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And this was David's custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/27-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/09_1Sa_27_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 27:11 - David and the Philistines" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, Otherwise they will report us, saying, 'This is what David did.' 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This happened again and again while he was living among the Philistines. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/27.htm">English Standard Version</a> And David would leave neither man nor woman alive to bring news to Gath, thinking, “lest they should tell about us and say, ‘So David has done.’” Such was his custom all the while he lived in the country of the Philistines. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/27.htm">King James Bible</a> And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/27.htm">New King James Version</a> David would save neither man nor woman alive, to bring news to Gath, saying, “Lest they should inform on us, saying, ‘Thus David did.’ ” And thus was his behavior all the time he dwelt in the country of the Philistines. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And David did not leave a man or a woman alive to bring to Gath, saying, “Otherwise they will tell about us, saying, ‘This is what David has done, and this has been his practice all the time that he has lived in the country of the Philistines.’” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/27.htm">NASB 1995</a> David did not leave a man or a woman alive to bring to Gath, saying, &#8220Otherwise they will tell about us, saying, &#8216So has David done and so has been his practice all the time he has lived in the country of the Philistines.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And David did not leave a man or a woman alive, to bring to Gath, saying, “Lest they should tell about us, saying, ‘So has David done and so has been his practice all the time he has lived in the country of the Philistines.’” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And David did not leave a man or a woman alive to bring to Gath, saying, “Lest they tell about us, saying, ‘So has David done and so has been his custom all the time he has lived in the country of the Philistines.’” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a> David did not leave a man or a woman alive to bring news to Gath, saying [to himself], “Otherwise they will tell about us, saying, ‘This is what David has done, and this has been his practice all the time that he has lived in the country of the Philistines.’” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> David did not let a man or woman live to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Or they will inform on us and say, ‘This is what David did.’ ” This was David’s custom during the whole time he stayed in the Philistine territory. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> David did not let a man or woman live to be brought to Gath, for he said, &#8220Or they will inform on us and say, &#8216This is what David did.&#8217&#8221 This was David&#8217s custom during the whole time he stayed in the Philistine territory. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/27.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring them to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell of us, saying, So did David, and so hath been his manner all the while he hath dwelt in the country of the Philistines. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> That's why David killed everyone in the towns he attacked. He thought, "If I let any of them live, they might come to Gath and tell what I've really been doing." David made these raids all the time he was in Philistia. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/27.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring them to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying: So did David, and so hath been his manner all the while he hath dwelt in the country of the Philistines. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He did not bring a single man or woman back to Gath alive. He thought, "They could tell Achish what I [really] did." This was his practice as long as he lived in Philistine territory. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/27.htm">Good News Translation</a> David would kill everyone, men and women, so that no one could go back to Gath and report what he and his men had really done. This is what David did the whole time he lived in Philistia. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/27.htm">International Standard Version</a> David did not leave a man or woman alive to bring to Gath. He told himself, "Otherwise, they'll say, 'This is what David is doing, and this has been his practice all the time he has lived in Philistine territory.'" <a href="/msb/1_samuel/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, ?Otherwise they will report us, saying, ?This is what David did.?? And this was David?s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory. <a href="/net/1_samuel/27.htm">NET Bible</a> Neither man nor woman would David leave alive so as to bring them back to Gath. He was thinking, "This way they can't tell on us, saying, 'This is what David did.'" Such was his practice the entire time that he lived in the country of the Philistines. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And neither man nor woman would he leave alive to be brought to Gath, thinking, "Otherwise they will tell about us, saying, ?This is what David did,? and this has been his practice all the time he lived in the country of the Philistines." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should inform against us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines. <a href="/web/1_samuel/27.htm">World English Bible</a> David saved neither man nor woman alive to bring them to Gath, saying, “Lest they should tell about us, saying, ‘David did this, and this has been his way all the time he has lived in the country of the Philistines.’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> David keeps alive neither man nor woman, to bring in [word] to Gath, saying, “Lest they declare [it] against us, saying, Thus David has done, and thus [is] his custom all the days that he has dwelt in the fields of the Philistines.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Neither man nor woman doth David keep alive, to bring in word to Gath, saying, 'Lest they declare it against us, saying, Thus hath David done, and thus is his custom all the days that he hath dwelt in the fields of the Philistines.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will not preserve alive a man and woman to bring to Gath, saying, Lest they shall announce against us, saying, Thus did David, and thus his judgment all the days which he dwelt in the field of the rovers.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David saved neither man nor woman, neither brought he any of them to Geth, saying: Lest they should speak against us. So did David, and such was his proceeding all the days that he dwelt in the country of the Philistines. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Neither man nor woman was left alive by David. Neither did he lead back any of them to Gath, saying, “Lest perhaps they may speak against us.” David did these things. And this was his decision during all the days that he lived in the region of the Philistines. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/27.htm">New American Bible</a> David never left a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath. He thought, “They will betray us and say, ‘This is what David did.’ ” This was his custom as long as he lived in Philistine territory. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> David left neither man nor woman alive to be brought back to Gath, thinking, “They might tell about us, and say, ‘David has done so and so.’” Such was his practice all the time he lived in the country of the Philistines.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And David spared neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, Thus David has done, and such was his custom all the while he dwelt in the land of the Philistines. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David did not save a man or a woman, so that he would come to Gath saying, “They will not talk about us”, and they would say: “Thus David did”, and this was his custom all the days when David dwelt in the land of the Philistines"<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David left neither man nor woman alive, to bring them to Gath, saying: 'Lest they should tell on us, saying: So did David, and so hath been his manner all the while he hath dwelt in the country of the Philistines.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And I have not saved man or woman alive to bring them to Geth, saying, Lest they carry a report to Geth against us, saying, These things David does. And this was his manner all the days that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/27-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=8212" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/27.htm">David and the Philistines</a> …10who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.” 11<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: wə·’iš·šāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">or woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: yə·ḥay·yeh (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">alive</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: lə·hā·ḇî (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">to be brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/1661.htm" title="1661: ḡaṯ (N-proper-fs) -- Wine press, a Philistine city. The same as gath; Gath, a Philistine city.">to Gath,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">for he said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">“Otherwise</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: yag·gi·ḏū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To be conspicuous. ">they will report</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lê·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh- (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">‘This is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">did.’”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: wə·ḵōh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">And this</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pā·ṭōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Judgment. ">was David’s custom</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">the whole</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yā·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">time</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yā·šaḇ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">he lived</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">in Philistine</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: biś·ḏêh (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">territory.</a> 12So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/11-14.htm">Joshua 11:14</a> The Israelites took for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but they put all the people to the sword until they had completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone who breathed. <a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">2 Samuel 8:2</a> David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. <a href="/2_samuel/8-12.htm">2 Samuel 8:12</a> from Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and Philistines and Amalekites, and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. <a href="/2_samuel/12-31.htm">2 Samuel 12:31</a> David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them work at the brick kilns. He did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem. <a href="/1_chronicles/18-2.htm">1 Chronicles 18:2</a> David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute. <a href="/1_chronicles/18-11.htm">1 Chronicles 18:11</a> and King David dedicated these to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had carried off from all these nations—from Edom and Moab, and from the Ammonites, Philistines, and Amalekites. <a href="/1_chronicles/20-3.htm">1 Chronicles 20:3</a> David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes. And he did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem. <a href="/2_kings/10-11.htm">2 Kings 10:11</a> So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the house of Ahab, as well as all his great men and close friends and priests, leaving him without a single survivor. <a href="/2_kings/10-14.htm">2 Kings 10:14</a> Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them. <a href="/2_kings/11-1.htm">2 Kings 11:1</a> When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs. <a href="/2_kings/15-16.htm">2 Kings 15:16</a> At that time Menahem, starting from Tirzah, attacked Tiphsah and everyone in its vicinity, because they would not open their gates. So he attacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women. <a href="/2_kings/17-25.htm">2 Kings 17:25</a> Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. <a href="/2_kings/19-11.htm">2 Kings 19:11</a> Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? <a href="/2_kings/25-7.htm">2 Kings 25:7</a> And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. <a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a> When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwells in the country of the Philistines.Lest<a href="/1_samuel/22-22.htm">1 Samuel 22:22</a> And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house.<a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Proverbs 12:19</a> The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.<a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Proverbs 29:25</a> The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/27-9.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-7.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-10.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-7.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/joshua/4-22.htm">Inform</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-19.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-19.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-7.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-13.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-9.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-6.htm">Tidings</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-11.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-1.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-28.htm">Inform</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-28.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/ezra/7-10.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-5.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-9.htm">Tidings</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 27</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Saul, hearing David to be in Gath, seeks no more for him</a> 5. <a href="/1_samuel/27-5.htm">David begs Ziklag of Achish</a> 8. <a href="/1_samuel/27-8.htm">He, invading other countries, persuades Achish he fought against Judah.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/27.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/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath David's actions here reflect a strategic decision to prevent any survivors from reporting his true activities to Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. This decision can be seen as a wartime tactic to protect his position and the safety of his men. In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was not uncommon for military leaders to eliminate potential threats to their security. David's actions, while harsh, were aimed at maintaining the trust of Achish, who believed David was raiding Israelite territories. This reflects the complex and often brutal nature of ancient warfare and survival.for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” David's concern about being reported highlights the precariousness of his situation. Living among the Philistines, traditional enemies of Israel, required careful navigation of alliances and enmities. David's fear of exposure underscores the tension between his loyalty to Israel and his need to survive in Philistine territory. This phrase also illustrates the importance of reputation and intelligence in ancient military strategy. David's actions were not just about immediate survival but also about maintaining a long-term strategic advantage.And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory David's consistent behavior during his time in Philistine territory suggests a calculated approach to his exile. This period of David's life, living among the Philistines, is marked by a delicate balance of deception and diplomacy. His ability to maintain this custom without arousing suspicion from Achish indicates his skill in leadership and strategy. This time in Philistine territory also foreshadows David's future as a king who would need to navigate complex political landscapes. It reflects the theme of God's providence in David's life, preparing him for future challenges as the leader of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, who at this time is living among the Philistines to escape King Saul's pursuit. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philistine_territory.htm">Philistine Territory</a> The region where David sought refuge, specifically in the city of Gath, under the rule of King Achish. 3. <a href="/topical/g/gath.htm">Gath</a> A Philistine city where David and his men resided during this period. 4. <a href="/topical/k/king_achish.htm">King Achish</a> The Philistine king of Gath who allowed David to stay in his territory. 5. <a href="/topical/r/raids.htm">Raids</a> David conducted raids against various groups while living in Philistine territory, ensuring no survivors to prevent intelligence from reaching Achish.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite David's actions, God was working through his circumstances to fulfill His promises. We can trust that God is sovereign over our lives, even when we face difficult decisions. <a href="/topical/m/moral_complexity.htm">Moral Complexity</a> David's actions raise questions about morality and survival. As believers, we must navigate complex situations with wisdom and seek God's guidance. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_fear.htm">The Consequences of Fear</a> David's fear of being discovered led him to extreme measures. Fear can drive us to make decisions that compromise our values; we must rely on faith rather than fear. <a href="/topical/g/god's_protection_and_provision.htm">God's Protection and Provision</a> Even in enemy territory, God provided for David. This reminds us that God can provide for us in unexpected ways and places. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_leadership.htm">Integrity in Leadership</a> David's actions, while strategic, challenge us to consider the importance of integrity and transparency, especially in leadership roles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 27</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_david_in_philistine_land.htm">Are there historical or archaeological records that confirm David's stay in Philistine territory mentioned in 1 Samuel 27?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_achish_accept_david_in_1_sam_29.htm">How can David's earlier triumphs over the Philistines, such as in 1 Samuel 17, be reconciled with Achish's acceptance of him in 1 Samuel 29?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_philistines_suddenly_fear_david.htm">In 1 Samuel 29:3-5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_sam_29_contradict_gath_history.htm">Does the portrayal of David living among the Philistines in 1 Samuel 29 contradict any archaeological or historical evidence concerning Gath or its rulers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) And David saved neither man nor woman.--This and the following (12th) verse gives the reason for these atrocious acts of murder. The wild and irresponsible Arab chief alone seemed represented in David in this dark portion of his career. This saddest of all the chapters in David's life follows close upon the death of Samuel. It appears that the holy man of God had exercised, all the time that he had lived, a great and beneficent influence over the son of Jesse; and when he passed away, other and less wise counsellors prevailed with David. Want of trust in God and a craven fear for his own life (see his words, <a href="/1_samuel/26-20.htm" title="Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one does hunt a partridge in the mountains.">1Samuel 26:20</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/26-24.htm" title="And, behold, as your life was much set by this day in my eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.">1Samuel 26:24</a>) drove him to leave the land of Israel, and to seek a refuge among his Philistine foes. One sin led on to another, when, in Philistia--to preserve that life of his--he commenced a course of duplicity, to carry out which he was driven to commit these terrible cruelties. "The prisoners taken would naturally have been part of the spoil; but David dared not bring them to Gath, lest his deceit should be discovered. Obviously these tribes (Geshurites, Gezerites, and Amalekites) were allies of the Philistines."Saying, So did David, and so will be his manner.--The English Version of this passage is in accordance with the present punctuation in the Hebrew Bible, and represents these words as the saying of the slaughtered enemies. This is of itself most improbable. The Hebrew, too, will scarcely bear this interpretation; for the verb "to dwell" is a past, and cannot correctly be rendered "while he dwelleth." The Masoretic punctuation of the present Hebrew text is of comparatively recent date. It is better, then, in their place, with Maurer and Keil, the LXX., and Vulg. Versions, simply to put a stop after the words "so did David," and then begin a new sentence, which will read, "And so was his manner all the while he dwelt in the land of the Philistines;" understanding these words as a remark of the narrator of the history.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 11, 12. - To bring tidings. The A.V. is wrong in adding the word tidings, as the Hebrew means "to bring them to Gath." Prisoners to be sold as slaves formed an important part of the spoil of war in ancient times. But David, acting in accordance with the cruel customs of warfare in his days, and which he practised even when he had no urgent necessity as here (see <a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">2 Samuel 8:2</a>), put all his prisoners to death, lest, if taken to Gath and sold, they should betray him. The A.V. makes his conduct even more sanguinary, and supposes that he suffered none to escape. And so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth. The Hebrew is "he dwelt," and thus the rendering of the A.V., though supported by the Masoretic punctuation, is untenable. But this punctuation is of comparatively recent date, and of moderate authority. The words really belong to the narrator, and should be translated, "And so was his manner all the days that he dwelt in the field of the Philistines." It seems that Achish was completely deceived by David, and supposing that his conduct would make him hateful forever to his own tribesmen of Judah, and so preclude his return home, he rejoiced in him as one who would always remain his faithful vassal and adherent. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/27-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>David דָוִ֗ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse did not {leave} לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no a man וְאִ֨ישׁ (wə·’îš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person or woman וְאִשָּׁ֜ה (wə·’iš·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female alive יְחַיֶּ֣ה (yə·ḥay·yeh) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> To live, to revive to be brought לְהָבִ֥יא (lə·hā·ḇî) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to Gath, גַת֙ (ḡaṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1661.htm">Strong's 1661: </a> Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine city for he said, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Otherwise פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest they will report יַגִּ֥דוּ (yag·gi·ḏū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous us, עָלֵ֖ינוּ (‘ā·lê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against saying, לֵאמֹ֑ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘This is what כֹּֽה־ (kōh-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now David דָוִד֙ (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse did.’” עָשָׂ֤ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make And this וְכֹ֣ה (wə·ḵōh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now was David’s custom מִשְׁפָּט֔וֹ (miš·pā·ṭōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style the whole כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every time הַ֨יָּמִ֔ים (hay·yā·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day he lived יָשַׁ֖ב (yā·šaḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in Philistine פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia territory. בִּשְׂדֵ֥ה (biś·ḏêh) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/27-11.htm">1 Samuel 27:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-11.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 27:11 David saved neither man nor woman alive (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/27-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 27:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 27:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 27:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 27:12" /></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>