1 Samuel 22:20
1 Samuel 22:20 in Multiple Translations
But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.
¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
And Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, got away and went in flight after David;
But one of the sons of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, managed to escape. His name was Abiathar, and he ran away and joined David.
But one of the sonnes of Ahimelech the sonne of Ahitub (whose name was Abiathar) escaped and fled after Dauid.
And there escapeth one son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, and his name [is] Abiathar, and he fleeth after David,
One of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.
And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
But one of the sons of Achimelech the son of Achitob, whose name was Abiathar, escaped, and fled to David,
But Abiathar, Ahimelech’s son, escaped. He ran away and joined David and the men who were with him.
Only one man ran away safely from there. His name was Abiathar, one of Ahimelek’s sons. He ran away and joined up with David’s mob.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 22:20
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 22:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֣ט
בֵּן
אֶחָ֗ד
לַ/אֲחִימֶ֨לֶךְ֙
בֶּן
אֲחִט֔וּב
וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ
אֶבְיָתָ֑ר
וַ/יִּבְרַ֖ח
אַחֲרֵ֥י
דָוִֽד
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֣ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֵּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֶחָ֗ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
לַ/אֲחִימֶ֨לֶךְ֙
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
Ahimelech
Prep | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֲחִט֔וּב
ʼĂchîyṭûwb
H285
Ahitub
N-proper
וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אֶבְיָתָ֑ר
ʼEbyâthâr
H54
Abiathar
N-proper
וַ/יִּבְרַ֖ח
bârach
H1272
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 22:20
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֣ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
בֵּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֶחָ֗ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
לַ/אֲחִימֶ֨לֶךְ֙
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
"Ahimelech"
Prep | 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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲחִט֔וּב
ʼĂchîyṭûwb
H285
"Ahitub"
N-proper
Ahitub was a priest in the Bible, mentioned in 1 Chronicles as the son of Uzzi and father of Meraioth. His name means my brother is good, and he was part of the tribe of Levi, playing a role in the religious leadership of Israel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.6; son of: Uzzi (H5813); father of: Meraioth (H4812); also called Ahitub at 1Ch.9.11; 1x Another name of ze.rach.yah (זְרַחְיָה "Zerahiah" H2228G) § Ahitub = "my brother is good (goodness)" 1) a grandson of Eli 2) the father of Zadok the priest
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Ahitub. See also: 1 Samuel 14:3; 1 Chronicles 5:34; Nehemiah 11:11.
וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אֶבְיָתָ֑ר
ʼEbyâthâr
H54
"Abiathar"
N-proper
Abiathar, an Israelite priest, was a faithful follower of David, but later rebelled with Adonijah, and is mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:20. His name means 'my father is great'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.20; son of: Ahimelech (H0288); father of: Ahimelech (H0288I), Jonathan (H3083I) Also named: Abiathar (Ἀβιαθάρ "Abiathar" G0008) § Abiathar = "my father is great" priest, son of Ahitub (Ahimelech), faithful to David, but later rebelled with Adonijah
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: Abiathar. See also: 1 Samuel 22:20; 2 Samuel 20:25; 1 Chronicles 27:34.
וַ/יִּבְרַ֖ח
bârach
H1272
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
דָוִֽד
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 22:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 22:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:20
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 22:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:20
Context — Saul Slays the Priests of Nob
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.
21And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. 22Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 23:6 | (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.) |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 30:7 | Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, |
| 3 | 1 Kings 2:26–27 | Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death at this time, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and you suffered through all that my father suffered.” So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 2:33 | And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, your eyes will fail and your heart will grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 23:9 | When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” |
| 6 | Job 1:19 | when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 4:12 | That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. |
| 8 | Job 1:15–17 | the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The fire of God fell from heaven. It burned and consumed the sheep and the servants, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels, and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 20:25 | Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; |
1 Samuel 22:20 Summary
This verse tells us that Abiathar, a priest, escaped the killing of the priests at Nob and fled to David, who was the anointed king of Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13. Abiathar's escape was likely allowed by God to fulfill a greater purpose, and his actions demonstrate the importance of seeking refuge in God's leaders and trusting in His sovereignty, as mentioned in Psalm 91:4. We can learn from Abiathar's example by seeking guidance and protection from spiritual leaders and ultimately from God Himself, and by trusting in His faithfulness and love, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:20 and other verses throughout the Bible, such as Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Abiathar and why is he important in this verse?
Abiathar was a son of Ahimelech and a priest who escaped the slaughter at Nob, and he is important because he fled to David and told him about the killing of the priests, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:20-21, which led to David taking responsibility for the lives of Abiathar's family, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:22.
Why did only Abiathar escape the massacre at Nob?
The Bible does not explicitly state why Abiathar was the only one to escape, but it can be inferred that God sovereignly allowed him to escape, possibly to fulfill a greater purpose, such as being a priest for David and eventually becoming a high priest in Israel, as seen in 1 Kings 2:26-27.
What can we learn from Abiathar's actions in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of seeking refuge in God's anointed leaders, as Abiathar fled to David, who was the anointed king of Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, and this can be applied to our lives by seeking guidance and protection from spiritual leaders and ultimately from God Himself, as mentioned in Psalm 91:4.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 1 Samuel?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of David's life, as it marks a turning point in his relationship with Saul and sets the stage for his future reign as king, and it also highlights the themes of God's sovereignty, protection, and provision, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:20 and other verses throughout the book, such as 1 Samuel 2:9 and 1 Samuel 17:37.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like I was the only one who escaped a difficult situation, and how did God use those experiences to shape me?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking refuge in God's anointed leaders to my own life, and what are some ways I can trust in God's sovereignty and protection?
- What are some ways I can be like Abiathar, faithfully serving God and seeking to fulfill His purposes, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
- How can I use my experiences, like Abiathar's, to minister to others and point them to God's faithfulness and love?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:20
And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped,.... Who very probably was left by his father to take care of the sanctuary, and the holy things in it, when he and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:20
And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. One of the sons of Ahimelech ... escaped.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
Abiathar, by his father’ s death, was now high priest, Fled after David, to Keilah, ,7.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.Ver. 20. And one of the sons of Ahimelech.] So Merlin the admiral’ s chaplain, was by a strange providence preserved in the Parisian massacre, and nourished for serveral days in a hay mow, by a hen that laid her eggs there.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
(20) Abiathar.—Of those who dwelt at Nob, only one single priest, Abiathar, Ahimelech’s son, seems to have escaped this general massacre. It has been suggested that when his father and the whole body of priests went to Gibeah, in accordance with the summons of King Saul, Abiathar remained behind to perform the necessary functions in the sanctuary, and when he heard of the death of his father and his brother priests, he made his escape, and eventually joined David. The exact period of his coming to the exiled band under David is uncertain; in many of the recitals in this Book no note of time is given. It is, therefore, probable that the meeting and interview with David—related in 1 Samuel 22:20 and following verses—did not take place immediately after the massacre at Gibeah, nor even directly after the destruction of Nob. From the statement in 1 Samuel 22:6 of 1 Samuel 23, it would appear that Abiathar only joined David at Keilah. From that time, however, Abiathar, who became after his father’s death high priest, occupies an important place in the story of David’s life. Throughout his reign he continued his faithful friend, and seems to have been a worthy holder of his important office. The close of his life, however, was a melancholy one. In the troubles which arose about the succession, in the last days of David’s reign, he espoused the side of Adonijah, and was in consequence deposed by the successful Solomon from the high priesthood, and sent into banishment to Anathoth. (See 1 Kings 2:26.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
Verse 20. Abiathar, escaped] This man carried with him his sacerdotal garments, as we find from 1 Samuel 23:6; 1 Samuel 23:9.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:20
20–23. Abiathar’s escape to David 20. Abiathar] Possibly Abiathar had remained at Nob in charge of the Tabernacle, and got timely warning of the approach of Doeg’s ruffians. Henceforward he was the companion of David’s wanderings, and helped him by “inquiring of the Lord” for him (1 Samuel 23:9, 1 Samuel 30:7; 2 Samuel 2:1, &c.). He held the office of high-priest till the close of David’s reign, when by some strange infatuation, after remaining faithful through Absalom’s rebellion, and “being afflicted in all wherein David was afflicted,” he took part in Adonijah’s rebellion, and was in consequence deposed by Solomon (1 Kings 2:26-27).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 22:20
Abiathar - He may have remained at Nob to take care of the sanctuary when the other priests went to Saul, and so escaped.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:20
’S ESCAPE, 1 Samuel 22:20-23. 20. Escaped and fled after David — This occurred probably at the time David was in the forest of Hareth.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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David Gaining Strength and Encouragement in the Lord Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David in 1 Samuel chapter 30. David and his men had returned to their camp to find that their wives had been stolen and th |
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Two Ministries Two Priesthoods by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses four stages of the preaching of the word of God. The first stage involves God breaking the strength of the preacher and his family, resulting |
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He Said to Abiathar the Priest, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of distress, as exemplified by David's reliance on the ephod during a crisis when his men considered stoning |
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Of Good Angels by John Wesley | John Wesley explores the role of good angels as ministering spirits sent by God to assist the heirs of salvation. He emphasizes that while ancient cultures had fragmented ideas abo |
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People's Grace by David Wilkerson | In this sermon titled "People Grace," the preacher addresses the topic of enduring hardships and finding comfort in God's grace. The sermon begins with a prayer for all those who a |