1 Samuel 22:18

1 Samuel 22:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So 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.

King James Version KJV

And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.

American Standard Version ASV

And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and he slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the king said to Doeg, You are to put the priests to death. And Doeg the Edomite, turning on the priests and attacking them, put to death that day eighty-five men who took up the ephod.

Free Bible Version FBV

So the king ordered Doeg, “You kill the priests!” Doeg the Edomite attacked and killed the priests, killing eighty-five men wearing the priestly ephod.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the King sayde to Doeg, Turne thou and fall vpon the Priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and ran vpon the Priestes, and slewe that same daye foure score and fiue persons that did weare a linen Ephod.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the king saith to Doeg, 'Turn round thou, and come against the priests;' and Doeg the Edomite turneth round, and cometh himself against the priests, and putteth to death in that day eighty and five men bearing a linen ephod,

World English Bible WEB

The king said to Doeg, “Turn and attack the priests!” Doeg the Edomite turned, and he attacked the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five people who wore a linen ephod.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day eighty and five persons that wore a linen ephod.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the king said to Doeg: Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and fell upon the priests and slew in that day eighty-five men that wore the linen ephod.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the king said to Doeg, “You kill them!” So Doeg, the man from the Edom people-group, went out and struck them with his sword. On that day he killed eighty-five men who were wearing the sacred vests because they were God’s priests.

Plain English Version PEV

So Saul said to Doeg, “All right. You kill those men yourself.” Doeg was from Edom, a different country. He didn’t care about those men, so he listened to Saul and did what he said. He got up straight away, and he killed dead 85 men that looked after God’s ceremonies, men that used to wear the special ceremony clothes.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 22:18

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 22:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ ל/דויג לְ/דוֹאֵ֔ג סֹ֣ב אַתָּ֔ה וּ/פְגַ֖ע בַּ/כֹּהֲנִ֑ים וַ/יִּסֹּ֞ב דויג דּוֹאֵ֣ג הָ/אֲדֹמִ֗י וַ/יִּפְגַּע הוּא֙ בַּ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים וַ/יָּ֣מֶת בַּ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/ה֗וּא שְׁמֹנִ֤ים וַ/חֲמִשָּׁה֙ אִ֔ישׁ נֹשֵׂ֖א אֵפ֥וֹד בָּֽד

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

ל/דויג Dôʼêg H1673 Doeg Prep | N-proper

לְ/דוֹאֵ֔ג Dôʼêg H1673 Doeg Prep | N-proper

סֹ֣ב çâbab H5437 to turn V-Qal-Impv-2ms

אַתָּ֔ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

וּ/פְגַ֖ע pâgaʻ H6293 to fall on Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

בַּ/כֹּהֲנִ֑ים kôhên H3548 priest Prep | N-mp

וַ/יִּסֹּ֞ב çâbab H5437 to turn Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דויג Dôʼêg H1673 Doeg N-proper

דּוֹאֵ֣ג Dôʼêg H1673 Doeg N-proper

הָ/אֲדֹמִ֗י ʼĔdômîy H130 Edomite Art | Ngmsa

וַ/יִּפְגַּע pâgaʻ H6293 to fall on Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

בַּ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים kôhên H3548 priest Prep | N-mp

וַ/יָּ֣מֶת mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms

הַ/ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

שְׁמֹנִ֤ים shᵉmônîym H8084 eighty Adj

וַ/חֲמִשָּׁה֙ châmêsh H2568 five Conj | Adj

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

נֹשֵׂ֖א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal

אֵפ֥וֹד ʼêphôwd H646 ephod N-ms

בָּֽד bad H906 linen N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 22:18

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 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.

ל/דויג Dôʼêg H1673 "Doeg" Prep | N-proper

Doeg was an Edomite who worked for King Saul, in charge of his herdsmen. He is infamous for killing priests, as told in 1 Samuel 21:7. His name means fearing.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.21.7 § Doeg = "fearing" an Edomite, chief of Saul's herdsmen, who slew all the priests

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Doeg. See also: 1 Samuel 21:8; 1 Samuel 22:18; Psalms 52:2.

לְ/דוֹאֵ֔ג Dôʼêg H1673 "Doeg" Prep | N-proper

Doeg was an Edomite who worked for King Saul, in charge of his herdsmen. He is infamous for killing priests, as told in 1 Samuel 21:7. His name means fearing.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.21.7 § Doeg = "fearing" an Edomite, chief of Saul's herdsmen, who slew all the priests

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Doeg. See also: 1 Samuel 21:8; 1 Samuel 22:18; Psalms 52:2.

סֹ֣ב çâbab H5437 "to turn" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.

Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded

Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.

אַתָּ֔ה 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.

וּ/פְגַ֖ע pâgaʻ H6293 "to fall on" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.

Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.

בַּ/כֹּהֲנִ֑ים kôhên H3548 "priest" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

וַ/יִּסֹּ֞ב çâbab H5437 "to turn" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.

דויג Dôʼêg H1673 "Doeg" N-proper

Doeg was an Edomite who worked for King Saul, in charge of his herdsmen. He is infamous for killing priests, as told in 1 Samuel 21:7. His name means fearing.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.21.7 § Doeg = "fearing" an Edomite, chief of Saul's herdsmen, who slew all the priests

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Doeg. See also: 1 Samuel 21:8; 1 Samuel 22:18; Psalms 52:2.

דּוֹאֵ֣ג Dôʼêg H1673 "Doeg" N-proper

Doeg was an Edomite who worked for King Saul, in charge of his herdsmen. He is infamous for killing priests, as told in 1 Samuel 21:7. His name means fearing.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.21.7 § Doeg = "fearing" an Edomite, chief of Saul's herdsmen, who slew all the priests

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Doeg. See also: 1 Samuel 21:8; 1 Samuel 22:18; Psalms 52:2.

הָ/אֲדֹמִ֗י ʼĔdômîy H130 "Edomite" Art | Ngmsa

An Edomite is someone from Edom, a region in the Bible, descended from Esau. The Edomites are mentioned throughout the Old Testament, often in relation to the Israelites.

Definition: Someone from Edom, an Edomite Group of e.dom (אֱדוֹם "Edom" H0123)

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Edomite. See also: Deuteronomy 23:8; 1 Kings 11:14; Psalms 52:2.

וַ/יִּפְגַּע pâgaʻ H6293 "to fall on" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

בַּ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים kôhên H3548 "priest" Prep | N-mp

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

וַ/יָּ֣מֶת mûwth H4191 "to die" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הַ/ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

שְׁמֹנִ֤ים shᵉmônîym H8084 "eighty" Adj

This Hebrew word means eighty or eightieth, used in numbers and counting. It appears in the Bible to describe quantities and ages. In Genesis and other books, it is used to count people, animals, and years.

Definition: 1) eighty, fourscore 1a) eighty (as cardinal number) 1b) eightieth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: eighty(-ieth), fourscore. See also: Genesis 5:25; 2 Kings 19:35; Psalms 90:10.

וַ/חֲמִשָּׁה֙ châmêsh H2568 "five" Conj | Adj

This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.

Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)

Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

נֹשֵׂ֖א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

אֵפ֥וֹד ʼêphôwd H646 "ephod" N-ms

The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.

Definition: 1) ephod 1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment 1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff 1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: ephod. See also: Exodus 25:7; Exodus 39:21; Hosea 3:4.

בָּֽד bad H906 "linen" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'bad' can also refer to linen, a type of fabric made from flax, or a garment made from it, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of priestly clothing.

Definition: linen, white linen

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: linen. See also: Exodus 28:42; 1 Chronicles 15:27; Daniel 12:7.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 22:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 22:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:18
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 22:18
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18
Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:18

Context — Saul Slays the Priests of Nob

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.

19He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. 20But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 26:10–11	And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.
2	Hosea 7:3	They delight the king with their evil, and the princes with their lies.
3	1 Samuel 2:18	Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.
4	Zephaniah 3:3	Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning.
5	1 Samuel 2:36	And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’”
6	2 Chronicles 24:21	But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD.
7	1 Samuel 3:12–14	On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his family, from beginning to end. I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, ‘The iniquity of Eli’s house shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’”
8	Exodus 28:40	Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor.
9	Micah 6:16	You have kept the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have followed their counsel. Therefore I will make you a desolation, and your inhabitants an object of contempt; you will bear the scorn of the nations. ”
10	Hosea 5:11	Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment, for he is determined to follow worthless idols.

1 Samuel 22:18 Summary

This verse tells us about a very sad and tragic event in which King Saul ordered his servant Doeg to kill the priests of the Lord, simply because they had helped David, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:1-9 and 1 Samuel 22:17. This event shows us the dangers of allowing fear, anger, and a desire for power to control our actions, as warned against in Proverbs 27:4 and James 1:20. Just like the priests in this verse, we are called to remain faithful to the Lord and to trust in His sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:1-6. By looking to the Lord and trusting in His goodness and love, we can find the strength and courage to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition or persecution, as seen in Acts 4:1-31 and Revelation 2:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King Saul order the priests to be killed?

King Saul ordered the priests to be killed because he believed they had sided with David, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:17, and he felt threatened by their perceived loyalty to David instead of him, as noted in 1 Samuel 22:16.

Who was Doeg the Edomite and why did he obey King Saul's order?

Doeg the Edomite was a prominent figure in King Saul's court, and he obeyed the king's order because he was likely seeking to gain favor with the king, as seen in his actions in 1 Samuel 22:18, and possibly due to his own personal motivations, as hinted at in 1 Samuel 21:7.

What is the significance of the priests wearing the linen ephod?

The linen ephod was a symbol of the priests' office and their role in serving the Lord, as noted in Exodus 28:6-14, and the fact that eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod were killed highlights the severity of the attack on the priests and their families, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:18-19.

How does this event relate to the larger story of David and King Saul?

This event is a significant turning point in the story of David and King Saul, as it shows the extreme measures King Saul was willing to take to eliminate any perceived threats to his power, and it ultimately leads to David's further flight and the strengthening of his trust in the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:1-12 and Psalm 52:1-9.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I may be allowing fear or a desire for power to control my actions, and how can I surrender these motivations to the Lord?
How can I, like the priests in this verse, remain faithful to the Lord even in the face of persecution or opposition, as encouraged in Matthew 5:10-12 and 2 Timothy 3:12?
What are some ways in which I can support and encourage those who are serving the Lord, just as the priests were doing in this verse, as seen in Hebrews 13:15-16 and Galatians 6:2?
How can I learn to trust in the Lord's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of difficult or trying circumstances, as David did in Psalm 23:1-6 and Psalm 37:1-7?
What are some ways in which I can practically apply the lessons of this verse to my own life and relationships, as encouraged in James 1:22-25 and 1 John 3:18?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:18

And the king said to Doeg, turn thou and fall upon the priests,.... For determined he was they should die; if one would not put them to death, another should, and who so fit for this bloody work as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:18

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18

Turn thou; or, go about, to wit, from man to man, till thou hast killed all. The Edomite; which is noted to wipe off the stain of this butchery from the Israelitish nation, and to show why he was so ready to do it, because he was one of that nation which had an implacable hatred against all Israelites, and against the priests of the Lord. Slew on that day fourscore and five persons, with his own hand; which was not difficult, when no resistance was made. That did wear a linen ephod; not at that time, as some fancy, but usually; such as used to minister to the Lord in a linen ephod, which priests and Levites used to do. See , &c.; .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18

1 Samuel 22:18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.Ver. 18. And Doeg the Edomite.] Not the Syrian, as the Septuagint, by a mistake of letters, renders it, but the bloody Esavite. And he fell upon the priests.] Who were privileged persons in all nations, and spared even in battle, as were the bards here. And slew on that day forescore and five persons,] viz., By the help of his hacksters and assassins. Some say that Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Saul by his concubine Rizpa, who were afterwards hanged, helped Doeg: but that is uncertain. That did wear a linen ephod.] And, as some think, came to Saul now in those clothes, to move him rather to spare them. Lyra. Osiander.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18

(18) And Doeg the Edomite . . . fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons.—No doubt, assisted by his own attached servants, Doeg carried out this deed of unexampled barbarity. For this act the Edomite servant of Saul has been execrated in the most ancient Jewish writings perhaps above any other of the famous wicked men who meet us in the Holy Scriptures. For instance, we read in the Babylonian Talmud how “Doeg the Edomite, after his massacre of the priests, was encountered by three destructive demons. One deprived him of his learning (concerning which see above, in Note on 1 Samuel 22:9), a second burned his soul, and a third scattered his dust in the synagogues”—Treatise Sanhedrin, fol. 106, Colossians 2. The Babylonian Talmud has a still more curious comment on the iniquity of Doeg, in which David is bitterly reproached by the Most High for being the cause of Doeg’s great sin and its terrible consequences. “Rav Yehudah recorded that Rav had said . . . The Holy One, blessed be He! had said to David, How long shall this iniquity cling to thee? Through thee the priests of Nob were slain; through thee Doeg the Edomite became a reprobate; and through thee Saul and his three sons were slain.”—Treatise Sanhedrin, fol. 95, cols. 1, 2. A linen ephod.—The ordinary priests appear to have worn a linen over garment, similar in form to the high priestly cape or ephod. They came probably from Nob to Gibeah (the distance was not great) clad in their official costume, out of respect to the king who sent for them. The murderous deed assumes a still more awful character when we recollect who were the victims—the priests of the living God, clad in their white ministering robes!

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18

Verse 18. And Doeg-fell upon the priests] A ruthless Edomite, capable of any species of iniquity. Fourscore and five persons] The Septuagint read τριακοσιουςκαιπεντεανδρας, three hundred and five men; and Josephus has three hundred and eighty-five men. Probably the eighty-five were priests; the three hundred, the families of the priests; three hundred and eighty-five being the whole population of Nob. That did wear a linen ephod.] That is, persons who did actually administer, or had a right to administer, in sacred things. The linen ephod was the ordinary clothing of the priests.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:18

18. that did wear a linen ephod] See on 1 Samuel 2:18. The distinctive priestly dress should have reminded Saul of the sacredness of their persons.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 22:18

We are not to suppose that Doeg killed them all with his own hand.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:18

18. Doeg fell upon the priests — Assisted, no doubt, by many of the herdsmen of whom he had the command. 1 Samuel 21:7. Not only the priests, but the entire city of Nob was given over to destruction.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:18

	Sermon	Description
	The Acts of the Apostles by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the significant transition in the Book of Acts from the rejection of the Gospel by the Jews to the acceptance of the Gentiles. He highlights t
	Living "Before the Lord" and "Unto the Lord" by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the growth and spiritual increase of Samuel, emphasizing the importance of living our lives primarily before the Lord, with transparency, truth, and pu
	Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 2 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing between two opposing paths in the last days. They highlight the contrast between the biblical view of reality and
	(1 Samuel) the Training of a Prophet by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Eli and his sons in the book of 1 Samuel. Eli's sons were corrupt priests who were stealing from God and committing immorality wi
	(Exodus) Exodus 28:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing God in everything, including the instructions given in the Bible. The speaker compares the Bible to a picture book,
	Aaron & His Sons: The Holy Priesthood by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the qualities of a man after God's own heart. He emphasizes the importance of being what God wants us to be, a man in Christ, in order for God
	What Shall We Do That We Might Work the Works of God? by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of interest among Christians in attending meetings where the Word of God is taught. He suggests that many Christians are only interes