1 Samuel 22:16
1 Samuel 22:16 in Multiple Translations
But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!”
And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father’s house.
And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father’s house.
And the king said, You will certainly be put to death, Ahimelech, you and all your father's family.
“You're going to die for this!” the king declared. “You and all your family!”
Then the King sayd, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy fathers house.
And the king saith, 'Thou dost surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all the house of thy father.'
The king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house.”
And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house.
And the king said: Dying thou shalt die, Achimelech, thou and all thy father’s house.
The king then shouted, “Ahimelech, you and your all your relatives are going to be executed right now!”
But Saul said, “You and everybody in your family will die today.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 22:16
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 22:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
מ֥וֹת
תָּמ֖וּת
אֲחִימֶ֑לֶךְ
אַתָּ֖ה
וְ/כָל
בֵּ֥ית
אָבִֽי/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
תָּמ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֲחִימֶ֑לֶךְ
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
Ahimelech
N-proper
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָבִֽי/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 22:16
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | 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.
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
תָּמ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אֲחִימֶ֑לֶךְ
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Ahimelech was a priest and a friend of King David, who helped him when he was in need. He was tragically murdered by Doeg at the command of King Saul. His name means 'my brother is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Also named: a.vi.me.lekh (אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0040J) § Ahimelech = "my brother is king" or "brother of Melek" 1) a priest murdered by Doeg at Saul's command, for supposedly assisting David 2) a Hittite warrior under David
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Ahimelech. See also: 1 Samuel 21:2; 1 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 52:2.
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִֽי/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 22:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Saul Slays the Priests of Nob
14Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house?
15Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.”
16But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!”
17Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. 18So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:15 | Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. |
| 2 | Daniel 3:19–20 | At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, and he commanded some mighty men of valor in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing fiery furnace. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 19:2 | So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 20:31 | For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingship shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 24:16 | Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. |
| 6 | Daniel 2:5 | The king replied to the astrologers, “My word is final: If you do not tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will be cut into pieces and your houses will be reduced to rubble. |
| 7 | Acts 12:19 | After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there. |
| 8 | Matthew 2:16 | When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. |
| 9 | Esther 3:6 | And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. |
| 10 | Daniel 2:12 | This response made the king so furious with anger that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. |
1 Samuel 22:16 Summary
In this verse, King Saul is condemning Ahimelech, a priest, to death, simply because he thinks Ahimelech helped his enemy, David. This shows how far King Saul has strayed from God's ways, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23. We can learn from this that our actions have consequences, and that we should always try to do what is right and just, like Ahimelech, who was simply doing his job as a priest, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:14-15. By trusting in God, like David did, we can have peace and confidence, even in difficult situations, as mentioned in Psalm 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Saul condemn Ahimelech to death?
King Saul condemned Ahimelech to death because he believed Ahimelech had helped David, who was seen as a threat to his throne, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:16, despite Ahimelech's protest of innocence, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:15.
Was Ahimelech's death sentence just?
No, Ahimelech's death sentence was not just, as he had done nothing wrong, and was simply carrying out his duties as a priest, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:14-15, and this condemnation is a reflection of King Saul's growing instability and disobedience to God, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23.
What does this verse reveal about King Saul's character?
This verse reveals that King Saul was prone to outbursts of anger and was willing to condemn innocent people to death, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:16-18, which is a stark contrast to the character of David, who was a man after God's own heart, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:14.
How does this event relate to the larger story of 1 Samuel?
This event is a pivotal moment in the story of 1 Samuel, as it marks a turning point in King Saul's reign, where his disobedience and pride lead to his downfall, as warned in 1 Samuel 15:23, and sets the stage for David's eventual rise to the throne, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Ahimelech, can remain faithful to God even in the face of adversity or false accusation?
- How can I, like King Saul, be tempted to let my emotions and personal interests cloud my judgment and lead me to make unwise decisions?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and wisdom, rather than relying on my own understanding, as Ahimelech did in 1 Samuel 22:15?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with difficult circumstances or unjust treatment?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:16
And the king said, thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech,.... He pronounces the sentence himself, without taking the opinion and advice of others, or further time; which was an act of arbitrary power, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:16
And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:16
1 Samuel 22:16 And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father’ s house.Ver. 16. Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech.] A bloody sentence, harshly pronounced and as rashly executed, without any pause or deliberation, without any remorse or regret. This was the worst act that ever Saul did, saith Theoderet: and a great cause of his destruction, saith Josephus. Serm. iii.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Character of a Ruler Over Men: Just, Ruling in the Fear of God; Found With Christ. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the essential qualities of a ruler over men, highlighting the need for justice and the fear of God in leadership. He explains that rulers should treat their su |
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The Bear by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion, drawing parallels between the behavior of bears and human interactions. She highlights the sacrificial love of |
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Epistle 367 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi |
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The Man God Tore Apart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the troubled state of the world and predicts that it will become even more troubled in the next 10 years. He emphasizes that there are three ty |
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Woman's Most Vulnerable Area of Attack by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about aging and the impact it has on individuals. He emphasizes that despite the physical changes that come with age, the focu |
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Husbands as Spiritual Protectors by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about aging and the impact it has on individuals and their families. He emphasizes that despite the physical effects of aging, |
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Stand Fearless for God by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of true freedom, which comes from |