Home› Bible› 1 Samuel› Chapter 21

1 Samuel 21

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 21 of 31

1 And David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech trembled at meeting David, and said to him, Why are you by yourself, and no man with you?

2 And David said to Ahimelech the priest, The king has commanded me a matter; and he said to me, Do not let a man know anything of the matter about which I am sending you, and which I directed you. And I have directed the young men to such and such a place.

3 And now, what is there under your hand? Give five loaves into my hand, or whatever is found.

Read full chapter in the Bible Reader

Chapter Summary

David obtains Ahimelech's holy bread. Doeg the Edomite was present. David takes Goliath's sword. David pretends to be mad.

Key Hebrew Words

חֲמִשָּׁה five H2568 · TWOT 686a
אַחֶ֛רֶת another H312 · TWOT 68a
קֹ֨דֶשׁ֙ apartness H6944 · TWOT 1990a
לוּטָ֣ה wrap closely H3874 · TWOT 1092
כְלֵֽי article H3627 · TWOT 982g

People & Context

David Receives Holy Bread at Nob

David flees to Ahimelech the priest at Nob, claiming to be on a secret mission. Ahimelech gives him the holy Bread of the Presence because there is no…

David Takes Goliath's Sword

Doeg the Edomite is present observing. David asks for a weapon, and Ahimelech gives him the sword of Goliath, which was wrapped behind the ephod.

David Feigns Madness in Gath

David flees to Achish, king of Gath. Recognized as a great warrior, David fears for his life and feigns insanity, scribbling on doors and letting spit…

Timeline

David Receives Holy Bread at Nob

David flees to Ahimelech the priest at Nob, claiming to be on a secret mission. Ahimelech gives him the holy Bread of the Presence because there is no common bread.

1 Samuel 21:1-6
David Takes Goliath's Sword

Doeg the Edomite is present observing. David asks for a weapon, and Ahimelech gives him the sword of Goliath, which was wrapped behind the ephod.

1 Samuel 21:7-9
David Feigns Madness in Gath

David flees to Achish, king of Gath. Recognized as a great warrior, David fears for his life and feigns insanity, scribbling on doors and letting spittle run down his beard.

1 Samuel 21:10-15

Read 1 Samuel 21 in the KJ3 Reader

Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

Open in Bible Reader
1 Samuel 201 Samuel1 Samuel 22