1 Samuel 16:16 - Easy To Read Version

¹⁶ Give us the command and we will look for someone who can play the harp. If the bad spirit from the Lord comes on you, this person will play music for you. Then you will feel better.”

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

¹⁶ Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹⁶ Let our lord now command your servants here before you to find a man who plays skillfully on the lyre; and when the evil spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.

American Standard Version (1901)

¹⁶ Let our lord now command thy servants, that are before thee, to seek out a man who is a skilful player on the harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

Common English Bible

¹⁶ If our master just says the word, your servants will search for someone who knows how to play the lyre. The musician can play whenever the evil spirit from God is affecting you, and then you’ll feel better.”

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹⁶ May our lord order, and your servants, who are before you, will seek a man skillful in playing a stringed instrument, so that when the evil spirit from the Lord assails you, he may play with his hand, and you may bear it more easily."

1 Samuel 16:16 Cross References

Genesis 41:46

Joseph was 30 years old when he began serving the king of Egypt. Joseph traveled throughout the country of Egypt.

1 Kings 10:8

Your wives [128] and officers are very fortunate! They can serve you and hear your wisdom every day!

2 Kings 3:15

But now bring me a person who plays the harp.”

1 Samuel 10:5

Then you will go to Gibeath Elohim. There is a Philistine fort in that place. When you come to this town, a group of prophets will come out. These prophets will come down from the place for worship. [106] They will be prophesying. [107] They will be playing harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres.

1 Samuel 16:14

The Lord’s Spirit left Saul. Then the Lord sent a bad spirit to Saul. It caused him much trouble.

1 Samuel 16:15

Saul’s servants said to him, “A bad spirit from God is bothering you.

1 Samuel 16:17

So Saul said to his servants, “Find a person who plays music well and bring him to me.”

1 Samuel 18:10

The next day, a bad spirit from God took control of Saul. Saul became wild [166] in his house. David played the harp like he usually did.

1 Samuel 19:9

But a bad spirit from the Lord came on Saul. Saul was sitting in his house. Saul had his spear in his hand. David was playing the harp.