1 Samuel 17:9

9 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.”

1 Samuel 17:9 in Other Translations

9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.

9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us."

9 If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves!

9 If he gets the upper hand and kills me, the Philistines will all become your slaves. But if I get the upper hand and kill him, you'll all become our slaves and serve us.

9 If he wins in a fight against me and kills me, we will be your servants. But if I win against him and kill him, then you will be our servants and serve us."

1 Samuel 17:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 17:9

If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be
your servants
For which it does not appear he had any commission or authority to say; nor did the Philistines think themselves obliged to abide by what he said, since, when he was slain, they did not yield themselves servants to the Israelites:

but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our
servants, and serve us;
to which terms also the Israelites did not consent; nor did David, who engaged with him, enter the fray on such conditions.

1 Samuel 17:9 In-Context

7 His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.

8 Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me.

9 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.”

10 Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.”

11 On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.