1 Samuel 22:17

1 Samuel 22:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.

King James Version KJV

¶ And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

And the king said unto the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of Jehovah; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the king said to the runners who were waiting near him, Put the priests of the Lord to death; because they are on David's side, and having knowledge of his flight, did not give me word of it. But the king's servants would not put out their hands to make an attack on the Lord's priests.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the king turned to his bodyguards standing there and ordered them, “Kill these priests of the Lord, because they're on David's side! They knew he was a fugitive and yet they didn't tell me!” But the king's guards refused to attack the priests of the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the King sayde vnto the sergeantes that stoode about him, Turne, and slay the Priestes of the Lord, because their hand also is with Dauid, and because they knewe when he fled, and shewed it not vnto mee. But the seruantes of the King would not moue their hands to fall vpon the Priests of the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the king saith to runners, those standing by him, 'Turn round, and put to death the priests of Jehovah, because their hand also [is] with David, and because they have known that he is fleeing, and have not uncovered mine ear;' and the servants of the king have not been willing to put forth their hand to come against the priests of Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

The king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled and didn’t disclose it to me.” But the servants of the king wouldn’t put out their hand to fall on the priests of the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the king said to the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD: because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not show it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the king said to the messengers that stood about him: Turn, and kill the priests of the Lord, for their hand is with David, because they knew that he was fled, and they told it not to me. And the king’s servants would not put forth their hands against the priests of the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he commanded his bodyguards, “Kill these priests of Yahweh, because they are allies of David, and they are conspiring with David against me! They knew that David was trying to run away from me, but they did not tell me!” But Saul’s bodyguards refused to kill Yahweh’s priests.

Plain English Version PEV

And he told his workers, “Kill all these men dead. They listen to David and not to me. They knew that he ran away from me, but they did not tell me.” But the workers said, “No. We can’t kill these men that look after God’s ceremonies.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 22:17

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 22:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר הַ/מֶּ֡לֶךְ לָ/רָצִים֩ הַ/נִּצָּבִ֨ים עָלָ֜י/ו סֹ֥בּוּ וְ/הָמִ֣יתוּ כֹּהֲנֵ֣י יְהוָ֗ה כִּ֤י גַם יָדָ/ם֙ עִם דָּוִ֔ד וְ/כִ֤י יָֽדְעוּ֙ כִּֽי בֹרֵ֣חַ ה֔וּא וְ/לֹ֥א גָל֖וּ אֶת אזנ/ו אָזְנִ֑/י וְ/לֹֽא אָב֞וּ עַבְדֵ֤י הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ לִ/שְׁלֹ֣חַ אֶת יָדָ֔/ם לִ/פְגֹ֖עַ בְּ/כֹהֲנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

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

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

לָ/רָצִים֩ rûwts H7323 to run Prep | V-Qal

הַ/נִּצָּבִ֨ים nâtsab H5324 to stand Art | V-Niphal

עָלָ֜י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

סֹ֥בּוּ çâbab H5437 to turn V-Qal-Impv-2mp

וְ/הָמִ֣יתוּ mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp

כֹּהֲנֵ֣י kôhên H3548 priest N-mp

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

גַם gam H1571 also Adv

יָדָ/ם֙ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

דָּוִ֔ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

וְ/כִ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj | Conj

יָֽדְעוּ֙ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-3cp

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

בֹרֵ֣חַ bârach H1272 to flee V-Qal

ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

גָל֖וּ gâlâh H1540 to reveal V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אזנ/ו ʼôzen H241 ear N-fs | Suff

אָזְנִ֑/י ʼôzen H241 ear N-fs | Suff

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

אָב֞וּ ʼâbâh H14 be willing V-Qal-Perf-3cp

עַבְדֵ֤י ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

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

לִ/שְׁלֹ֣חַ shâlach H7971 to send Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יָדָ֔/ם yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

לִ/פְגֹ֖עַ pâgaʻ H6293 to fall on Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בְּ/כֹהֲנֵ֥י kôhên H3548 priest Prep | N-mp

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 22:17

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר 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.

הַ/מֶּ֡לֶךְ 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.

לָ/רָצִים֩ rûwts H7323 "to run" Prep | V-Qal

To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.

Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.

הַ/נִּצָּבִ֨ים nâtsab H5324 "to stand" Art | V-Niphal

To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.

Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary

Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.

עָלָ֜י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

סֹ֥בּוּ çâbab H5437 "to turn" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.

Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded

Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.

וְ/הָמִ֣יתוּ mûwth H4191 "to die" Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

כֹּהֲנֵ֣י kôhên H3548 "priest" N-mp

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.

יְהוָ֗ה 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.

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

גַם gam H1571 "also" Adv

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

יָדָ/ם֙ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

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.

וְ/כִ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj | Conj

יָֽדְעוּ֙ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

בֹרֵ֣חַ bârach H1272 "to flee" V-Qal

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.

ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" 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.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

גָל֖וּ gâlâh H1540 "to reveal" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.

Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself

Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.

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.

אזנ/ו ʼôzen H241 "ear" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.

Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.

אָזְנִ֑/י ʼôzen H241 "ear" N-fs | Suff

Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

אָב֞וּ ʼâbâh H14 "be willing" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.

Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.

עַבְדֵ֤י ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" 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.

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

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.

לִ/שְׁלֹ֣חַ shâlach H7971 "to send" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." 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.

יָדָ֔/ם yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

לִ/פְגֹ֖עַ pâgaʻ H6293 "to fall on" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.

Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.

בְּ/כֹהֲנֵ֥י kôhên H3548 "priest" Prep | N-mp

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.

יְהוָֽה 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.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 22:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 22:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:17
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17
Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:17

Context — Saul Slays the Priests of Nob

15Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” 16But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!”

17Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.

18So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. 19He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 1:17	The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.
2	1 Samuel 14:45	But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.
3	2 Kings 1:13–14	So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants please be precious in your sight. Behold, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty, with all their men. But now may my life be precious in your sight.”
4	2 Kings 10:25	When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal.
5	Acts 4:19	But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.
6	1 Samuel 22:13	And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.”
7	1 Kings 18:4	for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)
8	1 Samuel 25:17	Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!”
9	1 Kings 1:5	At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.
10	1 Samuel 20:33	Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.

1 Samuel 22:17 Summary

In this verse, King Saul orders his guards to kill the priests of the Lord because they helped David, but the guards refuse to obey. This shows that even in difficult situations, we can choose to do what is right and follow God's will, rather than following orders that go against God's commands, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:17 and supported by verses like Exodus 1:17 and Acts 5:29. It also highlights the importance of having a strong moral conscience and being willing to stand up for what is right, even if it's hard. By following God's will and being obedient to His commands, we can demonstrate our love and loyalty to Him, as taught in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King Saul order the guards to kill the priests of the Lord?

King Saul ordered the guards to kill the priests because they had sided with David and did not inform him about David's escape, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:17, which highlights Saul's growing paranoia and jealousy towards David, similar to the accounts in 1 Samuel 18:8 and 1 Samuel 20:33.

Why did the king's servants refuse to obey Saul's order to kill the priests?

The king's servants refused to obey Saul's order because they recognized the priests as servants of the Lord, and it would have been wrong to harm them, reflecting a moral conscience similar to that seen in Exodus 1:17, where the midwives refused to obey Pharaoh's order to kill the Hebrew babies.

What does this verse reveal about King Saul's character?

This verse reveals King Saul's character as one of increasing instability, paranoia, and disregard for God's servants, which is consistent with other accounts of his behavior, such as in 1 Samuel 15:23, where he disobeyed God's command to destroy the Amalekites.

How does this event relate to the broader biblical theme of obedience to God?

This event highlights the importance of obeying God rather than human authorities, as seen in Acts 5:29, where the apostles chose to obey God rather than the Sanhedrin, and in 1 Samuel 22:17, where the king's servants chose not to obey Saul's unjust order, demonstrating a commitment to following God's will above human commands.

Reflection Questions

What would I have done if I were one of the king's servants in this situation, and how can I apply that decision to my own life when faced with difficult choices?
How can I balance my loyalty to human authorities with my loyalty to God, and what does the Bible teach about this balance, as seen in Romans 13:1-7 and Matthew 22:21?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it means going against those in power, as seen in the examples of Daniel 3:16-18 and 6:10?
How can I cultivate a conscience that is sensitive to God's will and obedient to His commands, as described in Psalm 119:11 and 1 Timothy 1:5?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:17

And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him,.... Or the "runners" (f); the running footmen, that used to run before him when he went out from place to place, and were here waiting on him,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:17

And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17

Choosing rather to offend the king, by disobeying his wicked and bloody command, than to offend God, by shedding the blood of such innocent and sacred persons.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17

1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also [is] with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.Ver. 17. And the king said unto the footmen.] Heb., The runners: who had run to fetch the priests from Nob to Saul, saith A. Lapide. Turn, and slay the priests of the Lord.] His anger was bent against the Lord himself, for taking away his kingdom, and giving it to another: and because he could not come at the Lord, therefore he wreaketh his rage upon his priests; like as the devil smote Job’ s servants when he might not meddle with Job’ s self. This seemeth to have been the very sin against the Holy Ghost. Because their hand also is with David.] This he speaketh, that he may not seem to have been mad without reason. In the Vatican hall, at Rome, is pictured the massacre of Paris: under one side of the picture is written, Coligni et sociorum caedes: on the other, Rex Coligni caedem probat. Money, also, was thereupon coined in France, in the forepart whereof, together with the king’ s picture, was this inscription, Virtus in rebelles: and on the other side, Pietas excitavit Iustitiam, Piety hath stirred up justice., But the servants of the king would not.] This was well, but not all. Chrysostom blameth them, because they did not positively and effectually plead the cause of the priests before Saul, &c. Il Mercurio Italico, p. 42. Camden’ s Elisab. In Ps. cxxxiv.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17

(17) The footmen.—“Footmen,” literally runners. These “guards,” or “lictors,” were men who ran by the royal chariot as an escort. They are still the usual attendants of any great man in the East. From long habit they were able to maintain a great speed for a long time. (See 1 Samuel 8:11, where Samuel tells the children of Israel how the king of the future, whom they asked for, would take some of them to “run before his chariot.” See, too, for an example of the power of running in old times, 1 Kings 18:46, when Elijah outstripped the chariot of Ahab.) But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand.—“And thus they were more faithful to Saul than if they had obeyed his order, which was against the commandment of the Lord, whose servant the king was no less than they.”—Wordsworth.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17

Verse 17. But the servants of the king would not] They dared to disobey the commands of the king in a case of such injustice, inhumanity, and irreligion.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:17

17. the footmen] Lit. “the runners.” See on ch. 1 Samuel 8:11; and for their employment as executioners comp. 2 Kings 10:25 (E. V. guard). would not put forth their hand] They shrank from executing a command at once so cold-blooded and sacrilegious.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:17

17. The footmen — Runners; halberdiers; members of the king’s body guard, who ran or walked before him to guard his way. The servants of the king would not — An act so sacrilegious they shuddered at the thought of doing.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:17

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 1:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the birth of Moses and how God raised him up to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The preacher emphasizes that the book o
	Humble Yourself by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting God's call and the consequences of rejecting it. He shares stories of revival meetings where people were deeply mov
	If Jesus Wasn't God by John Ankerberg	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difficulty of deriving historical facts from the legends and descriptions of miracles performed by Jesus. He uses an analogy of a whisperi
	Persecuted for Christ (Part 7) by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God without relying on notes or following a structured order of service. He highlights examples from
	(Christian History) 9. Ideas of Reform and an Early Example of Reform by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of reform in the church and the need for change. He mentions an early example of a reform movement led by Joachim of Fiora, a Cist
	Building the House of God - Asking for the Holy Spirit by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, highlighting that the Spirit is given not for personal gain or status but to empower individua
	God's D. D. by C.T. Studd	C.T. Studd passionately preaches about the boldness and integrity of Daniel, urging believers to emulate his fearless faith and unwavering commitment to God. He emphasizes that tru