1 Samuel 29:5

5 Isn’t this the David they sang about in their dances: “ ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”

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1 Samuel 29:5 in Other Translations

KJV

5 Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

ESV

5 Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances, 'Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?"

NLT

5 Isn’t this the same David about whom the women of Israel sing in their dances, ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”

MSG

5 Isn't this the same David they celebrate at their parties, singing, Saul kills by the thousand, David by the ten thousand!"

CSB

5 Isn't this the David they sing about during their dances: Saul has killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands?"

1 Samuel 29:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 29:5

[Is] not this David, of whom they sang one to another in
dances
Long ago:

saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands;
so that he is an old sworn enemy of ours; and the more valiant and victorious he has been, the less is he to be trusted, see ( 1 Samuel 18:7 ) ( 21:11 ) .

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

1 Samuel 29:5 In-Context

3 The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.”

4 But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favor than by taking the heads of our own men?

5 Isn’t this the David they sang about in their dances: “ ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”

6 So Achish called David and said to him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don’t approve of you.

7 Now turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers.”

Cross References 1

1. S 1 Samuel 18:7; 1 Samuel 21:11