# Where is “The battle is the Lord’s” in the Bible?

> “The battle is the Lord’s” is 1 Samuel 17:47.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-battle-is-the-lords
By Andrew Kittridge · November 10, 2026

David says it to Goliath before he runs at him with a sling.

## The verse

> and everyone gathered here will know that Yahweh does not save by sword and spear. The battle belongs to Yahweh, and he will hand you over to us.”
>
> — [1 Samuel 17:47](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-samuel/17#47) (Lumin Translation)

These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently.

## What it means there

David’s point is that God does not need a sword or a spear to save. King Jehoshaphat hears nearly the same words before another battle (2 Chronicles 20:15).

## Also in the Bible

> He said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat! This is what Yahweh says to you: Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
>
> — [2 Chronicles 20:15](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-chronicles/20#15) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Where is “The battle is the Lord’s” in the Bible?

“The battle is the Lord’s” is 1 Samuel 17:47. These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently. David says it to Goliath before he runs at him with a sling.

### Is “The battle is the Lord’s” in the Bible?

Yes. It is 1 Samuel 17:47, and also 2 Chronicles 20:15. In the Lumin Translation, 1 Samuel 17:47 reads: “and everyone gathered here will know that Yahweh does not save by sword and spear. The battle belongs to Yahweh, and he will hand you over to us.””

### Who said “The battle is the Lord’s”?

David says it to Goliath before he runs at him with a sling.

### What does “The battle is the Lord’s” mean in the Bible?

David’s point is that God does not need a sword or a spear to save. King Jehoshaphat hears nearly the same words before another battle (2 Chronicles 20:15).

## More

- [Where is “The wolf will live with the lamb” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-wolf-will-live-with-the-lamb.md)
- [Where is “Seek the peace of the city” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/seek-the-peace-of-the-city.md)
- [Where is “The Word became flesh” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-word-became-flesh.md)
- [Where is “I am the vine, you are the branches” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/i-am-the-vine-you-are-the-branches.md)
- [Where is “Worship in spirit and in truth” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth.md)
- [Where is “Blessed are the peacemakers” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/blessed-are-the-peacemakers.md)
- [Where is “On this rock I will build my church” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/on-this-rock-i-will-build-my-church.md)
- [Where is “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-harvest-is-plentiful-but-the-workers-are-few.md)
- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)