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1 Samuel 22:14 Ahimelech answered the king, "Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king's son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house?
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Why, he is the captain of your bodyguard and a highly honored member of your household!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, “And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, and captain over your bodyguard, and honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who <i>is so</i> faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants <i>is as</i> faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, who goes at your bidding, and is honorable in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s <i>own</i> son-in-law, who is commander over your bodyguard, and is honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, even the king’s son-in-law, who is captain over your guard, and is honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, even the king’s son-in-law, who is captain over your guard, and is honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, even the king’s son-in-law, who is captain over your guard, and is honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, “And who among all your servants is as faithful <i>and</i> trustworthy as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, and who is captain over your guard [and your confidant], and is honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahimelech replied to the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David? He is the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and honored in your house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahimelech replied to the king: “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David? He is the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and honored in your house. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who among all thy servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and is taken into thy council, and is honorable in thy house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Your Majesty, none of your officers is more loyal than David!" Ahimelech replied. "He's your son-in-law and the captain of your bodyguard. Everyone in your family respects him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who among all thy servants is so faithful as David, which is the king's son in law, and is taken into thy council, and is honourable in thine house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Ahimelech asked the king, "But whom among all your officials can you trust like David? Your Majesty, he's your son-in-law, the commander of your bodyguard. He's honored in your own household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Ahimelech answered, "David is the most faithful officer you have! He is your own son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and highly respected by everyone in the royal court. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Ahimelech answered the king, "Who among all your officials is as faithful as David? He is the king's son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard, and he's honored in your household. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahimelech answered the king, ?Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king?s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Ahimelech replied to the king, "Who among all your servants is faithful like David? He is the king's son-in-law, the leader of your bodyguard, and honored in your house!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, "Who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and a commander over your bodyguard, and honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honorable in thy house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, “Who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, captain of your body guard, and honored in your house? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ahimelech answers the king and says, “And who among all your servants [is] as David—faithful, and son-in-law of the king, and has turned aside to your council, and is honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Ahimelech answereth the king and saith, 'And who among all thy servants is as David -- faithful, and son-in-law of the king, and hath turned aside unto thy council, and is honoured in thy house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Ahimelech will answer the king and say, And who among all thy servants faithful as David, and son-in-law of the king, and he departed at hearing thee, and honored in thy house?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Achimelech answering the king, said: And who amongst all thy servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son in law, and goeth forth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thy house? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And responding to the king, Ahimelech said: “But who among all your servants is as faithful as David? And he is the son-in-law of the king, and he goes forth at your order, and he is a glory within your house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Ahimelech answered the king: “Who among all your servants is as loyal as David, the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and honored in your own house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is so faithful as David? He is the king’s son-in-law, and is quick to do your bidding, and is honored in your house.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Ahimeleck the priest answered the king and said, And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and heeds your commands and is honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Akhimelek the Priest answered the King and said: “Who among all your Servants is like David, who is faithful, and the son in law of the King, and he keeps your commandments and is honored in your house?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said: 'And who among all thy servants is so trusted as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and giveth heed unto thy bidding, and is honourable in thy house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he answered the king, and said, And who <i>is</i> there among all thy servants faithful as David, and <i>he is</i> a son-in-law of the king, and <i>he is</i> executor of all thy commands, and <i>is</i> honourable in thy house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/22-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6606" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Saul Slays the Priests of Nob</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>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.” <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/288.htm" title="288: ’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ach and melek; brother of king; Achimelek, the name of an Israelite and of a Hittite.">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answered</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: ū·mî (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḇə·ḵāl- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">among all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/539.htm" title="539: ne·’ĕ·mān (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To confirm, support. ">is as faithful</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: kə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-k:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">as David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/2860.htm" title="2860: wa·ḥă·ṯan (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A relative by marriage, a circumcised child. From chathan; a relative by marriage; figuratively, a circumcised child.">son-in-law,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: wə·sār (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">the captain</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/4928.htm" title="4928: miš·ma‘·te·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- An obedient band, body of subjects. ">your bodyguard</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: wə·niḵ·bāḏ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">who is honored</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bə·ḇê·ṯe·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">in your house?</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>Was 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-18.htm">1 Samuel 16:18</a></span><br />One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">1 Samuel 18:5</a></span><br />So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-14.htm">1 Samuel 18:14-15</a></span><br />and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. / When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-30.htm">1 Samuel 18:30</a></span><br />Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">1 Samuel 19:4-5</a></span><br />Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. / He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32</a></span><br />“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">1 Samuel 24:17</a></span><br />and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">1 Samuel 25:28</a></span><br />Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">2 Samuel 8:15</a></span><br />Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">2 Samuel 18:3</a></span><br />But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will not care about us. Even if half of us die, they will not care. But you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better now if you support us from the city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-6.htm">1 Kings 3:6</a></span><br />Solomon replied, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-2.htm">1 Chronicles 11:2</a></span><br />Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Psalm 78:70-72</a></span><br />He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Acts 13:22</a></span><br />After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9-10</a></span><br />Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all your servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goes at your bidding, and is honorable in your house?</p><p class="hdg">And who</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">1 Samuel 19:4,5</a></b></br> And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works <i>have been</i> to theeward very good: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32</a></b></br> And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">1 Samuel 24:11</a></b></br> Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that <i>there is</i> neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.</p><p class="hdg">the king's</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-13.htm">1 Samuel 22:13</a></b></br> And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-25.htm">1 Samuel 17:25</a></b></br> And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, <i>that</i> the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-27.htm">1 Samuel 18:27</a></b></br> Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.</p><p class="hdg">goeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-13.htm">1 Samuel 18:13</a></b></br> Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">1 Samuel 21:2</a></b></br> And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed <i>my</i> servants to such and such a place.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/38-16.htm">Access</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-11.htm">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-11.htm">Ahim'elech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-38.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/revelation/13-14.htm">Bidding</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/judges/20-7.htm">Council</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-2.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-30.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">Honorable</a> <a href="/judges/9-9.htm">Honored</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-30.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-8.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-11.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-8.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-27.htm">Law</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-15.htm">Respected</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-27.htm">Son-In-Law</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">True.</a> <a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Trusted</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/1-14.htm">Access</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm">Ahim'elech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-18.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-32.htm">Bidding</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-23.htm">Council</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-10.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-24.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-19.htm">Honorable</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-19.htm">Honored</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-14.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-19.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-15.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-15.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-20.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm">Law</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-1.htm">Respected</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-27.htm">Son-In-Law</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-11.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Trusted</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">Companies resort unto David at Adullam</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-3.htm">At Mizpeh he commends his parents unto the king of Moab</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-5.htm">Admonished by Gad, he comes to Hareth,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">Saul going to pursue him, complains of his servants' unfaithfulness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Doeg accuses Ahimelech</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-11.htm">Saul commands to kill the priests</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">The footmen refusing, Doeg executes it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm">Abiathar escaping, brings David the news</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Ahimelech answered the king</b><br>Ahimelech, the high priest, responds to King Saul. This interaction occurs during a time of tension as Saul perceives David as a threat. Ahimelech's role as a priest places him in a position of spiritual authority, yet he is caught in the political conflict between Saul and David. His response is both a defense of David and an appeal to Saul's reason.<p><b>Who among all your servants is as faithful as David</b><br>David's reputation for loyalty and faithfulness is well-established. He has served Saul diligently, defeating Goliath and leading military campaigns. This phrase highlights David's integrity and reliability, contrasting with Saul's growing paranoia. David's faithfulness is a key theme throughout his life, reflecting his heart for God.<p><b>the king’s son-in-law</b><br>David's marriage to Michal, Saul's daughter, further solidifies his connection to the royal family. This relationship should have secured David's position, yet it becomes a source of tension as Saul's jealousy grows. The familial bond underscores the tragedy of Saul's animosity towards David.<p><b>the captain of your bodyguard</b><br>David's role as the leader of Saul's bodyguard signifies his trusted position within the kingdom. This military appointment demonstrates Saul's initial confidence in David's abilities and loyalty. It also foreshadows David's future as a leader and protector of Israel.<p><b>and honored in your house</b><br>David's honor in Saul's house reflects his esteemed status and the favor he initially enjoyed. This phrase emphasizes the irony of Saul's current distrust, as David was once celebrated and respected. The shift from honor to hostility illustrates the destructive power of jealousy and fear.<br><br>This passage, set within the broader narrative of 1 Samuel, highlights the complexities of loyalty, leadership, and divine providence. David's life serves as a type of Christ, exemplifying faithfulness and suffering unjust persecution, ultimately pointing to the greater King to come.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahimelech.htm">Ahimelech</a></b><br>The high priest who served at Nob. He is known for assisting David by giving him consecrated bread and the sword of Goliath.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, at this time a fugitive from King Saul. He is described as faithful, the king's son-in-law, and a respected leader.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who is increasingly paranoid and sees David as a threat to his throne.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/nob.htm">Nob</a></b><br>A city of priests where Ahimelech served. It becomes a place of tragedy due to Saul's wrath.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>Ahimelech defends David's character to King Saul, highlighting David's loyalty and service.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a></b><br>Ahimelech's defense of David underscores the importance of being faithful in our roles, even when misunderstood or falsely accused.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_to_speak_truth.htm">Courage to Speak Truth</a></b><br>Ahimelech's boldness in speaking truth to power is a model for Christians to stand firm in truth, even when it is risky.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_loyalty.htm">The Cost of Loyalty</a></b><br>David's loyalty to Saul, despite Saul's hostility, reminds us that true loyalty may come with personal cost and sacrifice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_trials.htm">God's Sovereignty in Trials</a></b><br>Despite the tragic events that follow, God's plan for David's kingship remains intact, teaching us to trust in God's sovereignty during trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intercession.htm">The Role of Intercession</a></b><br>Ahimelech's role as a priest and his defense of David can be seen as a form of intercession, pointing to the importance of standing in the gap for others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_saul_target_abiathar_and_ahimelech.htm">Why did Abiathar and Ahimelech face King Saul's wrath?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_high_priest_when_david_ate_bread.htm">Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_isn't_david's_temple_ban_reason_given.htm">Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_142_4_align_with_1_sam_22_2.htm">Psalm 142:4 shows David claiming no one cares for him--how does this reconcile with 1 Samuel 22:2, where he has loyal followers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Who is so faithful among all thy servants?</span>--The words of the high priest were quiet and dignified, and no doubt spoke the general sentiments of the people respecting David. What he--the guardian of the sanctuary--had done, he had done as a matter of course for one so closely related to the king--for one, too, ever loyal and devoted as David had ever proved himself.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 14-16.</span> - Ahimelech's answers are those of an innocent man who had supposed that what he did was a matter of course. But his enumeration of David's privileges of rank and station probably only embittered the king. In his eyes David was of all Saul s officers the most <span class="cmt_word">faithful</span>, both trusty and trusted (see on 1 Samuel 2:35). He was, moreover, the <span class="cmt_word">king's son-in-law</span>; but the next words, he <span class="cmt_word">goeth at thy bidding</span>, more probably mean, "has admission to thy audience," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> is thy privy councillor, with the right of entering unbidden the royal presence (comp. <a href="/2_samuel/23-23.htm">2 Samuel 23:23</a>, margin; <a href="/1_chronicles/11-25.htm">1 Chronicles 11:25</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Did I then begin to enquire of God for him?</span> Though the meaning of these words is disputed, yet there seems no sufficient reason for taking them in any other than their natural sense. It was probably usual to consult God by the Urim and Thummim on all matters of importance, and David, as a high officer of Saul's court, must often have done so before starting on such expeditions as are referred to in <a href="/1_samuel/18-13.htm">1 Samuel 18:13</a>. But the Bible is singularly reticent in such matters, and it is only incidentally that we learn how fully the Mosaic law entered into the daily life of the people. But for this frightful crime we should not even have known that Saul had brought the ark into his own neighbourhood, and restored the services of the sanctuary. But just as he took care to have Ahiah in attendance upon him in war, so we cannot doubt but that his main object in placing the priests at Nob was to have the benefit of the Divine counsel in his wars. It would be quite unreasonable to suppose that such consultations required the king's personal attendance. Thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. Whatever Ahimelech had done had been in perfect good faith, and though David's conduct must have seemed to him suspicious, yet there was nothing that would have justified him in acting differently. Nevertheless, in spite of his transparent innocence, Saul orders the slaughter not only of God's high priest, but of the whole body of the priesthood whom he had placed at Nob, and now had summoned for this ferocious purpose into his presence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/22-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Ahimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_288.htm">Strong's 288: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahimelech -- 'brother of a king', an Israelite name, also a Hittite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answered</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֧עַן</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Who</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among all</span><br /><span class="heb">בְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ḵāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your servants</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is as faithful</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶאֱמָ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(ne·’ĕ·mān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_539.htm">Strong's 539: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confirm, support</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as David,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּדָוִ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king’s</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son-in-law,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַחֲתַ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·ṯan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2860.htm">Strong's 2860: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative by marriage, a circumcised child</span><br /><br /><span class="word">captain</span><br /><span class="heb">וְסָ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·sār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your bodyguard,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(miš·ma‘·te·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4928.htm">Strong's 4928: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pithy maxim, a simile, proverb, speak</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[who is] honored</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִכְבָּ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·niḵ·bāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in your house?</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḇê·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king and said (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/22-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 22:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 22:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/22-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 22:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 22:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>