1 Samuel 26:13
1 Samuel 26:13 in Multiple Translations
Then David crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them.
¶ Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:
Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain afar off; a great space being between them;
Then David went over to the other side, and took his place on the top of a mountain some distance away, with a great space between them;
Then David went back over to the other side, and stood on top of the hill far enough away—there was a considerable distance between them.
Then Dauid went vnto the other side, and stoode on the toppe of an hill a farre off, a great space being betweene them.
And David passeth over to the other side, and standeth on the top of the hill afar off — great [is] the place between them;
Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain far away, a great space being between them;
Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off; a great space being between them:
And when David was gone over to the other side. and stood on the top of the hill afar off, and a good space was between them,
David and Abishai went across the valley and climbed to the top of the hill, a long way from Saul’s camp.
Then they went across to the other side of the valley and stood on the top of a hill a long way away.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 26:13
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 26:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר
דָּוִד֙
הָ/עֵ֔בֶר
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
עַל
רֹאשׁ
הָ/הָ֖ר
מֵֽ/רָחֹ֑ק
רַ֥ב
הַ/מָּק֖וֹם
בֵּינֵי/הֶֽם
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
הָ/עֵ֔בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
side
Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹאשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
הָ/הָ֖ר
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-ms
מֵֽ/רָחֹ֑ק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Prep | Adj
רַ֥ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
הַ/מָּק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Art | N-ms
בֵּינֵי/הֶֽם
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
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 26:13
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
דָּוִד֙
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.
הָ/עֵ֔בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
"side"
Art | N-ms
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
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.
רֹאשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/הָ֖ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
מֵֽ/רָחֹ֑ק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
רַ֥ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
הַ/מָּק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Art | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
בֵּינֵי/הֶֽם
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 26:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 26:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 26:13
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 26:13
Context — David Reproves Abner
11But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”
12So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.
13Then David crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them.
14And David shouted to the troops and to Abner son of Ner, “Will you not answer me, Abner?” “Who are you who calls to the king?” Abner replied. 15So David said to Abner, “You are a man, aren’t you? And who in Israel is your equal? Why then did you not protect your lord the king when one of the people came to destroy him?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 24:8 | After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence |
| 2 | Judges 9:7 | When this was reported to Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and cried out: “Listen to me, O leaders of Shechem, and may God listen to you. |
1 Samuel 26:13 Summary
In this verse, David creates a safe distance between himself and King Saul's troops by crossing to the other side and standing atop a mountain. This action shows that David is committed to trusting in God's protection and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. By creating this distance, David is able to call out to Abner and the troops without being in immediate danger, demonstrating his wisdom and caution in the face of conflict. This verse reminds us that, like David, we can trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even in difficult circumstances, and take wise actions to protect ourselves and others, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David cross to the other side and stand atop the mountain at a distance?
David did this to create a safe distance between himself and King Saul, demonstrating his commitment to not harming the Lord's anointed, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:11, and to prepare for a confrontation, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:14.
What is the significance of the wide gulf between David and Saul's troops?
The wide gulf represents a physical and symbolic separation between David and those who sought to harm him, much like the separation between the righteous and the wicked in Psalm 1:6, and it allowed David to call out to Abner and the troops without being in immediate danger.
How does this verse relate to David's overall character and actions in 1 Samuel?
This verse showcases David's obedience to God, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:11, and his trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, demonstrating his commitment to following God's will, even in difficult circumstances.
What can we learn from David's actions in this verse about dealing with conflict or danger?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's protection and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:4, and of taking wise and cautious actions to protect ourselves and others, while still trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to create distance between myself and a difficult or dangerous situation, and how did I trust in God's protection during those times?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and protection when faced with conflict or danger, and what are some Bible verses that encourage me to do so?
- In what ways can I apply David's example of caution and wisdom in my own life, and what are some potential consequences of not taking such actions?
- What are some ways that I can, like David, use times of separation or distance to call out to others and share my perspective or message, and what are some potential benefits of doing so?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:13
Then David went over to the other side,.... To a hill on the other side, opposite to Hachilah, where Saul lay encamped; or "passed over the passage" (q), the valley that lay between the two hills,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:13
Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them: Then David ... stood on the top of an hill afar off ...
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13
That his person might be out of their reach, and yet his voice might be heard; which in a clear air, and in the silence of the night, might be heard at a great distance.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13
1 Samuel 26:13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space [being] between them:Ver. 13. And stood on the top of a hill afar off.] On a hill, that he might be heard; and afar off, that he might provide for his own safety. Vide hic ut David in omnes formas se transformet ad Saulem placandum, sanandum et salvandum. See here, saith one, how David turneth himself into all shapes and forms of spirit and of speech for Saul’ s good; and learn to do accordingly. Be all things to all men to win them to God. Illud nimirum sapere est, si ubicunque opus sit animum possis flectere.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13
(13) David went over to the other side.—That is to say, after taking the royal spear and cruse of water from beside the sleeping king, David with Abishai left the camp of Saul, then, crossing the deep ravine, re-ascended the opposite hill or mountain—there was then a deep gorge between him and the camp—and uttered his shrill cry, which awoke the sleeping sentinel, who seems at once to have roused Abner. Keil calls attention here to the special notice in the text that the mountain whence David spoke was afar off, not, as we should say, “as the crow flies,” but afar, because a deep steep ravine lay between the camp of Saul and the hill on which David and Abishai stood. “On the previous occasion when, in the cave of En-gedi, the son of Jesse cut off the skirt of the royal garment, David fearlessly cried to Saul when the king was still evidently quite close to the cave. Now, however, he seems to have reckoned far less upon any change in the state of Saul’s mind than he had done before . . . in fact, he rather feared lest Saul should endeavour to get him into his power as soon as he woke from his sleep.”
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 26:13
13–25. David’s final expostulation with Saul 13. a great space being between them] This precaution indicates that David trusted Saul less now than upon the former occasion. Cp. 1 Samuel 26:22.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13
13. To the other side — Of the wady or valley which lay between the place of Saul’s encampment and the top of a hill afar off from which David cried to the people.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 26:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Judges 8-14 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. Samson challenges thirty Philistines to solve a riddle, promising them thirty shirts and garments if they |