1 Samuel 23:6
1 Samuel 23:6 in Multiple Translations
(Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
Now when Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, went in flight to David, he came down to Keilah with the ephod in his hand.
(When Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, ran away to David at Keilah he brought the ephod with him.)
(And when Abiathar the sonne of Ahimelech fled to Dauid to Keilah, he brought an Ephod with him)
And it cometh to pass, in the fleeing of Abiathar son of Ahimelech unto David, to Keilah, an ephod came down in his hand.
When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, he came down with an ephod in his hand.
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
Now at that time, when Abiathar the son of Achimelech fled to David to Ceila, he came down having an ephod with him.
Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, fled to be with David at Keilah, and he brought the sacred vest with him to use it to determine what God wanted to be done.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:6
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 23:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֗י
בִּ֠/בְרֹחַ
אֶבְיָתָ֧ר
בֶּן
אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ
אֶל
דָּוִ֖ד
קְעִילָ֑ה
אֵפ֖וֹד
יָרַ֥ד
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּ֠/בְרֹחַ
bârach
H1272
to flee
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶבְיָתָ֧ר
ʼEbyâthâr
H54
Abiathar
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
Ahimelech
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
קְעִילָ֑ה
Qᵉʻîylâh
H7084
Keilah
N-proper
אֵפ֖וֹד
ʼêphôwd
H646
ephod
N-ms
יָרַ֥ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:6
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בִּ֠/בְרֹחַ
bârach
H1272
"to flee"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אֶבְיָתָ֧ר
ʼEbyâthâr
H54
"Abiathar"
N-proper
Abiathar, an Israelite priest, was a faithful follower of David, but later rebelled with Adonijah, and is mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:20. His name means 'my father is great'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.20; son of: Ahimelech (H0288); father of: Ahimelech (H0288I), Jonathan (H3083I) Also named: Abiathar (Ἀβιαθάρ "Abiathar" G0008) § Abiathar = "my father is great" priest, son of Ahitub (Ahimelech), faithful to David, but later rebelled with Adonijah
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: Abiathar. See also: 1 Samuel 22:20; 2 Samuel 20:25; 1 Chronicles 27:34.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
"Ahimelech"
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּוִ֖ד
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.
קְעִילָ֑ה
Qᵉʻîylâh
H7084
"Keilah"
N-proper
Keilah was a city in ancient Judah, mentioned in the Bible as a place where David fought the Philistines. It was a fortified town, located northwest of Hebron. The city plays a significant role in the story of David's life, as recorded in 1 Samuel.
Definition: § Keilah = "fortress" a city in the lowlands of Judah northwest of Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Keilah. See also: Joshua 15:44; 1 Samuel 23:8; Nehemiah 3:18.
אֵפ֖וֹד
ʼêphôwd
H646
"ephod"
N-ms
The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.
Definition: 1) ephod 1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment 1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff 1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: ephod. See also: Exodus 25:7; Exodus 39:21; Hosea 3:4.
יָרַ֥ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 23:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:6
Context — David Delivers Keilah
4Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
5Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.
6(Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)
7When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” 8Then Saul summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 22:20 | But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 14:3 | including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 14:18 | Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.) |
| 4 | Exodus 28:30–31 | And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD. You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 14:36–37 | And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. But the priest said, “We must consult God here.” So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day. |
1 Samuel 23:6 Summary
[This verse tells us that Abiathar, a priest, brought a special garment called an ephod with him when he joined David at Keilah. The ephod was used to ask for God's guidance, as seen in Exodus 28:30, and this shows that David was seeking to follow God's will. By having the ephod with him, David was able to make decisions that were in line with God's plans, much like the priests in Deuteronomy 18:1-8. This reminds us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in our own lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are told to trust in the Lord with all our heart.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abiathar and why is he significant in this verse?
Abiathar is the son of Ahimelech, a priest who helped David earlier, and he brought the ephod, a priestly garment, with him when he fled to David at Keilah, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:6, which shows his loyalty and support for David's leadership, much like the loyalty of the priests in Deuteronomy 18:1-8.
What is the ephod and what was its purpose?
The ephod was a priestly garment worn by the high priest, according to Exodus 28:6-14, and it was used to make decisions and inquire of the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:9-12, where David uses the ephod to ask for God's guidance.
Why did Abiathar bring the ephod with him when he fled to David?
Abiathar brought the ephod with him to provide a means for David to inquire of the Lord and make decisions, as seen in Numbers 27:21, where the high priest uses the ephod to ask for God's guidance, and this shows Abiathar's desire to support David's leadership and provide a way for him to seek God's will.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse provides context for David's actions in 1 Samuel 23, as it shows that David had a means to inquire of the Lord through the ephod, which guided his decisions, such as in 1 Samuel 23:2, where David asks the Lord if he should attack the Philistines.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the relationship between Abiathar and David, and how can we apply this to our own relationships with other believers?
- How does the presence of the ephod with David reflect his dependence on God's guidance, and how can we cultivate a similar dependence in our own lives?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of loyalty and support in times of need, and how can we demonstrate this kind of loyalty to others?
- How does this verse fit into the larger story of David's life and reign, and what can we learn from his example of trusting in God's guidance?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:6
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah,.... Either when he was there, or near the place: [that] he came down with an ephod in his hand; not with a linen ephod
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:6
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
Or, with the ephod, to wit, the high priest’ s ephod, in which were the Urim and Thummim, , which when Ahimelech and the rest of the priests went to Saul, were probably left in his hand, and to his care; which gave him the opportunity both of escaping, whilst Doeg the butcher was killing his brethren, and of bringing away the ephod, which Saul had oft grossly neglected, and now was justly deprived of it.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
1 Samuel 23:6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, [that] he came down [with] an ephod in his hand.Ver. 6. With an ephod in his hand.] Or, The ephod came into his hand; whence some think, that in catching up his clothes, in making up his pack to be packing, he lighted upon the high priest’ s ephod, that had the Urim and Thummim in it, by chance rather than choice. But it was surely a sweet providence of God, for the comfort of his poor servant David. Hence God answered not Saul by Urim and Thummim, for it was now with David, not with Saul. This ephod thus brought was more, saith one, than if many thousand soldiers had come to David. Forte fortuna et non dedita opera secum detulerat ephod, et posuerat inter sarcinas suas - Vatab.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
(6) With an ephod in his hand.—The difficulty-here with the version and commentators is that they failed to understand that enquiry of the Lord could be made in any other mode than through the Urim. (See Note above on 1 Samuel 23:2.) Saul in happier days, we know, enquired and received replies “through prophets,” for before he had recourse to forbidden arts we read how, in contrast evidently to other and earlier times, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets (1 Samuel 28:6). The LXX. here must have deliberately altered the Hebrew text, with the view of escaping what seemed to these translators a grave difficulty. They render. “And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David, that he came down with David to Keilah, having an ephod in his hand,” thus implying that Abiathar had come down with David to Keilah, having joined him previously. The Hebrew text is, however, definite and clear, and tells us that Abiathar first joined David when he was at Keilah. But the difficulty which puzzled the LXX. and so many others vanishes when we remember that the enquiry of the Lord was not unfrequently made through the prophet; and this was evidently done by David through Gad, a famous representative of that order, in the case of the enquiry referred to in 1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Samuel 23:4 of this chapter.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
Verse 6. Came down with an ephod.] I think this verse should come immediately after 1 Samuel 23:1.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:6
6. fled to David to Keilah] Since (a) it is implied by 1 Samuel 22:20 that Abiathar joined David before the expedition to Keilah: and (b) the inquiry in 1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Samuel 23:4 implies the presence of the high-priest with the Ephod: it seems best either to strike out “to Keilah,” or to follow the Sept. in reading, “And it came to pass when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David, that he went down with David to Keilah with the Ephod in his hand.” This note is inserted here to explain how David could inquire of God both in Judah and at Keilah.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
6. When Abiathar… fled to David to Keilah — This does not refer to the time when Abiathar first fled to David from Nob, but to a subsequent flight from the wilderness of Judah to Keilah, after David
Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) a Foolish Oath and Consequences by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a passage from the Bible about Saul and his son Jonathan. The speaker highlights the difficulty of pronouncing some of the Bible names but em |
|
Levi's Urim and Thummim Found With Christ. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the significance of the Urim and Thummim, emphasizing that they represent the light and perfection found in Christ. He explains how these ancient tools were u |