And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
When the Philistine looked around and saw David, he looked down on him with contempt because David was just a young man with a healthy, reddish complexion and a handsome face.
The giant Goliath despised David because he looked like nothing more than a good-looking teenager who couldn't possibly be a real threat.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, the Israelites were engaged in ongoing conflicts with the Philistines, a powerful enemy nation, and Goliath, a towering warrior from the Philistine army, had been challenging the Israelites to send a champion to fight him. When David, a young shepherd boy who had been sent to the battlefield by his father, stepped forward to face Goliath, the giant surveyed him and felt contempt because David appeared youthful, inexperienced, and physically unremarkable. This scene reflects the ancient Near Eastern culture where warriors were judged by their size, armor, and battle experience, underscoring the theme of divine selection over human expectations.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.