King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 19:14 Mean?
“And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.”
1 Samuel 19:14 · KJV
Context
12
So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.
13
And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth. image: Heb. teraphim
14
And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.
15
And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.
16
And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.
Michal's lie - 'He is sick' (choleh) - bought precious time for David's escape. The simple declaration deflected immediate action, as entering a sick person's chamber risked both contagion and ceremonial defilement. Michal chose deception over obedience to her father, prioritizing David's life over filial loyalty. While Scripture records her lie without explicit approval, it demonstrates how Saul's violence corrupted family relationships, forcing his daughter into moral complexity. God often preserves His servants through imperfect human instruments.
Michal's lie - 'He is sick' (choleh) - bought precious time for David's escape. The simple declaration deflected immediate action, as entering a sick person's chamber risked both contagion and ceremonial defilement. Michal chose deception over obedience to her father, prioritizing David's life over filial loyalty. While Scripture records her lie without explicit approval, it demonstrates how Saul's violence corrupted family relationships, forcing his daughter into moral complexity. God often preserves His servants through imperfect human instruments.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Illness exempted individuals from many obligations and restricted visitors. Royal messengers would hesitate to force entry to a sick chamber without explicit authorization. Michal's quick thinking exploited social conventions to delay the arrest.
Reflection Questions
- How do you evaluate actions taken to protect the innocent in morally complex situations?
- What does Michal's choice reveal about the impact of Saul's violence on his family?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsמַלְאָכִ֖ים3 of 9
“messengers”
H4397a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
אֶת5 of 9
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֹלֶ֥ה8 of 9
“He is sick”
H2470properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
הֽוּא׃9 of 9
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 19:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 19:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge