1 Samuel 21:3

← 1 Samuel 21:2 1 Samuel 21:4 →

1 Samuel 21:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.”

King James Version KJV

Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.

American Standard Version ASV

Now therefore what is under thy hand? give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatsoever there is present.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So now, if you have here five cakes of bread, give them into my hand, or whatever you have.

Free Bible Version FBV

So what do you have on hand to eat? Let me have five loaves of bread, or whatever you can find.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe therefore if thou hast ought vnder thine hande, giue me fiue cakes of bread, or what commeth to hand.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and now, what is there under thy hand? five loaves give into my hand, or that which is found.'

World English Bible WEB

Now therefore what is under your hand? Please give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatever is available.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now therefore what is under thy hand? give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or what there is present.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now therefore if thou have any thing at hand, though it were but five loaves, give me, or whatsoever thou canst find.

Translation for Translators T4T

Now I want to know, do you have any food here for me to eat [IDM]? Could you give me five loaves of bread, or whatever other food that you can find?”

Plain English Version PEV

Do you have any food? I need some. Maybe 5 loaves of bread? Or maybe some other kind of food?”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 21:3

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 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר דָּוִ֜ד לַ/אֲחִימֶ֣לֶךְ הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן הַ/מֶּלֶךְ֮ צִוַּ֣/נִי דָבָר֒ וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלַ֗/י אִ֣ישׁ אַל יֵ֧דַע מְא֛וּמָה אֶת הַ/דָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִ֥י שֹׁלֵֽחֲ/ךָ֖ וַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתִ֑/ךָ וְ/אֶת הַ/נְּעָרִ֣ים יוֹדַ֔עְתִּי אֶל מְק֥וֹם פְּלֹנִ֖י אַלְמוֹנִֽי

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

לַ/אֲחִימֶ֣לֶךְ ʼĂchîymelek H288 Ahimelech Prep | N-proper

הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

הַ/מֶּלֶךְ֮ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

צִוַּ֣/נִי tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff

דָבָר֒ dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלַ֗/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

יֵ֧דַע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Juss-3ms

מְא֛וּמָה mᵉʼûwmâh H3972 anything N-fs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/דָּבָ֛ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אָנֹכִ֥י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron

שֹׁלֵֽחֲ/ךָ֖ shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal | Suff

וַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Conj | Rel

צִוִּיתִ֑/ךָ tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

הַ/נְּעָרִ֣ים naʻar H5288 youth Art | N-mp

יוֹדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-m-Perf-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מְק֥וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place N-ms

פְּלֹנִ֖י pᵉlônîy H6423 someone Pron

אַלְמוֹנִֽי ʼalmônîy H492 someone Adj

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 21:3

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר 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.

דָּוִ֜ד 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.

לַ/אֲחִימֶ֣לֶךְ 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.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

הַ/מֶּלֶךְ֮ melek H4428 "King's" Art | 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.

צִוַּ֣/נִי tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

דָבָר֒ dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלַ֗/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.

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.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

יֵ֧דַע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Juss-3ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

מְא֛וּמָה mᵉʼûwmâh H3972 "anything" N-fs

This word refers to something, no matter how small, or nothing at all. It's used in phrases like 'anything' or 'nothing'. The Bible uses it in various books to convey the idea of something or nothing.

Definition: anything

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: fault, [phrase] no(-ught), ought, somewhat, any (no-)thing. See also: Genesis 22:12; 1 Samuel 25:15; Jeremiah 39:10.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

הַ/דָּבָ֛ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אָנֹכִ֥י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

שֹׁלֵֽחֲ/ךָ֖ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal | Suff

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

וַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Conj | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

צִוִּיתִ֑/ךָ tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

הַ/נְּעָרִ֣ים naʻar H5288 "youth" Art | N-mp

In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.

Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.

יוֹדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-m-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

מְק֥וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" 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.

פְּלֹנִ֖י pᵉlônîy H6423 "someone" Pron

This Hebrew word refers to a specific person, like someone you can point to. It is used in the Bible to talk about a certain individual. In the KJV, it is often translated as 'such a one'.

Definition: a certain one Also means: pal.mo.ni (פַּלְמוֹנִי "certain" H6422)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: such. See also: Ruth 4:1; 1 Samuel 21:3; 2 Kings 6:8.

אַלְמוֹנִֽי ʼalmônîy H492 "someone" Adj

This Hebrew word means someone or a certain person, without giving a specific name. It is used in the Bible to refer to an unnamed person or place, like in the story of Ruth and Boaz.

Definition: someone, a certain one

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: one, and such. See also: Ruth 4:1; 1 Samuel 21:3; 2 Kings 6:8.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 21:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 21:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:3
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:3
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:3
Sermons on 1 Samuel 21:3

Context — David Takes the Consecrated Bread

1Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” 2“The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place.

3Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.”

4“There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.” 5David answered, “Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the bodies of the young men are holy even on common missions. How much more so today!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 3:6	A man will seize his brother within his father’s house: “You have a cloak—you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of rubble.”
2	Judges 9:29	If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’”
3	1 Samuel 21:4	“There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.”

1 Samuel 21:3 Summary

In this verse, David is asking Ahimelech for food because he and his men are hungry and need something to eat. He is not being picky about what type of food he gets, just that he needs something to sustain them on their journey, similar to the situation in Matthew 14:17. This shows that even in difficult situations, God can provide for our needs, as seen in Psalm 23:1 and Exodus 16:4-36. By trusting in God's provision, we can have peace and confidence, just like David did, as encouraged in Psalm 55:22 and Matthew 6:25-34.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was David's reason for asking Ahimelech for bread?

David asked Ahimelech for bread because he and his men were likely hungry and in need of sustenance for their journey, as implied in 1 Samuel 21:3, and this was an emergency situation where he had to rely on what was available at the moment.

What type of bread was David asking for?

David asked for five loaves of bread or whatever could be found, indicating that he was not particular about the type of bread, but rather was seeking any available food, as stated in 1 Samuel 21:3, which is similar to the situation in Matthew 14:17 where the disciples had only five loaves of bread to feed a large crowd.

Was David being dishonest with Ahimelech about his mission?

While David did not reveal the full truth about his mission to Ahimelech, stating in 1 Samuel 21:2 that the king had given him a mission and that no one was to know about it, it is not entirely clear if he was being dishonest, as he may have been trying to protect Ahimelech and his men from potential danger, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:17-18 where Saul had the priests of Nob killed.

How does this verse relate to the concept of provision in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the concept of God's provision, as seen in Psalm 23:1, where David, in a time of need, relies on God's provision through Ahimelech, and later in 1 Samuel 21:6, where he receives the consecrated bread, demonstrating God's care for His people, similar to the story of the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 16:4-36.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have had to rely on God's provision, and how did He provide for me?
How can I, like David, trust in God's provision and care for me, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 55:22 and Matthew 6:25-34?
What are some ways that I can, like Ahimelech, be a source of provision and help for others, as seen in Acts 2:45 and Galatians 6:2?
How does this verse remind me of the importance of humility and dependence on God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 1:9 and Psalm 37:7?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:3

Now therefore what is under thine hand?.... Meaning, what food had he in his house?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:3

Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:3

Under thine hand, to wit, in thy power, and ready for thee to give, and for me to take, and eat.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:3

1 Samuel 21:3 Now therefore what is under thine hand? give [me] five [loaves of] bread in mine hand, or what there is present.Ver. 3. Or what there is present.] Heb., Found; anything to preserve life. Eat that which is set before you, said our Saviour to his disciples. Eat to live; hunger is the best sauce, and can well season homely dainties. ταπαρατιθεμενα. - Luke x. 8.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:3

3. What is under thine hand — What provision? what food hast thou ready made, or on hand?

Sermons on 1 Samuel 21:3

	Sermon	Description
	The Decree of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of judgment and the decree of judgment as prescribed by the Lord. The sermon explores the idea that what we sow, we will reap, a