Verse Meaning1 SamuelEasy to understand
1 Samuel 16:23: Meaning Explained
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand:...
1 Samuel 16:23
“It happened, when the [evil] spirit from God was on Saul, that David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”
What Does This Verse Mean?
When the evil spirit bothered Saul, David would play the harp. The music made Saul feel better and the bad spirit would leave.
What’s Happening Here
David's music was exactly what Saul needed. The beautiful harp playing calmed the king and eased his suffering.
Key Words
refreshedFelt better and more peaceful
Why It Matters
David's gift brought healing. God used David's talent to help Saul, showing God's care even for troubled people.
Did You Know?
This is one of the most beautiful examples of music healing a troubled mind.
Word Study
H7307
And it came to pass when the evil spiritר֥וּחַ
H430
from Godאֱלֹהִים֙
H7586
so Saulלְשָׁאוּל֙
H3947
tookוְלָקַ֥ח
H1732
that Davidדָּוִ֛ד
H3658
an harpהַכִּנּ֖וֹר
H5059
and playedוְנִגֵּ֣ן
H3027
with his handבְּיָד֑וֹ
H7304
was refreshedוְרָוַ֤ח
H2895
and was wellוְט֣וֹב
H5493
departedוְסָ֥רָה
H7451
and the evilהָֽרָעָֽה׃
Cross References
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Read 1 Samuel 16:23 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.