1 Samuel 21:8
1 Samuel 21:8 in Multiple Translations
Then David asked Ahimelech, “Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business was urgent.”
¶ And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.
And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thy hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.
And David said to Ahimelech, Have you no sword or spear with you here? for I have come without my sword and other arms, because the king's business had to be done quickly.
“Have you got a spear or sword here?” David asked Ahimelech. “I didn't bring my sword or any of my weapons with me, because what the king needed me to do was urgent.”
And Dauid said vnto Ahimelech, Is there not here vnder thine hand a speare or a sworde? for I haue neither brought my sworde nor mine harnesse with me, because the Kings businesse required haste.
And David saith to Ahimelech, 'And is there not here under thy hand spear or sword? for neither my sword nor my vessels have I taken in my hand, for the matter of the king was urgent.'
David said to Ahimelech, “Isn’t there here under your hand spear or sword? For I haven’t brought my sword or my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.”
And David said to Ahimelech, And is there not here under thy hand a spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
And David said to Achimelech: Hast thou here at hand a spear, or a sword? for I brought not my own sword, nor my own weapons with me, for the king’s business required haste.
David asked Ahimelech, “Do you have a spear or a sword that I could use? The king appointed us to do this task and told us to leave immediately, so I did not have time to bring any weapons.”
David said to the old man, “I came with nothing. The big boss told me to go quickly, so I came without my spear and my long knife. Do you have one here?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 21:8
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 21:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁ֡ם
אִישׁ֩
מֵ/עַבְדֵ֨י
שָׁא֜וּל
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/ה֗וּא
נֶעְצָר֙
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֔ה
וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ
דֹּאֵ֣ג
הָ/אֲדֹמִ֑י
אַבִּ֥יר
הָ/רֹעִ֖ים
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לְ/שָׁאֽוּל
וְ/שָׁ֡ם
shâm
H8033
there
Conj | Adv
אִישׁ֩
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵ/עַבְדֵ֨י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-mp
שָׁא֜וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
נֶעְצָר֙
ʻâtsâr
H6113
to restrain
V-Niphal
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms | Suff
דֹּאֵ֣ג
Dôʼêg
H1673
Doeg
N-proper
הָ/אֲדֹמִ֑י
ʼĔdômîy
H130
Edomite
Art | Ngmsa
אַבִּ֥יר
ʼabbîyr
H47
mighty
Adj
הָ/רֹעִ֖ים
rôʻîy
H7473
to shepherd
Art | V-Qal
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לְ/שָׁאֽוּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 21:8
וְ/שָׁ֡ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Conj | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אִישׁ֩
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.
מֵ/עַבְדֵ֨י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-mp
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.
שָׁא֜וּל
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.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
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/ה֗וּא
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.
נֶעְצָר֙
ʻâtsâr
H6113
"to restrain"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to restrain or hold back, often used in the context of controlling one's actions or emotions. In the book of Psalms, it describes God's power to restrain evil. The word can also mean to assemble or rule over something.
Definition: 1) to restrain, retain, close up, shut, withhold, refrain, stay, detain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to restrain, halt, stop 1a2) to retain 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained, be stayed, be under restraint
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, [idiom] reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self). See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Chronicles 12:1; Psalms 106:30.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
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.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
דֹּאֵ֣ג
Dôʼêg
H1673
"Doeg"
N-proper
Doeg was an Edomite who worked for King Saul, in charge of his herdsmen. He is infamous for killing priests, as told in 1 Samuel 21:7. His name means fearing.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.21.7 § Doeg = "fearing" an Edomite, chief of Saul's herdsmen, who slew all the priests
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Doeg. See also: 1 Samuel 21:8; 1 Samuel 22:18; Psalms 52:2.
הָ/אֲדֹמִ֑י
ʼĔdômîy
H130
"Edomite"
Art | Ngmsa
An Edomite is someone from Edom, a region in the Bible, descended from Esau. The Edomites are mentioned throughout the Old Testament, often in relation to the Israelites.
Definition: Someone from Edom, an Edomite Group of e.dom (אֱדוֹם "Edom" H0123)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Edomite. See also: Deuteronomy 23:8; 1 Kings 11:14; Psalms 52:2.
אַבִּ֥יר
ʼabbîyr
H47
"mighty"
Adj
A term used to describe something or someone as mighty or strong, often referring to God or powerful animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's power, like in Genesis 49:24, and strong animals, like oxen.
Definition: 1) mighty, valiant 1a) of men 1b) of angels 1c) of animals 1d) (metaph) 1d1) of enemies 1d2) of princes 1d3) of sacrificial objects 1e) obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. See also: Judges 5:22; Psalms 78:25; Psalms 22:13.
הָ/רֹעִ֖ים
rôʻîy
H7473
"to shepherd"
Art | V-Qal
This word means to act as a shepherd, guiding and caring for people or animals, like a pastor. It is related to the verb to pasture, found in the Bible as a noun, referring to a shepherd.
Definition: shepherd (subst) A grammatical form of ra.ah (רָעָה "to pasture" H7462B)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: shipherd. See also: Genesis 13:7; Isaiah 38:12; Isaiah 44:28.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
לְ/שָׁאֽוּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 21:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David Flees to Gath
6So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence, which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away.
7Now one of Saul’s servants was there that day, detained before the LORD. And his name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief shepherd for Saul.
8Then David asked Ahimelech, “Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s mission was urgent.”
9The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one here.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.” 10That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.1 Samuel 21:8 Summary
[In this verse, David is asking the priest Ahimelech for a weapon to protect himself, because he didn't have one with him. This shows that David was still learning to trust God to take care of him, even when he felt scared or in danger. As we read in Psalms 23:4, God is our shepherd and protector, and we can trust Him to guide and defend us, even when we feel unprepared or unequipped. By looking at David's example, we can learn to trust God more fully and seek His will above our own desires and needs, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David ask Ahimelech for a spear or sword?
David asked Ahimelech for a spear or sword because he had been sent on a mission by King Saul and had not brought his own weapons, as indicated in 1 Samuel 21:8, and as seen in other instances where God's servants were called to serve without being fully equipped, such as Moses in Exodus 4:1-5.
What kind of business did King Saul have that was so urgent?
The Bible does not specify the exact nature of King Saul's business, but it is clear that David was serving the king and had to respond quickly, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:8, similar to how Jesus' disciples were sent out to minister in Mark 6:7-13.
Was it wrong for David to ask for a sword or spear from the priest?
In this context, David's request for a sword or spear was not wrong, as he was on a mission for the king and needed to protect himself, and as seen in other examples of God's servants being called to defend themselves, such as in Psalms 144:1.
How does this verse relate to David's faith and trust in God?
This verse shows that David was still learning to trust God fully, as he was seeking a physical means of defense, but it also shows his desire to serve the king and fulfill his duties, as seen in 1 Samuel 21:8, and as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking physical or material solutions to problems, rather than trusting in God's provision and protection?
- How can I, like David, learn to trust God more fully, even when I feel unprepared or unequipped for the challenges ahead?
- What are some ways that I can serve others, even when it feels urgent or uncomfortable, and how can I trust God to guide and empower me in those situations?
- How does this verse encourage me to examine my own motivations and priorities, and to seek God's will above my own desires and needs?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:8
And David said unto Ahimelech,.... After he had given him some of the loaves of the shewbread: and is there not here under thine hand spear or sword?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:8
And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:8
He left his weapons behind him, that he might with less suspicion remove from place to place, and hide himself from Saul and his spies. The king’ s business required haste; the message came to me when I was unarmed, and the business required so great expedition that I could not go home to fetch my weapons.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:8
1 Samuel 21:8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’ s business required haste.Ver. 8. Is there not here under thine hand spear or sword?] He well knew there was Goliath’ s sword, and he greatly desired it; as knowing that there was more in it than metal and form: he counted it as it were a sacrament, saith Peter Martyr; and his arm was not so much strengthened by it as his faith. At this therefore did his suit here aim. It is good to take all occasions of renewing the remembrance of God’ s mercies to us, and our obligations to him. Because the king’ s business.] Another lie. See 1 Samuel 21:2. Sin is of an encroaching nature, one lie makes way for another. See Psalms 119:69.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:8
(8) Spear or sword?—We may well suppose to what David pointed when he made his request—the famous sword, the trophy of the combat which had for ever made his name illustrious. In the first flush of gratitude to the invisible One who had stood by him in the hour of peril, he had doubtless taken and presented to the sanctuary guardians, as an offering to be kept for ever, a memorial of the victory of Israel over the uncircumcised; but now, in his hour of need and humiliation, he needed all the credentials he could gather together of his ability and power to lead men, so he trusts the priest will let him have his glorious prize back again. This seems to have been really the meaning of his petition to Ahimelech, and so evidently the priest understood David, for at once he suggested restoring the well-known, treasured sword. The sanctuary, he said, possesses no war weapon but that one which hangs up among us, a votive offering.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 21:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Superpowers in Conflict by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the prophetic vision in Daniel 8, highlighting the conflict between two great world powers, the Medo-Persian Empire symbolized by a ram and the Greek Empire |
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Pray Ye Therefore by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative power of prayer in advancing missionary work, urging believers to pray earnestly for the Lord to send laborers into His harvest. He highl |