1 Samuel 16:23 “And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up h…”

1 Samuel 16:23

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

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.

World English Bible

When the spirit from God was on Saul, David took the harp and played with his hand; so Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon 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.

Geneva Bible 1599

And so when the euil spirite of God came vpon Saul, Dauid tooke an harpe and plaied with his hande, and Saul was refreshed, and was eased: for the euill spirit departed from him.

Darby Translation

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

Young's Literal Translation

And it hath come to pass, in the spirit of [sadness from] God being on Saul, that David hath taken the harp, and played with his hand, and Saul hath refreshment and gladness, and the spirit of sadness hath turned aside from off him.

Bible in Basic English

And whenever the evil spirit from God came on Saul, David took his instrument and made music: so new life came to Saul, and he got well, and the evil spirit went away from him.

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Cross references

“the evil spirit”

1 Samuel 16:14 1 Samuel 16:16

1 Samuel 16:14 · BSB

Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.

1 Samuel 16:16 · BSB

Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.”

“Saul”

1 Samuel 18:10 1 Samuel 18:11 Matthew 12:43–45 Luke 11:24–26

1 Samuel 18:10 · BSB

The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,

1 Samuel 18:11 · BSB

and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

Matthew 12:43–45 · BSB

When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.

Luke 11:24–26 · BSB

When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

22Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

Read 1 Samuel 16