existence. While on Earth he was fully 100% human. I do not mean he was a mere human, he was not affected by Adam’s unfaithful behavior, he was sinless.

  3. David yakubuDavid yakubu
    Oct 29, 2022 08:05 GMT

    When i do read some comments and seeing that its the same people that are supposed to be called believers but are talking ill of other denominations, it hurts. Let us all remember that We should judge not

    1. jonas smithjonas smith
      Apr 23, 2023 02:57 GMT

      The bible tells us to test the spirits. Satan disguises himself as angel of light. So yes some denomination are not teaching the truth. You are responsible for judging which ones are not. You have to judge the truth at all times. this is what the bible teaches

  4. THTH
    Apr 7, 2021 00:20 GMT

    The NWT is a very good translation. Dr. Jason David BeDuhn PhD attests to that in his book Truth in Translation. drive.google.com/...5p16melHzg8/view

    1. James LernerJames Lerner
      Jul 20, 2024 09:48 GMT

      The NWT is Satanic filth to its very core.

      The JW Cult is Satanic to its very core.

      Praise Yahweh I will never be a victim of JW brainwashing. If I burn in Hell for eternity or I am ultimately annihilated so be it

      May Yahweh's curse rest on the Watchtower Society and its Satanic leadership

    2. jim mcleodjim mcleod
      Aug 22, 2021 06:16 GMT

      NWT is a false translation that takes away from the deity of Jesus !

  5. SlightlyChaoticSlightlyChaotic
    Jan 30, 2021 16:33 GMT

    Thank you for taking the time to provide this service. I like seeing the NASB on your web page in the same format as I read on paper. On other sites, the text area is smaller, and so I have to keep scrolling down to read and sometimes I lose the context. So I really appreciate the format.

    As far as the NWT, you are certainly free to do whatever you think best with your own web pages. I'd suggest that you make a note anytime you have a translation that is associated with only one denomination or church, for example:
    New World Translation (Jehovah's Witness version).

    In Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares. the main idea seems to be that you can't easily distinguish between God's people and not-God's people on this earth, so our Lord's response is to wait until they are shown to be the kind of people they are inside. But the NWT seems like false teaching to me. So I think the warning passages from Jesus' apostles are more applicable, as in 2 Peter 3:15-16, when he talks about Paul's writings:
    "There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
    And we also have the positive exhortations, as in 2 Timothy 2:15:
    "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

    1. BroderickBroderick
      Jan 31, 2021 00:57 GMT

      Your suggestion regarding the denominational flagging is duly noted. But I can’t help but wonder, wouldn’t a Catholic also want “Protestant versions” marked as well?

      As for the parable, I’m pretty sure the slaves were convinced in their own minds that they could tell the tares from the wheat. After all, aren’t they the ones who identified the problem in the first place? But the master obviously thought otherwise.

      Furthermore, even at the time when Jesus himself was walking the earth, not everybody who claimed fellowship actually followed him causing John to inquire at Mark 9:39, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him . . . for he who is not against us is for us.”

  6. Joshua HarderJoshua Harder
    Dec 11, 2020 17:48 GMT

    Hello, question.. why have you included the NWT with other legitimate bible translations? Or why have you not atleast included a warning to readers? Don't you fear that someone could be influenced by the Watchtower's intentional heresies? Thank you.

    1. KevinKevin
      Jul 11, 2021 17:45 GMT

      en.m.wikipedia.org/..._Holy_Scriptures

      See the section critical review

    2. ChrisChris
      Jan 8, 2021 07:15 GMT

      Please site these intentional heresies. I am well versed in the watch tower outline and agree they are in many ways incorrect but i also bet i can point many out from EVERY established or main denomination. There is much to learn from them all as one who drinks milk?

      Judge not lest ye be judged, that is not to pass judgement on you either brother.

      I debate with scripture. I don't hold it to be true that Michael is Y'Shua HaMeshiach but I also firmly hold it to be true that our G-d and Heavenly Father are not the word encarnate and only begotten son.

      I love not seeing "lord" which i relate to baal. I feel the catholic church is a satanic establishment and I am aware a freemason started the hovies but there are evil in high places and our fight is also with principalities.

      What i'm saying is that in my darkest hours, those two were some of if not the only ones who would bring a Bible and eucharist and pray with me.

      We all fall short of the glory of G-d.

      Don't forget the NWT was recognized as the most accurate translation on Jeopardy.

      Lastly, this is different I noted than the NWT i have read and am very familiar with. Pull up the watchtower page and compare. I truly look forward to getting this one!

  7. julietjuliet
    Aug 17, 2022 09:36 GMT

    the sky is blue

  8. mercymercy
    Aug 12, 2022 21:23 GMT

    i am Mercy, the sky is blue what else do you need

    1. mercymercy
      Aug 12, 2022 21:25 GMT

      i am so sorry, it was a big mistake

  9. God is able to do all thingsGod is able to do all things
    May 17, 2021 17:59 GMT

    Jesus how much love calling yo name

  10. EmpiralEmpiral
    Jul 4, 2025 19:06 GMT

    I live in Dover, Delaware. My boyfriend Juan Tover and I have been dating for the past 4 yrs we were to get married in September of this year but it never happened..he constantly messes around with his ex's and other females every time he got caught he apologized and tell me to forgive him and I keep taking him back because I'm truly in love with this man but after a while he started messing around again...what can I do to make this man to love me and stop the messing around so we could get married and start our family? I am very happy I contacted Priest Salami regarding my problem. My boyfriend is now my HUSBAND. We got married 2 weeks ago in the United Church in Dover. My problem was solved. I am extremely happy to put his email purenaturalhealer@gmail.com  to anyone out there looking to solve his/her relationship problem. You can also WhatsApp him with his mobile number +2348105150446
    Visit his Facebook page facebook.com/priestsalami

  • Showing 1 - 10 of 10
NOTE: You are replying to 's comment. [Cancel]