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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 27:4 And when Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/27-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/09_1Sa_27_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 27:4 - David and the Philistines" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And when Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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so he sought him no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now it was reported to Saul that David had fled to Gath, so he no longer searched for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/27.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, so he no longer searched for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, so he no longer searched for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And it was told to Saul that David had fled to Gath, so he no longer searched for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When it was reported to Saul that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When it was reported to Saul that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/27.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Saul found out that David had run off to Gath, he stopped trying to catch him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/27.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, he didn't search for him anymore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/27.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Saul heard that David had fled to Gath, he gave up trying to find him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/27.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, and he did not continue to search for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/27.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he did not mount a new search for him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, so he no longer searched for him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it was told to Saul that David had fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/27.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, so he stopped looking for him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it is declared to Saul that David has fled to Gath, and he has not added to seek him anymore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it is declared to Saul that David hath fled to Gath, and he hath not added any more to seek him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was announced to Saul that David fled to Gath; and he will no more add to seek him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And it was told Saul that David was fled to Geth, and he sought no more after him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And it was reported to Saul that David had fled to Gath. And so, he did not continue to seek him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/27.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, he no longer sought for him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath; and he sought no more after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they revealed to Shaul that David came down to Gath, and he did not seek after him again<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath; and he sought no more again for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it was told Saul that David had fled to Geth; and he no longer sought after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/27-4.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=8138" 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/27.htm">David and the Philistines</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: lə·šā·’ūl (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">And when Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yug·gaḏ (Conj-w:: V-Hofal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">learned</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·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/1272.htm" title="1272: ḇā·raḥ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To go through, flee. A primitive root; to bolt, i.e. Figuratively, to flee suddenly.">had fled</a> <a href="/hebrew/1661.htm" title="1661: gaṯ (N-proper-fs) -- Wine press, a Philistine city. The same as gath; Gath, a Philistine city.">to Gath,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: yō·sap̄ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">longer</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: lə·ḇaq·šōw (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf:: 3ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">searched for him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let me be assigned a place in one of the outlying towns, so I can live there. For why should your servant live in the royal city with you?”…<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/23-14.htm">1 Samuel 23:14</a></span><br />And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-27.htm">1 Samuel 23:27-28</a></span><br />Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” / So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1-2</a></span><br />After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” / So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">1 Samuel 26:21</a></span><br />Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">1 Samuel 28:1-2</a></span><br />Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.” / David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-1.htm">2 Samuel 2:1-3</a></span><br />Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. / So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. / David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">2 Samuel 5:17-18</a></span><br />When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-39.htm">1 Kings 2:39-40</a></span><br />After three years, however, two of Shimei’s slaves ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And Shimei was told, “Look, your slaves are in Gath.” / So Shimei saddled his donkey and set out to Achish at Gath in search of his slaves, and he brought them back from Gath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-17.htm">Psalm 18:17-19</a></span><br />He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me. / They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support. / He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a></span><br />I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-13.htm">Psalm 56:13</a></span><br />For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/142-6.htm">Psalm 142:6</a></span><br />Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-15</a></span><br />When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12</a></span><br />When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23</a></span><br />When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.</p><p class="hdg">he sought</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">1 Samuel 26:21</a></b></br> Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/26-18.htm">Added</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-3.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-19.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-35.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">Sought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Added</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-17.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-19.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-21.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-17.htm">Sought</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 27</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Saul, hearing David to be in Gath, seeks no more for him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/27-5.htm">David begs Ziklag of Achish</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/27-8.htm">He, invading other countries, persuades Achish he fought against Judah.</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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/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><b>And when Saul learned</b><br>This phrase indicates a turning point in the narrative. Saul, the first king of Israel, had been relentlessly pursuing David, who was anointed by Samuel to be the next king. Saul's pursuit was driven by jealousy and fear of losing his throne. The phrase suggests a moment of realization for Saul, highlighting the ongoing tension between him and David. This pursuit is a recurring theme in 1 Samuel, illustrating Saul's decline and David's rise.<p><b>that David had fled to Gath</b><br>Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities and the hometown of Goliath, whom David had previously defeated. David's decision to flee to Gath is significant, as it shows his desperation and strategic thinking. By seeking refuge among the Philistines, Israel's enemies, David placed himself outside Saul's reach. This move also reflects David's complex relationship with the Philistines, as he later becomes a vassal to Achish, the king of Gath. The historical context of Gath as a fortified city and its role in Philistine-Israelite conflicts provides insight into David's choice.<p><b>he no longer searched for him</b><br>Saul's cessation of his pursuit of David marks a temporary end to the immediate threat against David's life. This phrase underscores a moment of respite for David, allowing him to regroup and plan his next steps. It also highlights Saul's limitations and the divine protection over David, as seen throughout the narrative. Theologically, this can be seen as part of God's providential plan for David, who is a type of Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance and kingship of Jesus. Saul's inability to capture David despite numerous attempts reflects the futility of opposing God's anointed.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The anointed future king of Israel, who is fleeing from King Saul's relentless pursuit. At this point, David seeks refuge in Gath, a Philistine city.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The current king of Israel, who is consumed by jealousy and fear of David, leading him to pursue David relentlessly to kill him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gath.htm">Gath</a></b><br>A Philistine city, known as the home of Goliath, where David seeks asylum. This is significant as it shows David's desperation, seeking refuge among Israel's enemies.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>The enemies of Israel, who are often in conflict with the Israelites. David's decision to flee to Gath is a strategic move to escape Saul's pursuit.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/achish.htm">Achish</a></b><br>The king of Gath, who provides David with refuge. This alliance is unexpected given the historical enmity between the Philistines and Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite David's desperate circumstances, his actions reflect a trust in God's ultimate plan. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over their lives, even in difficult situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_wisdom.htm">Strategic Wisdom</a></b><br>David's decision to flee to Gath shows his strategic thinking. Christians are encouraged to use wisdom and discernment in their decisions, seeking God's guidance in all circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection.htm">God's Protection</a></b><br>David's safety in Gath, despite being among enemies, illustrates God's protection. Believers can trust that God is their refuge and strength, even when surrounded by adversaries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_jealousy_and_fear.htm">The Futility of Jealousy and Fear</a></b><br>Saul's pursuit of David is driven by jealousy and fear, leading to his downfall. Christians are reminded to guard their hearts against these destructive emotions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unexpected_alliances.htm">Unexpected Alliances</a></b><br>David's alliance with Achish shows that God can use unexpected means to provide for His people. Believers should remain open to God's provision, even when it comes from unlikely sources.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 27</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_david_justify_punishing_killers.htm">2 Samuel 4:8-11 - How can David both punish the men for killing Ishbosheth and still claim God's hand in his rise to power without contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_isn't_david_condemned_for_his_raids.htm">If David's raids led to widespread destruction (1 Samuel 27:8-9), why is there no explicit condemnation of his actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_david_seek_refuge_with_enemies.htm">How could David justify seeking refuge among Israel's enemies in 1 Samuel 27:1?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">And it was told Saul.</span>--This short statement tells us plainly that up to the moment when Saul heard that David had crossed the frontier, he had not ceased to pursue after him and to seek his life. Ewald considers that it was during the residence at Gath that David exercised himself as a musician in the Gittite--i.e., the Philistine--style, which he afterwards transferred from there to Judah and Jerusalem. (See titles of Psalms 8, 81, 84, "upon the Gittith.") Gittith is a feminine adjective derived from Gath; the words possibly signify, "after the Gittith manner: some peculiar measure of style of Philistine music, or else the reference may be to a Philistine musical instrument."<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/27-4.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">And when Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשָׁא֔וּל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">learned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֻּגַּ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yug·gaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">had fled</span><br /><span class="heb">בָרַ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·raḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1272.htm">Strong's 1272: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bolt, to flee suddenly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Gath,</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֑ת</span> <span class="translit">(gaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1661.htm">Strong's 1661: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine city</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he no</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">longer</span><br /><span class="heb">יָסַ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(yā·sap̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">searched for him.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבַקְשֽׁוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇaq·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/27-4.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 27:4 It was told Saul that David was (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/27-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 27:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 27:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/27-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 27:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 27:5" /></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>