1 Samuel 21:15
1 Samuel 21:15 in Multiple Translations
Am I in need of madmen, that you have brought this man to rave in my presence? Must this man come into my house?”
Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?
Do I lack madmen, that ye have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?
Are there not enough unbalanced men about me, that you have let this person come and do such tricks before me? is such a man to come into my house?
Is it because I need more mad people that you've brought this man to go crazy right in front of me? Do you think I'm going to let him come into my house?”
Haue I neede of mad men, that ye haue brought this fellowe to play the mad man in my presence? shall he come into mine house?
A lack of madmen [have] I, that ye have brought in this one to act as a madman by me! doth this one come in unto my house?'
Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? Should this fellow come into my house?”
Have I need of mad-men, that ye have brought this man to play the mad-man in my presence? shall this man come into my house?
Have we need of madmen, that you have brought in this fellow, to play the madman in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?
Have you brought him because I do not have enough insane men here already [RHQ]? I do not want [RHQ] him to come into my house!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 21:15
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 21:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
אָכִ֖ישׁ
אֶל
עֲבָדָ֑י/ו
הִנֵּ֤ה
תִרְאוּ֙
אִ֣ישׁ
מִשְׁתַּגֵּ֔עַ
לָ֛/מָּה
תָּבִ֥יאוּ
אֹת֖/וֹ
אֵלָֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָכִ֖ישׁ
ʼĂkîysh
H397
Achish
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עֲבָדָ֑י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
תִרְאוּ֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִשְׁתַּגֵּ֔עַ
shâgaʻ
H7696
be mad
V-Hithpael
לָ֛/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
תָּבִ֥יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 21:15
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
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.
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.
עֲבָדָ֑י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
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.
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
תִרְאוּ֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אִ֣ישׁ
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.
מִשְׁתַּגֵּ֔עַ
shâgaʻ
H7696
"be mad"
V-Hithpael
This verb means to be or act crazy, often due to insanity or rage. It is used to describe extreme behavior in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be mad 1a) (Pual) 1a1) to be mad 1a2) to be maddened (participle) 1b) (Hithpael) to show madness
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (be, play the) mad (man). See also: Deuteronomy 28:34; 2 Kings 9:11; Jeremiah 29:26.
לָ֛/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תָּבִ֥יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
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.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 21:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 21:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:15
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 21:15
Context — David Flees to Gath
13So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their hands; he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard.
14Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you can see that the man is insane! Why have you brought him to me?
15Am I in need of madmen, that you have brought this man to rave in my presence? Must this man come into my house?”
1 Samuel 21:15 Summary
In 1 Samuel 21:15, Achish is frustrated with David's behavior and doesn't understand why he is acting like a madman. This verse shows that David is in a difficult situation and has to rely on cleverness to protect himself, but it also highlights his trust in God. As seen in Psalm 34:4, David knows that God will deliver him from his fears, and we can have that same trust in God's sovereignty (Romans 8:28). This verse reminds us that even in confusing or challenging situations, we can trust in God's plan and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of 1 Samuel 21:15 and why is Achish speaking this way?
Achish is speaking in response to David's actions in 1 Samuel 21:13, where David feigned madness to avoid detection, and Achish is expressing his confusion and frustration at David's behavior, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:14-15.
Is Achish being cruel or just pragmatic in 1 Samuel 21:15?
Achish is likely being pragmatic, as a king he has to make decisions that benefit his kingdom, and having a 'madman' like David in his presence may be seen as a liability, similar to how the Philistines were concerned about David's presence in 1 Samuel 29:3-5.
What does this verse reveal about David's situation and his trust in God?
This verse reveals that David is in a precarious situation, having to rely on deception to protect himself, but it also highlights his trust in God, as seen in Psalm 34:4, where David writes about seeking the Lord and being delivered from his fears.
How does Achish's reaction to David relate to other instances of rejection or persecution in the Bible?
Achish's reaction to David is similar to other instances of rejection or persecution in the Bible, such as in Matthew 10:22, where Jesus warns his disciples that they will be persecuted, and in 2 Timothy 3:12, where it is written that all who desire to live a godly life will suffer persecution.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like an outcast or rejected, and how did I respond to those situations?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty even when faced with uncertain or difficult circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of trusting in God's protection, as seen in Psalm 34:4, to my own life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate courage and faith in the face of adversity, like David did in 1 Samuel 21:13-15?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:15
Have I need of madmen?.... Or fools, do I want them? have not I enough of them already at my court? I want wise men, and not fools and madmen.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:15
Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house? Have I need of mad men?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:15
I need wise men, not such fools or madmen as this is. I will not have my court disgraced with entertaining such fellows.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:15
1 Samuel 21:15 Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this [fellow] to play the mad man in my presence? shall this [fellow] come into my house?Ver. 15. Have I need of mad men?] The Rabbis say that Achish’ s wife and daughter were mad: and therefore was he so loath to be further troubled with any such creatures.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:15
Verse 15. Shall this fellow come into my house?] I will not take into my service a man who is liable to so grievous a disease. Chandler, who vindicates David's feigning himself, mad, concludes thus: "To deceive the deceiver is in many instances meritorious, in none criminal. And what so likely to deceive as the very reverse of that character which they had so misconstrued? He was undone as a wise man, he had a chance to escape as a madman; he tried, and the experiment succeeded." I confess I can neither feel the force nor the morality of this. Deceit and hypocrisy can never be pleasing in the sight of God.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 21:15
15. come into my house] Be taken into my service. Cp. Psalms 101:7.