1 Samuel 21:12
1 Samuel 21:12 in Multiple Translations
Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
And David took these words to heart, fearing Achish, the king of Gath.
David listened carefully to what they said and this made him very afraid of Achish, the king of Gath.
And Dauid considered these wordes, and was sore afraide of Achish the King of Gath.
And David layeth these words in his heart, and is exceedingly afraid of the face of Achish king of Gath,
David laid up these words in his heart, and was very afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
And David laid up these words in his heart, and was greatly afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
But David laid up these words in his heart, and was exceedingly afraid at the face of Achis the king of Geth.
David heard what those men were saying, so he was afraid of what King Achish might do to him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 21:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 21:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ
עַבְדֵ֤י
אָכִישׁ֙
אֵלָ֔י/ו
הֲ/לוֹא
זֶ֥ה
דָוִ֖ד
מֶ֣לֶךְ
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
לָ/זֶ֗ה
יַעֲנ֤וּ
בַ/מְּחֹלוֹת֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
הִכָּ֤ה
שָׁאוּל֙
ב/אלפ/ו
בַּ/אֲלָפָ֔י/ו
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
ב/רבבת/ו
בְּ/רִבְבֹתָֽי/ו
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַבְדֵ֤י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
אָכִישׁ֙
ʼĂkîysh
H397
Achish
N-proper
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הֲ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
לָ/זֶ֗ה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
יַעֲנ֤וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בַ/מְּחֹלוֹת֙
mᵉchôlâh
H4246
dance
Prep | N-fp
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הִכָּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
ב/אלפ/ו
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Prep | Adj | Suff
בַּ/אֲלָפָ֔י/ו
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Prep | Adj | Suff
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Conj | N-proper
ב/רבבת/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
myriad
Prep | N-fp | Suff
בְּ/רִבְבֹתָֽי/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
myriad
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 21:12
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
עַבְדֵ֤י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אָכִישׁ֙
ʼĂkîysh
H397
"Achish"
N-proper
Achish was a Philistine king who lived during the time of the United Monarchy in Israel. He is mentioned in 1 Samuel and Psalm 34, also known as Abimelech.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.21.10; son of: Maoch (H4582); also called Abimelech (NIV: Abimelek) at Psa.34.1; Also named: a.vi.me.lekh (אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Abimelech" H0040I) § Achish = "I will blacken (or terrify)" or "only a man" Philistine king of Gath
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Achish. See also: 1 Samuel 21:11; 1 Samuel 27:12; 1 Kings 2:40.
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֲ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לָ/זֶ֗ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
יַעֲנ֤וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בַ/מְּחֹלוֹת֙
mᵉchôlâh
H4246
"dance"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a dance, often a celebratory or joyful one. In the Bible, it describes dancing as an act of worship or celebration. The KJV translates it as company or dances.
Definition: dancing, dance
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: company, dances(-cing). See also: Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6; Song of Solomon 7:1.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הִכָּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
ב/אלפ/ו
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Prep | Adj | Suff
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
בַּ/אֲלָפָ֔י/ו
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Prep | Adj | Suff
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Conj | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
ב/רבבת/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
"myriad"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a large number, like a multitude or ten thousand. It is used in the Bible to describe big groups of people or things. In the KJV, it is translated as many, million, or ten thousand.
Definition: multitude, myriad, ten thousand
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand. See also: Genesis 24:60; 1 Samuel 18:8; Psalms 3:7.
בְּ/רִבְבֹתָֽי/ו
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
"myriad"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a large number, like a multitude or ten thousand. It is used in the Bible to describe big groups of people or things. In the KJV, it is translated as many, million, or ten thousand.
Definition: multitude, myriad, ten thousand
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand. See also: Genesis 24:60; 1 Samuel 18:8; Psalms 3:7.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 21:12
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- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:12
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 21:12
Context — David Flees to Gath
10That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.
11But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”
12Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
13So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their hands; he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard. 14Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you can see that the man is insane! Why have you brought him to me?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 2:19 | But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. |
| 2 | Psalms 56:3 | When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. |
| 3 | Psalms 34:4 | I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 21:10 | That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:11 | I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. |
| 6 | Genesis 26:7 | But when the men of that place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister.” For he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” since he thought to himself, “The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful.” |
| 7 | Genesis 12:11–13 | As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.” |
| 8 | Luke 2:51 | Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. |
1 Samuel 21:12 Summary
[David took the servants' words to heart and became very afraid of Achish the king of Gath because he realized that Achish might see him as a threat. This fear led David to take action to protect himself, as seen in the next verse where he feigns madness. This event shows that even though David was a man of faith, he was still human and experienced fear, similar to how the disciples felt in Matthew 10:28. By looking at David's life, we can learn to trust in God's protection and guidance, even when we are afraid, just as Psalm 23:4 reminds us that God is with us, even in the darkest valleys.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was David afraid of Achish the king of Gath?
David was afraid of Achish because he overheard the servants of Achish talking about his military victories, which made him realize that Achish might see him as a threat, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 21:11, and this fear is reminiscent of the fear experienced by the disciples in Matthew 10:28 when they were faced with persecution.
What does it mean to 'take words to heart'?
To 'take words to heart' means to seriously consider and be affected by what someone has said, as David did in 1 Samuel 21:12, similar to how the Psalmist in Psalms 119:11 hid God's word in his heart to avoid sin.
How does this event relate to David's faith?
This event shows that even though David had faith in God, he was still human and experienced fear, but as seen in other parts of his story, like in 1 Samuel 23:1-12, David learned to trust in God's protection and guidance in the midst of uncertainty.
What lesson can be learned from David's reaction to the servants' comments?
The lesson that can be learned is the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and the potential dangers that may arise, as Proverbs 27:12 advises to be prudent and take necessary precautions to avoid harm, which is what David attempted to do by feigning madness in 1 Samuel 21:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I have felt like an outsider, like David among the Philistines, and how can I learn to trust God in those situations?
- How do I respond to fear and uncertainty, and what can I learn from David's example in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can 'take words to heart' in a positive way, like meditating on Scripture, and how can this practice impact my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I, like David, use creativity and wisdom to navigate difficult situations, as seen in his decision to feign madness in 1 Samuel 21:13?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:12
And David laid up these words in his heart,.... Pondered upon them, and thought them over in his mind, finding that he was known, and his character also, and considered with himself what might be the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:12
And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:12
Lest either their revenge or policy should prompt them to kill him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:12
1 Samuel 21:12 And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.Ver. 12. And David laid up.] He was much affected with them, and as greatly afflicted as if he had been crushed in a winepress: so the word Gath signifieth.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:12
(12) And David laid up these words.—Now, for the first time, David saw how widely travelled was a renown of which he in his humbleness of heart had thought so little, and at once a deadly fear took possession of him. The life he held so cheaply when in battle with the enemies of his country now, strange to say, in his deep degradation and poverty, became of real value to him, and he adopted the piteous and humiliating device of feigning madness, hoping thus to change the wondering admiration of the servants of Achish into pitying scorn. What David hoped took place, and he was driven out of Gath with ignominy; but there is no reason for supposing that had he maintained a quiet dignity of behaviour any evil would have happened to him. The Philistines, for those wild times, seem to have been a cultured people, and by no means devoid of generous instincts. Not one word, strangely enough, is reported to have been spoken about the great injury he had done to the Philistine nation when he slew Goliath. It has been suggested with considerable ingenuity that the great name of the dead champion, the hero of so many battle-fields, was never brought forward here, perhaps out of a natural indisposition to recall a grievous calamity, but more likely out of regard for Goliath’s family and friends. Singularly little is told us, in fact, about this renowned hero, whom tradition hints at as the great warrior in the decisive battle when the Ark was captured and the sons of Eli were slain. The Talmud has a curious comment on this strange silence—“Not half the praises of Goliath are related in Scripture; hence it follows that it is wrong to tell the praises of the wicked.”—Treatise Soteh, fol. 42, Colossians 2.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:12
12. David laid up these words in his heart — Until he heard the servants say these things he hoped to escape recognition; but now, when he finds that they suspect him to be the great hero who slew
Sermons on 1 Samuel 21:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Samuel) God Helps the Undeserving by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having accurate maps in our lives. He gives examples of tragic events caused by inaccurate maps, such as a pilot crashing in |
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The Greatest Gift of All by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the greatest gift of God given to us at Christmas, which is Jesus Christ, born out of love. It highlights the importance of focusing on Jesus as the ultimate |
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The Glory of God by Emanuel Esh | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the slim chances and expectations placed on Jesus in his earthly life. Despite this, people in darkness saw hope and freedom in him. The pr |
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Fully Alive: The Call of Men by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prioritizing our time and attention. He questions how much presence we give to sports, hobbies, and video games, emphasizing |
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But Mary Kept All These Things, and Pondered Them in Her Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of memory, affection, and intellect in our relationship with Jesus, as exemplified by Mary, who treasured and pondered the things she heard |
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Epistle 320 - Part 2 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the significant roles of women in the early Christian church, highlighting their faith and actions as examples for all believers. He discusses Mary, the mothe |
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His Eye Is on the Sparrow by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the presence of Christ and how the Lord spoke to him. He presents a scenario where a person is faced with the option to quit and share thei |