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1 Samuel 21:11

1 Samuel 21:11 in Multiple Translations

But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”

And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands?

And the servants of Achish said to him, Is not this David, the king of the land? did they not make songs about him in their dances, saying, Saul has put to death thousands, and David tens of thousands?

But Achish's officials asked the king, “Isn't this David, the king of that country? Didn't they sing about him in their dances, ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”

And the seruants of Achish said vnto him, Is not this Dauid the King of the land? did they not sing vnto him in daunces, saying, Saul hath slayne his thousand, and Dauid his ten thousande?

and the servants of Achish say unto him, 'Is not this David king of the land? is it not of this one they sing in dances, saying, 'Saul smote among his thousands, and David among his myriads?'

The servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David the king of the land? Didn’t they sing to one another about him in dances, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”

And the servants of Achish said to him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

And the servants of Achis, when they saw David, said to him: Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to him in their dances, saying: Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

But the officers of King Achish objected to David being there. They said to King Achish, “This man is [RHQ] David, the king of Israel! He is the one [RHQ] whom our enemies, the Israeli people, honored by dancing and singing, ‘Saul has killed thousands of his enemies, but David has killed tens of thousands of them!’”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 21:11

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 21:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּ֣קָם דָּוִ֔ד וַ/יִּבְרַ֥ח בַּ/יּוֹם הַ/ה֖וּא מִ/פְּנֵ֣י שָׁא֑וּל וַ/יָּבֹ֕א אֶל אָכִ֖ישׁ מֶ֥לֶךְ גַּֽת
וַ/יָּ֣קָם qûwm H6965 -kamai Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֔ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
וַ/יִּבְרַ֥ח bârach H1272 to flee Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/יּוֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
שָׁא֑וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֕א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אָכִ֖ישׁ ʼĂkîysh H397 Achish N-proper
מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms
גַּֽת Gath H1661 Gath N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 21:11

וַ/יָּ֣קָם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
דָּוִ֔ד 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.
וַ/יִּבְרַ֥ח 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.
בַּ/יּוֹם 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/ה֖וּא 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.
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.
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
שָׁא֑וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וַ/יָּבֹ֕א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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.
מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" 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.
גַּֽת Gath H1661 "Gath" N-proper
Gath was a major city of the Philistines, the same people who lived in Goliath's hometown, and its name means winepress in Hebrew.
Definition: § Gath = "winepress" one of the five royal or chief cities of the Philistines and the native city of Goliath
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Gath. See also: Joshua 11:22; 2 Samuel 21:20; Psalms 56:1.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 21:11

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 29:5 Is this not the David about whom they sing in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”
2 1 Samuel 18:7–8 And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?”
3 1 Samuel 16:1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”
4 Psalms 56:1–13 Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. In spite of such sin, will they escape? In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations. You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle— are they not in Your book? Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You. For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

1 Samuel 21:11 Summary

[This verse shows how David's fame had spread, and people were singing songs about his military victories, comparing him to King Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:11. However, this recognition put David in danger, and he had to think quickly to protect himself, much like the protection God provided to David in Psalm 32:7. David's experience teaches us to trust in God's protection and provision, rather than relying on our own strength or abilities, as seen in Psalm 23:4. By trusting in God, we can find peace and safety, even in difficult situations, as encouraged in Isaiah 26:3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the servants of Achish recognize David?

The servants recognized David because of his fame and the songs sung about him, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 21:11, which says 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands', a testament to his military victories and the people's admiration for him, similar to the praise given to David in 1 Samuel 18:7.

What was the significance of the song sung about David?

The song highlighted David's military prowess, comparing his achievements to those of King Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:11, and demonstrated the people's perception of David as a mighty warrior, which is also reflected in 1 Samuel 18:6-9.

How did the servants' recognition of David affect his situation?

The servants' recognition of David put him in a precarious position, as it drew attention to his presence in Gath and potentially threatened his safety, leading to his decision to feign madness, as described in 1 Samuel 21:13, in order to protect himself, much like the protection God provided to David in Psalm 32:7.

What can we learn from David's experience in this verse?

David's experience teaches us about the importance of humility and trusting in God's protection, as seen in Psalm 23:4, rather than relying on our own strength or fame, and the need to be mindful of our surroundings and the people we interact with, as advised in Proverbs 22:1.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when my accomplishments are recognized by others, and what does this reveal about my heart?
  2. In what ways can I trust in God's protection and provision, rather than relying on my own strength or abilities, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6?
  3. How can I balance humility with confidence in my God-given abilities, as demonstrated by David in 1 Samuel 17:45-47?
  4. What are some ways I can apply the lessons from David's experience to my own life, such as seeking God's guidance in difficult situations, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:11

And the servants of Achish said unto him,.... Who knew who David was, and perceiving that he was respected by Achish: [is] not this David the king of the land?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:11

And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:11

The king of the land, or, of this land, i.e. of the land of Canaan. They call him king, either more generally for the governor, as that word is used , for the most eminent captain and commander, and, as it were, the king of the Israelitish armies; or rather, more specially, the king, to wit, the king elect, the person designed to be king; for by this time the fame of Saul’ s rejection, and David’ s destination to the kingdom, was got abroad among the Israelites, and from them probably to the Philistines’ ears. Did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? and therefore consider what to do; and now thine and our great enemy is in thy hand, be sure thou never let him go alive.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:11

1 Samuel 21:11 And the servants of Achish said unto him, [Is] not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?Ver. 11. And the servants of Achish.] Who had some way discovered and apprehended David, and then his sword - got by a lie - could not but be prejudicial to him. It was a great mercy that the Philistines had not slain him with it; like as it was to Peter, that the rude soldiers had not cut him in pieces when he cut off Malchus’ s ear; but David prayed hard when he was in their hands, and so escaped.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:11

(11) Is not this David?—Some expositors have supposed, but quite needlessly, that it was the sword of Goliath which betrayed the identity of the hero; but although David in his humility did not suspect how widely spread was his fame, he was evidently as well known in Philistia as in his own land. That popular lilt, the folk-song of the Israelitish maidens, which sang of the prowess of David, the son of Jesse, was no doubt current in frontier towns like Gath, and at once the fugitive was recognised. We hear of no attempt made upon his life, or even against his liberty. The feeling among his generous foes was rather pitiful admiration mingled with wonder at seeing the doer of such splendid achievements in poverty and in exile. David the king.—Here, again, the title king is vaguely used. Neither the people of Gath nor his own countrymen—save, perhaps, a few chosen spirits—knew of the sacred anointing by Samuel at Bethlehem. The appellation simply means: Is not this the renowned warrior, the greatest man in Israel of whom the people sing? Saul, our sovereign, has been a valiant captain over us, and has slain his thousands; but this one is greater still, he has slain his ten thousands.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 21:11

11. the king of the land] The natural exaggeration of popular rumour. David had appeared as chief leader in the Philistine wars. did they not sing, &c.] Do they not sing. It had become a popular song. See on 1 Samuel 18:7.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 21:11

The king of the land - The Philistines gave him the title which their own lords bore.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:11

11. The servants of Achish — Who brought David into the royal presence.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 21:11

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson God Is Still Faithful by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite David's moment of unfaithfulness when he sought refuge in Gath, God remained faithful to His promises and purpose for David's life. Anointed
Chuck Smith I Samuel 26:21 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith explores the life of Saul, emphasizing how despite his physical advantages and opportunities to lead God's people, he ultimately played the fool by failing to submit fu
Major Ian Thomas (1986 Prairie Series) 8 - Biggest Thing God Ever Said by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God chooses individuals based on their hearts, rather than their outward appearance or qualifications. The preacher uses the example of D
Major Ian Thomas The Power of His Resurrection by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the presence of God in every aspect of our lives. He uses the story of David and Goliath to illustrate the p
Stephen Olford The Greatest Sin in the Church by Stephen Olford In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the greatest sin in the Church and aims to uncover what it is. The sermon begins by referencing 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel questions the i
Zac Poonen God's Preparation for Ministry by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of exalting Jesus Christ and proclaiming His message loudly and clearly, without seeking recognition or fame for ourselves or
Willie Mullan (Men God Made) Gideon by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher announces that the next week's topic will be the life of David. He mentions that there are about 42 chapters dedicated to David in the Bible, and he pr

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