1 Samuel 27:12
1 Samuel 27:12 in Multiple Translations
So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever.”
And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.
And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.
And Achish had belief in what David said, saying, He has made himself hated by all his people Israel, and so he will be my servant for ever.
Achish trusted David, and said to himself, “He's made himself so offensive to his people the Israelites that he'll have to serve me forever.”
And Achish beleeued Dauid, saying, He hath made his people of Israel vtterly to abhorre him: therefore he shalbe my seruant for euer.
And Achish believeth in David, saying, 'He hath made himself utterly abhorred among his people, in Israel, and hath been to me for a servant age-during.'
Achish believed David, saying, “He has made his people Israel utterly to abhor him. Therefore he will be my servant forever.”
And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.
And Achis believed David, saying: He hath done much harm to his people Israel: therefore he shall be my servant for ever.
So Achish believed what David told him, and said to himself, “Because of what David has done, his own people, the Israelis, must now hate him very much. So he will have to stay here and serve me forever.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 27:12
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 27:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּאֲמֵ֥ן
אָכִ֖ישׁ
בְּ/דָוִ֣ד
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
הַבְאֵ֤שׁ
הִבְאִישׁ֙
בְּ/עַמּ֣/וֹ
בְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וְ/הָ֥יָה
לִ֖/י
לְ/עֶ֥בֶד
עוֹלָֽם
וַ/יַּאֲמֵ֥ן
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָכִ֖ישׁ
ʼĂkîysh
H397
Achish
N-proper
בְּ/דָוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַבְאֵ֤שׁ
bâʼash
H887
to stink
V-Hiphil-Ptc
הִבְאִישׁ֙
bâʼash
H887
to stink
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
בְּ/עַמּ֣/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הָ֥יָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
לְ/עֶ֥בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-ms
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
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 27:12
וַ/יַּאֲמֵ֥ן
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
אָכִ֖ישׁ
ʼĂkîysh
H397
"Achish"
N-proper
Achish was a Philistine king who lived during the time of the United Monarchy in Israel. He is mentioned in 1 Samuel and Psalm 34, also known as Abimelech.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.21.10; son of: Maoch (H4582); also called Abimelech (NIV: Abimelek) at Psa.34.1; Also named: a.vi.me.lekh (אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Abimelech" H0040I) § Achish = "I will blacken (or terrify)" or "only a man" Philistine king of Gath
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Achish. See also: 1 Samuel 21:11; 1 Samuel 27:12; 1 Kings 2:40.
בְּ/דָוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | 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.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הַבְאֵ֤שׁ
bâʼash
H887
"to stink"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to smell bad or stink, and can also mean to be morally offensive. It is used to describe something or someone that is disgusting or wicked.
Definition: 1) to have a bad smell, stink, smell bad 1a) (Qal) to stink, smell bad 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to become odious 1b2) to make oneself odious 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stink, emit a stinking odour 1c2) to cause to stink 1c3) of wickedness (fig.) 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself odious 2) (TWOT) to abhor
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Samuel 27:12; Psalms 38:6.
הִבְאִישׁ֙
bâʼash
H887
"to stink"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to smell bad or stink, and can also mean to be morally offensive. It is used to describe something or someone that is disgusting or wicked.
Definition: 1) to have a bad smell, stink, smell bad 1a) (Qal) to stink, smell bad 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to become odious 1b2) to make oneself odious 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stink, emit a stinking odour 1c2) to cause to stink 1c3) of wickedness (fig.) 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself odious 2) (TWOT) to abhor
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Samuel 27:12; Psalms 38:6.
בְּ/עַמּ֣/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/הָ֥יָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/עֶ֥בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 27:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 27:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 27:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 27:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 27:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 27:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 27:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 27:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 27:12
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 27:12
Context — David and the Philistines
10who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.”
11David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory.
12So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 34:30 | Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 13:4 | And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. |
1 Samuel 27:12 Summary
This verse tells us that Achish, the king of the Philistines, trusted David because he thought David had turned against his own people, Israel. But what Achish didn't realize was that David was still loyal to Israel and was just waiting for the right moment to rejoin them, as seen in 1 Samuel 30. This teaches us to be careful not to judge people based on how things seem, but to look deeper and trust in God's plan, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11. By doing so, we can avoid being deceived like Achish and instead have a deeper understanding of those around us, like the wisdom described in James 1:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Achish trust David?
Achish trusted David because he believed David had become a traitor to his own people, Israel, and would therefore be loyal only to him, as seen in 1 Samuel 27:12, thinking he would be his servant forever, much like the servant-leader relationship described in Genesis 44:33.
What does it mean that David 'made himself an utter stench' to Israel?
This phrase means that David's actions, from Achish's perspective, had made him completely unacceptable and hated by his own people, Israel, much like the rejection of Jesus by His own people, as described in John 1:11.
Is Achish's trust in David well-founded?
Achish's trust in David is misplaced, as David is actually still loyal to Israel and is waiting for the right moment to rejoin them, as seen in his actions throughout 1 Samuel 27 and his ultimate return to Israel in 1 Samuel 30.
What can we learn from Achish's mistake?
We can learn from Achish's mistake that we should not judge someone's character or loyalty based on appearances or rumors, but rather on their actions and the testimony of God's Word, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:13 and Matthew 7:15-20.
Reflection Questions
- How can I avoid being deceived by appearances, like Achish was, and instead seek to understand the true character of those around me?
- What are some ways that I, like David, may be called to wait patiently and trust in God's plan, even when it seems like I am far from my desired outcome?
- In what ways can I, like Achish, be blinded by my own biases and assumptions, and how can I seek to have a more nuanced understanding of those around me?
- How can I balance the need to be wise and discerning, like David, with the need to be humble and trusting, like a servant of God, as described in Matthew 20:26-28?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 27:12
And Achish believed David,.... As he would have him understand his story; imposing upon him by ambiguous terms, insinuating he had been against the southern parts of Judah, when he had been against
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 27:12
And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever. Achish believed David.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 27:12
Achish believed David; partly, because of his confidence in David’ s authority and fidelity; partly, because most men easily believe what they heartily wish to be true; and partly, from God’ s providence, which blinded him in this and in divers other particulars relating to David’ s coming hither, and abiding here.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 27:12
1 Samuel 27:12 And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.Ver. 12. And Achish believed David.] Heb., Believed in David, which was much; but so God would have it, for David’ s good. Achish, haply, thought that David would not lie; and it was easy, saith Josephus, to persuade him to believe that which he greatly affected and desired.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 27:12
Verse 12. He hath made his people - utterly to abhor him] This deception, which Dr. Delaney says "did harm to nobody, and to the account of which he is at an utter loss what degree of guilt to charge," imposed upon Achish, had the most direct tendency to make him imagine himself secure, while in the utmost danger; and to have a faithful friend and able ally in David, while he was the veriest enemy he could possibly have. Shame on him who becomes the apologist of such conduct! As to Dr. Chandler, he should know that no lie is of the truth, and that all falsity is an abomination to the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 27:12
12. Achish believed David] Connect 1 Samuel 27:12 with 1 Samuel 27:10. Achish believed that David had brought himself into ill odour (see on 1 Samuel 13:4) with his own countrymen by his attacks on them, and would now be his permanent vassal.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 27:12
DAVID IN OF ZIKLAG, 1 Samuel 27:5-12.David was known at Gath as the conqueror of Goliath, and at one time at least, if not now, was looked upon as an aspirant to the throne of Israel. 1 Samuel 21:11.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 27:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 35 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and the tragic events that took place in his life. Jacob, despite being a spiritual giant, was not prepared for the challe |
|
Going Back to the Altar by John Hames | John Hames preaches on the importance of returning to our spiritual 'Bethel' when we find ourselves straying away from God's path. Using Jacob's experience as an example, he highli |