King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 21:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 21:1 in the King James Version says “Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?”

1 Samuel 21:1 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

1

Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?

2

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 my servants to such and such a place.

3

Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present. present: Heb. found

Read 1 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?

David's flight to Nob marks a pivotal moment in his wilderness years. The Hebrew verb 'charad' (was afraid) indicates Ahimelech's trembling at David's unexpected arrival without his usual retinue. Nob had become the priestly center after Shiloh's destruction, housing the tabernacle and sacred objects. The priest's fearful inquiry reveals the political tension surrounding David's relationship with Saul. Ahimelech's question exposes the anomaly of a royal official traveling alone—a detail that would prove fatal when Doeg later reported this encounter. This passage demonstrates how even ordinary interactions during times of persecution carry weighty consequences, foreshadowing the tragedy that would befall the innocent priests.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nob was located north of Jerusalem, approximately one mile from the city. After the destruction of Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:12-14), the tabernacle and priesthood relocated here. The Ahimelech mentioned is likely the great-grandson of Eli, continuing the priestly line despite the judgment pronounced on Eli's house.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you navigate situations where your presence might endanger others who help you?
  2. What does Ahimelech's willingness to assist David teach us about hospitality amid uncertainty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיָּבֹ֤א1 of 18

“Then came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

דָּוִ֗ד2 of 18

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

נֹ֔בֶה3 of 18

“to Nob”

H5011

nob, a place in palestine

אֶל4 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ5 of 18

“and Ahimelech”

H288

achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite

הַכֹּהֵ֑ן6 of 18

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וַיֶּֽחֱרַ֨ד7 of 18

“was afraid”

H2729

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ8 of 18

“and Ahimelech”

H288

achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite

לִקְרַ֣את9 of 18

“at the meeting”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

דָּוִ֗ד10 of 18

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר11 of 18

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙12 of 18
H0
מַדּ֤וּעַ13 of 18
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

אַתָּה֙14 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ15 of 18
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וְאִ֖ישׁ16 of 18

“unto him Why art thou alone and no man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֵ֥ין17 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אִתָּֽךְ׃18 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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 21:1 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 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 2:26Nehemiah 11:32Isaiah 10:321 Samuel 16:41 Samuel 14:31 Samuel 22:9-19

Places in This Verse

NobSettlement · Modern: Ras el Mesharif · 31.79°N, 35.24°E7 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 21 →

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