1 Samuel 22:20 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט בֵּן־ אֶחָ֗ד לַאֲחִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙ בֶּן־ אֲחִט֔וּב וּשְׁמ֖וֹ אֶבְיָתָ֑ר וַיִּבְרַ֖ח אַחֲרֵ֥י דָוִֽד׃
BSABut oneʼechâd [a single, unique] of the sonsbên [descendants, offspring] of AhimelechʼĂchîymelek [the priest, friend of David] sonbên of AhitubʼĂchîyṭûwb [the father of Meraioth] escapedmâlaṭ▸ [to slip away, deliver] His nameshêm [identity, character] was AbiatharʼEbyâthâr [the faithful priest] and he fledbârach▸ [to run away quickly, escape] toʼachar DavidDâvid [the king]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט | and he escaped | Verb, Niphal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| בֵּן־ | a son | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| אֶחָ֗ד | one | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| לַאֲחִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙ | of Ahimelech | Preposition, noun proper masculine |
| בֶּן־ | [the] son of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| אֲחִט֔וּב | Ahitub | Noun proper masculine |
| וּשְׁמ֖וֹ | and name his | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| אֶבְיָתָ֑ר | [was] Abiathar | Noun proper masculine |
| וַיִּבְרַ֖ח | and he fled | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אַחֲרֵ֥י | after | Prep |
| דָוִֽד׃ | David | Noun proper masculine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David. |
| KJV | ¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. |
| ASV | And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. |
| YLT | And there escapeth one son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, and his name [is] Abiathar, and he fleeth after David, |
| WEB | One of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. |
| BBE | And Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, got away and went in flight after David; |
Where they part company is וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by two subordinate clauses that provide details about Abiathar's identity and actions.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbמָלַט
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 1 Samuel 22:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Escape of Abiathargenerated
1 Samuel 22:20 describes the escape of Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, who was one of the few survivors of Saul's brutal attack on the priests at Nob. This moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for Abiathar's later role as a priest and advisor to David, highlighting the tensions between Saul and David during this period of Israel's history.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 23:6 | (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.) |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 30:7 | Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 20:25 | Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; |
| 4 | 1 Kings 2:26–27 | Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death at this time, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and you suffered through all that my father suffered.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 2:33 | And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, your eyes will fail and your heart will grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט, vai.yi.ma.Letgenerated
The verb מָלַט (malat) means to escape or slip away, emphasizing the act of being delivered from danger. It is used in various contexts throughout the Bible to describe not only physical escape but also divine deliverance. The parsing indicates it is a Niphal verb, which often reflects a passive or reflexive action, suggesting that Abiathar did not just escape by his own strength but was delivered from peril.
In this verse, the use of וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט underscores the gravity of the situation, as it marks Abiathar's survival amidst a massacre. The verb encapsulates the theme of divine intervention, as his escape is a significant turning point in the narrative.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט governs the main clause, indicating Abiathar's escape. The structure is straightforward, with a subject followed by a series of noun phrases that provide additional information about Abiathar's lineage and actions.
The sentence follows a typical Hebrew narrative style, presenting the subject first, followed by the details of his identity and the action he undertakes, which emphasizes the urgency of his flight to David.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט as διασῴζεται (diasōizetai), meaning 'is saved' or 'is preserved'. This choice reflects a broader interpretation of Abiathar's escape, suggesting not just a physical flight but also divine preservation.
This rendering indicates an understanding of Abiathar's escape as part of a larger narrative of salvation, aligning with themes found throughout the Septuagint.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Samuel 22:20 tells us that one son of Ahimelech, named Abiathar, escaped the massacre of the priests and fled to David. This escape is significant as it marks the beginning of Abiathar's role in David's life and the unfolding events of his reign.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, a priest who escaped Saul's massacre of the priests at Nob and became a loyal supporter of David.
The name Abiathar means 'my father is great' and signifies his priestly lineage.
The priests at Nob were killed by Saul's orders, as he believed they were aiding David.
Abiathar's escape is crucial as it allows him to inform David about Saul's actions and establishes him as a key figure in David's court.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can we learn from Abiathar's escape about God's protection in times of danger?
- How does Abiathar's relationship with David illustrate the importance of loyalty in leadership?
- In what ways can we recognize and respond to moments of escape or deliverance in our own lives?
- What lessons can we draw from the fate of the priests at Nob regarding faithfulness and the consequences of leadership decisions?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Bede comments on this verse, noting the significance of Abiathar's escape as a symbol of survival amidst the violence perpetrated by Saul.
One son of Ahimelech escaped, Abiathar, etc. Just as Doeg the Edomite, one who struck down the priests, symbolized the sword of all executioners, so Abiathar, the one who escaped the sword of the striker,Early Church Fathers on 1 Samuel 22 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Samuel 22:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped,.... Who very probably was left by his father to take care of the sanctuary, and the holy things in it, when he and the
Read John Gill on 1 Samuel 22 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. One of the sons of Ahimelech ... escaped.
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Samuel 22 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAbiathar, by his father’ s death, was now high priest, Fled after David, to Keilah, ,7.
Read Matthew Poole on 1 Samuel 22 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.Ver. 20. And one of the sons of Ahimelech.] So Merlin the admiral’ s chaplain, was by a strange providence preserved in the Parisian massacre, and nourished for serveral days in a hay mow, by a hen that laid her eggs there.
Read John Trapp on 1 Samuel 22 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(20) Abiathar.—Of those who dwelt at Nob, only one single priest, Abiathar, Ahimelech’s son, seems to have escaped this general massacre. It has been suggested that when his father and the whole body of priests went to Gibeah, in accordance with the summons of King Saul, Abiathar remained behind to perform the necessary functions in the sanctuary, and when he heard of the death of his father and his brother priests, he made his escape, and eventually joined David. The exact period of his coming to the exiled band under David is uncertain; in many of the recitals in this Book no note of time is given. It is, therefore, probable that the meeting and interview with David—related in 1 Samuel…
Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Samuel 22 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 20. Abiathar, escaped] This man carried with him his sacerdotal garments, as we find from 1 Samuel 23:6; 1 Samuel 23:9.
Read AdamClarke on 1 Samuel 22 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges20–23. Abiathar’s escape to David 20. Abiathar] Possibly Abiathar had remained at Nob in charge of the Tabernacle, and got timely warning of the approach of Doeg’s ruffians. Henceforward he was the companion of David’s wanderings, and helped him by “inquiring of the Lord” for him (1 Samuel 23:9, 1 Samuel 30:7; 2 Samuel 2:1, &c.). He held the office of high-priest till the close of David’s reign, when by some strange infatuation, after remaining faithful through Absalom’s rebellion, and “being afflicted in all wherein David was afflicted,” he took part in Adonijah’s rebellion, and was in consequence deposed by Solomon (1 Kings 2:26-27).
Read Cambridge on 1 Samuel 22 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleAbiathar - He may have remained at Nob to take care of the sanctuary when the other priests went to Saul, and so escaped.
Read Albert Barnes on 1 Samuel 22 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.
One of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.
But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.
But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar.
Tyndale line
¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
But one of the sonnes of Ahimelech the sonne of Ahitub (whose name was Abiathar) escaped and fled after Dauid.
Strictly literal
And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
And there escapeth one son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, and his name [is] Abiathar, and he fleeth after David,
And one son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, escapes, and his name [is] Abiathar, and he flees after David,
And there escaped one of the sons of Achimelech the son of Achitub, whose name was Ebyathar, and he fled after David.
But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.
From the Latin
But one of the sons of Achimelech the son of Achitob, whose name was Abiathar, escaped, and fled to David,
Simplified
But one of the sons of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, managed to escape. His name was Abiathar, and he ran away and joined David.
And Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, got away and went in flight after David;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with all words matching in the Hebrew and Greek texts. This consistency highlights the reliability of the accounts regarding Abiathar's escape.
וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט בֵּן־ אֶחָ֗ד לַאֲחִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙ בֶּן־ אֲחִט֔וּב וּשְׁמ֖וֹ אֶבְיָתָ֑ר וַיִּבְרַ֖ח אַחֲרֵ֥י דָוִֽד׃
11 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Samuel 22:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
מָלַט (malat) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning to escape or slip away. It encompasses various nuances such as delivering, saving, and even giving birth in specific contexts. The entries indicate that it can refer to both physical escape and the act of laying eggs. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
[מָלַט] vb. slip away (not in Qal)
Niph.
slip away
escape
pass. be delivered
Pi.
lay (eggs)
let escape
deliver
Hiph.
give birth to a male child
deliver
Hithp.
slip forth, escape (sparks of fire from jaws of crocodile)
escape
base
H4422 מָלַט slip away . . slip away
. escape
. pass. be delivered
. . lay (eggs)
. let escape
. deliver
. . give birth to a male child
. deliver
. . slip forth, escape (sparks of fire from jaws of crocodile)
. escape
4422 malat maw-lat'
a primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by
implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively,
to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit
sparks:--deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone,
let go, preserve, save, X speedily, X surely.
מָלַט (ma.lat) — to escape.
1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered
1a)(Niphal)
1a1) to slip away
1a2) to escape
1a3) to be delivered
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs)
1b2) to let escape
1b3) to deliver, save (life)
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to give birth to
1c2) to deliver
1d) (Hithpael)
1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape
1d2) to escape
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/VNw3ms
בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.
בֵּן 4870 n.m. son
son, male child, born of a woman
children (male and female)
youth, young men
the young of animals
of plant shoots
fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
member of a guild, order or class
of animals son of (the) herd
ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
n. relat. of age
base
בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.
done
H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman
. children (male and female)
. youth, young men
. the young of animals
. of plant shoots
. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
. . member of a guild, order or class
. of animals son of (the) herd
. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
. n. relat. of age
H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son
1121 ben bane
from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the
widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,
including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,
etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)
(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,
(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,
bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X
came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of
first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +
kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)
people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +
spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous
one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 0251
בֵּן (ben) — son: child.
: child/son
בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;
son of: Jaaziah (H3269);
brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)
§ Beno = "his son"
the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)
בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.
: descendant, people, tribe, nation
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : child/son
בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.
: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : descendant
בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.
: rebel/son(Belial)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : people/men/nation/tribe
בֵּן (ben) — son.
: [inheriting]son/heir
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.
: warrior/son(strong)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
The term "son" is used in Scripture language to imply almost any kind of descent or succession, as ben shanah , "son of a year," i.e. a year old; ben kesheth , "son of a bow," i.e. an arrow. The word bar is often found in the New Testament in composition, as Bar-timaeus.
Sometimes denotes a grandson, or any remote descendant, Ge 29:5 2Sa 19:24. At other times a son by adoption is meant, Ge 48:5; or by law, Ru 4:17; or by education, 1Sa 3:6 20:35; or by conversion, as Titus was Paul’s "son father the common faith," Tit 1:4. And again it denotes a mental or moral resemblance, etc., Jud 19:22 Ps 89:6 Isa 57:3 Ac 13:10. In a…
→ FIGURATIVE
Of a person' s relation to God Ex 4:22
See ADOPTION
See GOD, FATHERHOOD OF
See JESUS, SON OF GOD
See JESUS, SON OF MAN
אֶחָד (echad) means 'one' and is derived from a numeral. It encompasses meanings such as each, every, a certain, and can serve as an indefinite article. It is also used as an ordinal to denote 'first' and appears in various combinations, including eleven. The entries consistently emphasize its numerical and qualitative aspects.
אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one
one
= each, every
= a certain
= indef. art.
only, & (fem.) once
one … another, one … the other
as ordinal first
in combin.
base
H259 אֶחָד one . one
. = each, every
. = a certain
. = indef. art.
. only, & (fem.) once
. one … another, one … the other
. as ordinal first
. in combin.
259 'echad ekh-awd'
a numeral from 258; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an
ordinal) first:--a, alike, alone, altogether, and,
any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-)ly, each (one), +
eleven, every, few, first, + highway, a man, once, one, only,
other, some, together,
see HEBREW for 0258
אֶחָד (e.chad) — one.
1) one (number)
1a) one (number)
1b) each, every
1c) a certain
1d) an (indefinite article)
1e) only, once, once for all
1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one
1g) first
1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Adj — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wun.
See NUMBER.
אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ (Achiymelek) means 'brother of the king' and refers to two figures: a priest during Saul's reign, who was killed by Doeg, and a Hittite warrior under David. The name appears in the context of the United Monarchy, with notable mentions in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.
אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ n.pr.m. (brother of Melek)
priest in Saul’s (Dvd’s) time
a Hittite
base
H288 אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ
288 'Achiymelek akh-ee-meh'-lek
from 251 and 4428; brother of (the) king; Achimelek, the name
of an Israelite and of a Hittite:--Ahimelech.
see HEBREW for 0251
see HEBREW for 04428
אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ (a.chi.me.lekh) — Ahimelech.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.3;
son of: Ahitub (H0285);
father of: Abiathar (H0054); also called Ahijah (KJV: Ahiah) at 1Sa.14.3,18;
Also named: a.chiy.yah (אֲחִיָּ֫הוּ "Ahijah" H0281O)
§ 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
אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ (a.chi.me.lekh) — Ahimelech.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Sa.26.6
§ 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
אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ (a.chi.me.lekh) — Ahimelech.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17;
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculineHR/Npm
a-him'-e-lek ('achimelekh, "brother of a king," or, "my brother is king," or, "king is brother"):
(1) The father of David's high priest Abiathar: son of Ahitub, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli (1Sa 21:1,2,8; 22:9-20; 23:6; 30:7). Ahijah the son of Ahitub (1Sa 14:3,18) was either the same person under another name, or was Ahimelech's father or brother. See AHIJAH, 3. Ahimelech is an interesting person, especially because he stands for whatever information we have concerning the priestly office in Israel during the period between Eli and David. Whether the Deuteronomic law for a central sanctuary originated with Moses or not, its provisions were very imperfectly carried out during the times of the Judges. This was particularly the case after the capture of the ark by the…
Ahimelech
Brother of the king, the son of Ahitub and father of Abiathar (1 Sam. 22:20-23). He descended from Eli in the line of Ithamar. In 1 Chr. 18:16 he is called Abimelech, and is probably the same as Ahiah (1 Sam. 14:3, 18). He was the twelfth high priest, and officiated at Nob, where he was visited by David (to whom and his companions he gave five loaves of the showbread) when he fled from Saul (1 Sam. 21:1-9). He was summoned into Saul’s presence, and accused, on the information of Doeg the Edomite, of disloyalty because of his kindness to David; whereupon the king commanded that he, with the other priests who stood beside him (86 in all), should be put to death.…
(brother of the king). Son of Ahitub, (1 Samuel 22:11,12) and high priest of Nob in the days of Saul. He gave David the shew bread to eat, and the sword of Goliath; and for so doing was put to death, with his whole house, by Saul’s order. Abiathar alone escaped. [ABIATHAR] (B.C. 1085-1060.) A Hittite. (1 Samuel 26:6)
1. Son of Ahitub, and brother of Ahiah, whom he succeeded in the high priesthood. Some think, however, that both names belong to the same person. During his priesthood the tabernacle was at Nob, where Ahimelech dwelt, with many priests. Here he received David when fleeing from Saul, and gave him the showbread and Goliath’s sword. This act, as reported by Doeg the Edomite, Saul viewed as treasonous; and by the hand of this idolatrous and malignant foreigner, he put Ahimelech and eighty-five other priests of Jehovah to death, 1Sa 22:1-23—a crime sufficient of itself to forfeit the throne and the favor of God.
2. Also called Abimelech, 1Ch 18:16, probably the same as Abiathar, which see, 1Ch 24:3,6,31.
בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.
בֵּן 4870 n.m. son
son, male child, born of a woman
children (male and female)
youth, young men
the young of animals
of plant shoots
fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
member of a guild, order or class
of animals son of (the) herd
ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
n. relat. of age
base
בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.
done
H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman
. children (male and female)
. youth, young men
. the young of animals
. of plant shoots
. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
. . member of a guild, order or class
. of animals son of (the) herd
. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
. n. relat. of age
H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son
1121 ben bane
from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the
widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,
including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,
etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)
(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,
(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,
bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X
came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of
first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +
kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)
people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +
spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous
one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 0251
בֵּן (ben) — son: child.
: child/son
בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;
son of: Jaaziah (H3269);
brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)
§ Beno = "his son"
the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)
בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.
: descendant, people, tribe, nation
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : child/son
בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.
: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : descendant
בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.
: rebel/son(Belial)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : people/men/nation/tribe
בֵּן (ben) — son.
: [inheriting]son/heir
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.
: warrior/son(strong)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
אֲחִיטוּב (Achiytuwb) means 'my brother is goodness.' It refers to several priests in the Old Testament, including a grandson of Eli and the father of Zadok. The name is derived from the roots for 'brother' and 'goodness.' It is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:3 and appears in various contexts throughout the history of the Israelite priesthood.
אֲחִיטוּב n.pr.m. (my brother is goodness)
grandson of Eli; father of Ahimelech
father of Zadok
base
H285 אֲחִיטוּב
285 'Achiytuwb akh-ee-toob'
from 251 and 2898; brother of goodness; Achitub, the name of
several priests:--Ahitub.
see HEBREW for 0251
see HEBREW for 02898
אֲחִיטוּב (a.chi.tuv) — Ahitub.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.3;
son of: Phinehas (H6372H);
brother of: Ichabod (H0350);
father of: Ahimelech (H0288)
§ Ahitub = "my brother is good (goodness)"
1) a grandson of Eli
2) the father of Zadok the priest
אֲחִיטוּב (a.chi.tuv) — Ahitub.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17;
son of: Amariah (H0568);
father of: Zadok (H6659)
§ Ahitub = "my brother is good (goodness)"
1) a grandson of Eli
2) the father of Zadok the priest
אֲחִיטוּב (a.chi.tuv) — Ahitub.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.11;
son of: Amariah (H0568H);
father of: Zadok (H6659I)
§ Ahitub = "my brother is good (goodness)"
1) a grandson of Eli
2) the father of Zadok the priest
אֲחִיטוּב (a.chi.tuv) — Ahitub.
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
a-hi'-tub ('achiTubh, "brother of goodness," i.e. "good brother," or, "my brother is goodness"):
(1) The brother of Ichabod and son of Phinehas the son of Eli (1Sa 14:3; 22:9,11,12,20), According to 1Ch 24 he and his line were descended from Aaron through Ithamar. The record implies that he was born while his father and grandfather were priests at Shiloh, and it says that he was the father and grandfather of priests; but it is silent as to his own exercise of the priestly office. We have no information concerning the office from the time when the Philistines captured the ark till Saul became king. See AHIJAH; AHIMELECH; ABIATHAR.
(2) A descendant of Aaron through Eleazar: by this fact distinguished from Ahitub, the descendant of Ithamar, though nearly contemporaneous with him. Especially known as the father of Zadok who, at Solomon's…
Ahitub
Brother of goodness = good. (1.) The son of Phinehas. On the death of his grandfather Eli he succeeded to the office of high priest, and was himself succeeded by his son Ahijah (1 Sam. 14:3; 22:9, 11, 12, 20).
(2.) The father of Zadok, who was made high priest by Saul after the extermination of the family of Ahimelech (1 Chr. 6:7, 8; 2 Sam. 8:17).
(brother of goodness). The son of Phinehas and grandson of Eli, and therefore of the family of Ithamar. (1 Samuel 14:3; 22:9,11) (B.C. 1125.) He was succeeded by his son Ahijah (AHIMELECH). (B.C. 1085.) Son of Amariah, and father of Zadok the high priest, (1 Chronicles 6:7,8; 2 Samuel 8:17) of the house of Eleazar. (B.C. before 1045.)
שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
usu. of pers.
= reputation
esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
name, as designation of God
of false gods, use forbidden
= memorial, monument
base
H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)
8034 shem shame
a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea
of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an
appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by
implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,
(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
see HEBREW for 07760
see HEBREW for 08064
שֵׁם (shem) — name.
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument
Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Conj | N-ms | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
אֶבְיָתָר (Ebyathar) refers to a biblical figure, specifically a priest and the son of Ahimelech. The name suggests a meaning related to abundance or greatness, and he is noted for his loyalty to David before later rebelling with Adonijah. He is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:20.
אֶבְיָתָר n.pr.m. (the Great One is father (?)) a priest, son of Ahimelech
base
H54 אֶבְיָתָר
54 'Ebyathar ab-yaw-thawr'
contracted from 1 and 3498; father of abundance (i.e.
liberal); Ebjathar, an Israelite:--Abiathar.
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 03498
אֶבְיָתָר (ev.ya.tar) — Abiathar.
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
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
a-bi'-a-thar, ab-i-a'-thar ('ebhyathar, "father of super-excellence," or, "the super-excellent one is father." With changed phraseology these are the explanations commonly given, though "a father remains" would be more in accord with the ordinary use of the stem yathar. The pious Abiathar was still conscious that he had a Father, even after the butchery of his human relatives):
1. The Biblical Account:
The Scriptures represent that Abiathar was descended from Phinehas the son of Eli, and through him from Ithamar the son of Aaron; that he was the son of Ahimelech the head priest at Nob who, with his associates, was put to death by King Saul for alleged conspiracy with David; that he had two sons, Ahimelech and Jonathan, the former of whom was, in Abiathar's lifetime, prominent in the priestly service (1Sa 21:1-9; 22:7 ff;
Abiathar
Father of abundance, or my father excels, the son of Ahimelech the high priest. He was the tenth high priest, and the fourth in descent from Eli. When his father was slain with the priests of Nob, he escaped, and bearing with him the ephod, he joined David, who was then in the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:20-23; 23:6). He remained with David, and became priest of the party of which he was the leader (1 Sam. 30:7). When David ascended the throne of Judah, Abiathar was appointed high priest (1 Chr. 15:11; 1 Kings 2:26) and the “king’s companion” (1 Chr. 27:34). Meanwhile Zadok, of the house of Eleazar, had been…
(father of abundance , i.e. liberal), High priest and fourth in descent from Eli. (B.C. 1060-1012.) Abiathar was the only one of the all the sons of Ahimelech the high priest who escaped the slaughter inflicted upon his father’s house by Saul, in revenge for his father’s house by Saul, in revenge of his having inquired of the Lord for David and given him the shew-bread to eat. (1 Samuel 22:1) ... Abiathar having become high priest fled to David, and was thus enabled to inquire of the Lord for him. (1 Samuel 23:9; 30:7; 2 Samuel 2:1; 5:19) etc. He adhered to David in his wanderings while pursued by Saul; he was with him while he reigned in Hebron, and afterwards in Jerusalem. (
Son of Ahimelech, and tenth high priest of the Jews. When Saul sent his emissaries to Nob, to destroy all the priests there, Abiathar, who was young, fled to David in the wilderness, 1Sa 22:11-23, with whom he continued in the character of priest, 1Sa 23:9 30:7. Being confirmed in the high priesthood on David’s accession to the throne, he aided in bringing up the ark to Jerusalem, 1Co 15:11,12, and adhered to David during the rebellion of Absalom, 2Sa 15:35, but afterwards was led to follow Adonijah, thus strangely betraying his royal friend in his old age. Solomon succeeding to the throne, degraded him from the priesthood, and sent him to Anathoth,
בָּרַח (barach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to flee or run away. It can also imply going through or hastening, with different nuances in its forms, such as causing someone to flee in the Hiphil stem. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including sudden flight or urgency.
בָּרַח vb. go through, flee
Qal
go or pass through, of bar
flee
flee = hasten, come quickly
Hiph.
pass through
cause to flee, put to flight
base
H1272 בָּרַח go through, flee
1272 barach baw-rakh'
a primitive root; to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee
suddenly:--chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to
flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot.
בָּרַח (ba.rach) — to flee.
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
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
Prep — PrepHAcmpc
דָּוִד (David) refers to the second king of Israel, known as the youngest son of Jesse. The name means 'beloved' and is associated with a significant lineage, including many siblings and notable descendants like Solomon. The entries highlight his familial connections and historical context, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
דָּוִד, דָּוִיד 1066 n.pr.m. David
base
H1732 דָּוִד, דָּוִיד David
1732 David daw-veed'
rarely (fully); Daviyd {daw-veed'}; from the same as 1730;
loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse:--David.
see HEBREW for 01730
דָּוִד (da.vid) — David.
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)
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
da'-vid (dawidh, or dawidh, "beloved"; Daueid, also in New Testament, Dauid, Dabid; see Thayer's Lexicon):
I. NAME AND GENEALOGY
II. EARLY YEARS
1. Shepherd
2. Slinger
3. Harpist
4. Poet
5. Psalmist
6. Tribesman
III. IN THE SERVICE OF SAUL
1. David First Meets Saul
2. His First Exploit
3. Envy of Saul and Flight of David
4. Jonathan and David
IV. DAVID IN EXILE
1. David as Outlaw
2. David Joins the Philistines
V. DAVID AS KING
1. Civil War
2. Conquests Abroad
3. Political Situation
4. The Ark
VI. DOMESTIC LIFE
1. His Wives and Children
2. Domestic Troubles
VII. HIS OFFICIALS
1. Prophets
2. Priests
3. Military Officers
4. Other Officials
5. Mutual Rivalry
VIII. PERSONAL CHARACTER OF DAVID
1. Chronicles
2. Psalms
3. Complex Character
4. Physical Courage
5. Moral Courage
6. Prudence
7. Strategy
8. Nobility
9. David in Relation to His Family
10. David in Relation to His Friends
11. His Success
12. His Foreign Friends
13. Nemesis
David
Beloved, the eighth and youngest son of Jesse, a citizen of Bethlehem. His father seems to have been a man in humble life. His mother’s name is not recorded. Some think she was the Nahash of 2 Sam. 17:25. As to his personal appearance, we only know that he was red-haired, with beautiful eyes and a fair face (1 Sam. 16:12; 17:42).
His early occupation was that of tending his father’s sheep on the uplands of Judah. From what we know of his after history, doubtless he frequently beguiled his time, when thus engaged, with his shepherd’s flute, while he drank in the many lessons taught him by the varied scenes spread around him. His first recorded exploits were his encounters with the wild beasts of the field. He mentions that with his own unaided hand he slew a lion and also a…
(well-beloved), the son of Jesse. His life may be divided into three portions: His youth before his introduction to the court of Saul; His relations with Saul; His reign. The early life of David contains in many important respects the antecedents of his future career. It appears that David was the youngest son, probably the youngest child, of a family of ten, and was born in Bethlehem B.C. 1085. The first time that David appears in history at once admits us to the whole family circle. The annual sacrificial feast is being held when Samuel appears, sent by God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as they pass before him, (1 Samuel 16:6-10) Samuel sends for the youngest, David, who was "keeping the sheep," and anoints him. (1 Samuel 16:11-13) As David stood before Samuel we are enabled to…
Beloved, the youngest son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah, born in Bethlehem B. C. 1085; one of the most remarkable men in either sacred of secular history. His life is fully recorded in 1Sa 16:1 1Ki 2:46. He was "the Lord’s anointed," chosen by God to be king of Israel instead of Saul, and consecrated to that office by the venerable prophet Samuel long before he actually came to the throne, 1Sa 16:1-13, for which God prepared him by the gift of his Spirit, and a long course of vicissitudes and dangers. In his early pastoral life he distinguished himself by his boldness, fidelity, and faith in God; and while yet a youth was summoned to court, as one expert in music, valiant, prudent in behavior, and comely in person. He…