1 Samuel 21:14
1 Samuel 21:14 in Multiple Translations
Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you can see that the man is insane! Why have you brought him to me?
Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?
Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad; wherefore then have ye brought him to me?
Then Achish said to his servants, Look! the man is clearly off his head; why have you let him come before me?
Achish told his officials, “Look, you can see the man is completely mad! Why did you bring him to me?
Then said Achish vnto his seruants, Lo, ye see the man is beside him selfe, wherefore haue ye brought him to me?
And Achish saith unto his servants, 'Lo, ye see a man acting as a madman; why do ye bring him in unto me?
Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you see the man is insane. Why then have you brought him to me?
Then said Achish to his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: why then have ye brought him to me?
And Achis said to his servants: You saw the man was mad: why have you brought him to me?
Then King Achish said to his men, “Look at this man! He is acting like an insane man! Why have you brought him to me?
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 21:14
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 21:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְשַׁנּ֤/וֹ
אֶת
טַעְמ/וֹ֙
בְּ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם
וַ/יִּתְהֹלֵ֖ל
בְּ/יָדָ֑/ם
ו/יתו
וַ/יְתָיו֙
עַל
דַּלְת֣וֹת
הַ/שַּׁ֔עַר
וַ/יּ֥וֹרֶד
רִיר֖/וֹ
אֶל
זְקָנֽ/וֹ
וַ/יְשַׁנּ֤/וֹ
shânâh
H8138
to change
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
טַעְמ/וֹ֙
ṭaʻam
H2940
taste
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
וַ/יִּתְהֹלֵ֖ל
hâlal
H1984
to shine
Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/יָדָ֑/ם
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
ו/יתו
tâvâh
H8427
to mark
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יְתָיו֙
tâvâh
H8427
to mark
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דַּלְת֣וֹת
deleth
H1817
door
N-fp
הַ/שַּׁ֔עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Art | N-ms
וַ/יּ֥וֹרֶד
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
רִיר֖/וֹ
rîyr
H7388
spittle
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
זְקָנֽ/וֹ
zâqân
H2206
beard
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 21:14
וַ/יְשַׁנּ֤/וֹ
shânâh
H8138
"to change"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to repeat or do something again, as seen in Exodus when God repeats his command to Moses. It can also imply changing or altering something. In the Bible, it is used to describe actions like repeating a task or changing one's behavior.
Definition: 1) change, alter 1a) (Qal) to change 1b) (Piel) to change, alter 1c) (Pual) to be changed, mollified 1d) (Hithpael) to disguise oneself
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: do (speak, strike) again, alter, double, (be given to) change, disguise, (be) diverse, pervert, prefer, repeat, return, do the second time. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 14:20; Psalms 34:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
טַעְמ/וֹ֙
ṭaʻam
H2940
"taste"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to have a taste or perception of something, and is often used to describe judgment or intelligence. It appears in Proverbs 1:7, where wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. In the Bible, it can also mean a decree or decision.
Definition: 1) taste, judgment 1a) taste 1b) judgment (fig.) 1c) decision, decree
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: advice, behaviour, decree, discretion, judgment, reason, taste, understanding. See also: Exodus 16:31; Psalms 34:1; Psalms 119:66.
בְּ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וַ/יִּתְהֹלֵ֖ל
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
בְּ/יָדָ֑/ם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
ו/יתו
tâvâh
H8427
"to mark"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to mark or scratch something, like leaving a sign or imprint. It is used in Job 37:11 to describe how God marks out the path of a storm. The Israelites used it to set boundaries.
Definition: 1) to scrabble, limit, mark, make or set a mark 1a) (Piel) to mark 1b) (Hiphil) to set a mark
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: scrabble, set (a mark). See also: 1 Samuel 21:14; Ezekiel 9:4.
וַ/יְתָיו֙
tâvâh
H8427
"to mark"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to mark or scratch something, like leaving a sign or imprint. It is used in Job 37:11 to describe how God marks out the path of a storm. The Israelites used it to set boundaries.
Definition: 1) to scrabble, limit, mark, make or set a mark 1a) (Piel) to mark 1b) (Hiphil) to set a mark
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: scrabble, set (a mark). See also: 1 Samuel 21:14; Ezekiel 9:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דַּלְת֣וֹת
deleth
H1817
"door"
N-fp
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
הַ/שַּׁ֔עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
וַ/יּ֥וֹרֶד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
רִיר֖/וֹ
rîyr
H7388
"spittle"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to spit or saliva, and is also used to describe a liquid or broth. It is used in the Bible to describe something disgusting or worthless.
Definition: slime juice or liquid, spittle
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: spittle, white (of an egg). See also: 1 Samuel 21:14; Job 6:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
זְקָנֽ/וֹ
zâqân
H2206
"beard"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a beard, often indicating age or wisdom, as seen in the customs of ancient Israelite men. It is first mentioned in Leviticus 19:27. The beard was a symbol of dignity and respect.
Definition: 1) beard, chin 1a) beard 1b) chin
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beard. See also: Leviticus 13:29; 2 Samuel 20:9; Psalms 133:2.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 21:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 21:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:14
Context — David Flees to Gath
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?
15Am I in need of madmen, that you have brought this man to rave in my presence? Must this man come into my house?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:7 | Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. |
1 Samuel 21:14 Summary
In this verse, Achish is frustrated with his servants for bringing David, who is pretending to be crazy, to him. David was acting this way because he was afraid of Achish, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:12. This shows that David was trying to protect himself, but it also highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even in difficult situations (like Psalm 23:4). By studying this verse, we can learn more about how to trust in God's protection and provision, even when we feel afraid or uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Achish think David was insane?
Achish thought David was insane because David was feigning madness, scratching on the doors of the gate and letting his saliva run down his beard, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:13. This behavior led Achish to believe that David was not a threat to him.
What was Achish's tone when speaking to his servants about David?
Achish's tone was one of frustration and annoyance, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:14-15, where he questions why his servants brought a madman to him, indicating that he did not want to deal with David.
How did David's actions in 1 Samuel 21:13 relate to his fear of Achish?
David's actions in 1 Samuel 21:13 were a direct result of his fear of Achish, as stated in 1 Samuel 21:12, where it says that David took Achish's words to heart and was very much afraid of him. By feigning madness, David was trying to avoid detection and potential harm.
What does this verse reveal about Achish's character?
This verse reveals that Achish was a pragmatic and self-interested leader, as seen in his response to David's feigned madness, where he prioritizes his own needs and security over showing compassion or understanding to David (1 Samuel 21:14-15).
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel like I am in a situation where I need to protect myself, and what can I learn from David's example in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances, as seen in David's life?
- How can I balance the need for self-preservation with the need to trust in God's protection and provision, as seen in this verse and other scriptures like Psalm 23:4?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of discernment and wisdom in my interactions with others, especially those in positions of power or authority?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:14
Then said Achish to his servants, lo, you see the man is mad,.... Which he said, as willing his servants should think so, and therefore rather the object of their pity than of their rage and malice;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:14
Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:14
Ye see the man is mad; and so were Achish and his men too, to be so soon cheated. But this must be ascribed to the wise and powerful providence of God, who, in answer to David’ s prayer now made, which is recorded Psalms 34 Psalms 61, did infatuate them, as he hath done many others in like cases. Wherefore then have ye brought him to me? what service can I expect from him? or what cause have I to fear him?
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:14
1 Samuel 21:14 Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore [then] have ye brought him to me?Ver. 14. Lo, ye see the man is mad.] Ay, or else you are infatuated to dismiss him for mad, to your further ruth and utter ruin.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:14
(14) Then said Achish . . . the man is mad.—The Philistine king would look with peculiar sorrow and repulsion on a madman if, as according to Jewish tradition (see Philippson), his own wife and daughter were insane.The device, however, succeeded, as David hoped it would, and he was suffered to depart in safety—nay, was even hurried out of the Philistine country. In old times, as now, in many parts of the East, the insane are looked upon as persons in some peculiar way possessed by, and therefore under the more immediate protection of, Deity. The life then of the hunted fugitive was perfectly safe from the moment the Philistines considered him mad. There is a curious legend in the Talmud in which several events recorded in the Biblical account are confused. Part of it apparently refers to this strange choice of his of Phillstia as a place of refuge. “One day Satan appeared to him (David) in the shape of a gazelle, which, eluding his pursuit, decoyed him into the land of the Philistines. ‘Ah!’ said Ishbi-benob, when he caught sight of him, ‘art thou the man that slew my brother, Goliath?’ So saying, he seized and bound him.”—Treatise Sanhedrin, fol. 95, cols 1, 2. The wild legend goes on to explain how, partly by miracle, partly with the aid of Abishai, David slew Ishbi-benob and escaped.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:14
14. The man is mad — “A sort of respect for persons thus afflicted, as if they were under some kind of supernatural influence, has always existed, and does now exist, in the East; so that David knew