1 Samuel 17:55 - Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

Bible Comments

whose son... ? Though Saul had just had an interview with David, he did not know his father, whom he had promised (1 Samuel 17:25) to make free in Israel. Note in all these passages (verses: 55, 56, 58) Saul's inquiry is not about David, but about David's father.

thy soul. thyself (emph.) Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

1 Samuel 17:55

55 And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.