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33 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

David in the Bible

What does the Bible say about David?

David was the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem, a shepherd boy whom the prophet Samuel anointed as king (1 Samuel 16:13). He killed Goliath, served King Saul, and reigned over Israel forty years (2 Samuel 5:4). God promised him a throne for ever (2 Samuel 7:16), and Jesus is called the Son of David.

  1. The shepherd boy God chose as king
  2. David and Goliath
  3. David, Saul and Jonathan

David in the Bible: The shepherd boy God chose as king

God passed over Jesse's older sons and chose the youngest, who was keeping the sheep.

6 verses

1 Samuel 16:13

KJV
King James Version

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Samuel 16:13

1 Samuel 16:7

KJV
King James Version

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

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1 Samuel 16:11

KJV
King James Version

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

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Ruth 4:17

KJV
King James Version

And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

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1 Samuel 13:14

KJV
King James Version

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

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1 Samuel 16:23

KJV
King James Version

And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.

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David in the Bible: David and Goliath

A young shepherd faces the giant in the name of the LORD.

4 verses

1 Samuel 17:45

KJV
King James Version

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

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1 Samuel 17:37

KJV
King James Version

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.”

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1 Samuel 17:47

KJV
King James Version

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

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1 Samuel 17:50

KJV
King James Version

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

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David in the Bible: David, Saul and Jonathan

Saul's son became David's closest friend, while Saul turned against him.

4 verses

1 Samuel 18:1

KJV
King James Version

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.

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1 Samuel 18:7

KJV
King James Version

And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

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1 Samuel 18:14

KJV
King James Version

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.

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1 Samuel 26:11

KJV
King James Version

The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD's anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

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David in the Bible: King of Israel and God's promise to David

David took Jerusalem, brought up the ark, and received God's covenant of an everlasting throne.

7 verses

2 Samuel 5:4-5

KJV
King James Version

4David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

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2 Samuel 5:7

KJV
King James Version

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Nevertheless , David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

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2 Samuel 6:14

KJV
King James Version

And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,

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2 Samuel 7:12

KJV
King James Version

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom.

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2 Samuel 7:16

KJV
King James Version

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.”

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2 Samuel 23:1

KJV
King James Version

Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:

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David in the Bible: Bathsheba, repentance and David's last days

David sinned greatly, owned his sin, and found mercy.

7 verses

2 Samuel 11:2

KJV
King James Version

And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing— a very beautiful woman.

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2 Samuel 12:7

KJV
King James Version

And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.

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2 Samuel 12:13

KJV
King James Version

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.

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Psalms 51:1-2

KJV
King James Version

1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

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Psalms 51:10

KJV
King James Version

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

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1 Kings 2:10

KJV
King James Version

So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David.

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1 Chronicles 29:28

KJV
King James Version

And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.

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David in the Bible: Jesus, the Son of David

The New Testament shows God keeping His promise to David in Jesus Christ.

5 verses

Matthew 1:1

KJV
King James Version

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

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Luke 1:32

KJV
King James Version

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,

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Acts 13:22

KJV
King James Version

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

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Romans 1:3

KJV
King James Version

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,

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Revelation 22:16

KJV
King James Version

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.”

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Short Bible verses about David

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

5 verses

  • “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.”

    1 Samuel 18:14 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.”

    2 Samuel 5:7 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

    Psalms 23:1 KJV · 9 words

    Listen

  • “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

    Psalms 51:10 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.”

    1 Kings 2:10 KJV · 14 words

    Listen

The Greek and Hebrew words for David

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about David in the Bible

Who was David in the Bible?

David was the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem and a shepherd. Samuel anointed him king (1 Samuel 16:13). He killed Goliath, became Israel's greatest king, and wrote many of the Psalms. God promised that his throne would last for ever (2 Samuel 7:16).

Listen: 1 Samuel 16:13 · 2 Samuel 7:16

Why was David called a man after God's own heart?

Samuel told Saul that the LORD had sought "a man after his own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), and Paul repeats it in Acts 13:22. David was not sinless, but when he sinned he confessed it and turned back to God (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51).

Listen: Acts 13:22 · 2 Samuel 12:13

Who was David's best friend?

Jonathan, the son of King Saul. The Bible says "the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul" (1 Samuel 18:1). Jonathan stood by David even when his own father tried to kill him.

Listen: 1 Samuel 18:1

How long did David reign, and how did he die?

David became king at thirty and reigned forty years: seven years and six months in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:4-5). He died "in a good old age," and his son Solomon reigned after him (1 Chronicles 29:28).

Listen: 2 Samuel 5:4-5 · 1 Chronicles 29:28

Why is Jesus called the Son of David?

God promised David that his seed would sit on his throne for ever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jesus was born in David's family line (Matthew 1:1), and the angel told Mary that God would give Him "the throne of his father David" (Luke 1:32).

Listen: Matthew 1:1 · Luke 1:32