The Different Stories of David and Goliath in the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Bible

(1 Samuel 16:17–18:30)

The colored words in italic type are found only in the Hebrew version (MT); all other words are found in both the Hebrew version and the Greek version (LXX).

^16:17So Saul said to his countries, “Find me someone who can play well and bring him to me.” ¹⁸One of the attendants spoke up, “I have observed a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skilled in music; he is a stalwart fellow and a warrior, sensible in speech, and handsome in appearance, and the Lord is with him.” ¹⁹Whereupon Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, who is with the flock.” ²⁰Jesse took an ass laden with bread, a skin of wine, and a kid, and sent them to Saul by his son David. ²¹So David came to Saul and entered his service; Saul took a strong liking to him and made him one of his arms-bearers. ²²Saul sent word to Jesse, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” ²³Whenever the [evil] spirit of God came upon Saul, David would take the lyre and play it; Saul would find relief and feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.