1 Samuel 17:10
ESV
And the Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together."
NIV
Then the Philistine said, "This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other."
NASB
Then the Philistine said, 'I have defied the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man, so that we may fight together.'
CSB
Then the Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me a man so we can fight each other!"
NLT
I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!'
KJV
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.
NKJV
And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.”
What does 1 Samuel 17:10 mean?
Philistines and Israelites look at each other's armies across a valley (1 Samuel 17:1–3). The imposing Philistine champion, Goliath of Gath (1 Samuel 17:4–7), has challenged the Israelites to a one-on-one contest to determine the battle (1 Samuel 17:8–9). If an Israelite man could kill Goliath, the Philistines would be the Israelites' servants. But if Goliath prevailed, the Israelites would be the Philistines' servants.Here Goliath repeats that challenge. In fact, he "defies" the Israelites to send a man. Goliath clearly hopes to shame the Israelites into sending a supposed champion so the Philistines can win without a battle. As expected, none of the Israelite soldiers consider breaking ranks to confront a confident, gigantic, heavily armored Philistine (1 Samuel 17:11).
