King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 21:11 Mean?

1 Samuel 21:11 in the King James Version says “And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of hi...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?”

1 Samuel 21:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.

10

And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.

11

And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

12

And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.

13

And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. scrabbled: or, made marks

Read 1 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

The Philistine servants' recognition exposes David's perilous position. Their reference to the victory song (first recorded in 18:7) shows how David's fame had spread even to Israel's enemies. The phrase 'king of the land' (Hebrew 'melek ha'aretz') reveals the Philistines perceived David's true significance before Israel formally acknowledged it. Their knowledge of Hebrew songs and dances indicates significant cultural exchange between the peoples despite ongoing warfare. David's reputation, which should have brought honor, now threatened his life—demonstrating how the same qualities that elevate us can also endanger us in hostile contexts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines maintained extensive intelligence about Israel's leadership and military heroes. Victory songs celebrating military achievements were common throughout the ancient Near East and would have been known to neighboring peoples through various channels.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has your reputation or past achievements created unexpected challenges?
  2. What does the Philistines' recognition of David teach about how God's work becomes visible even to unbelievers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לֵאמֹ֔ר1 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עַבְדֵ֤י2 of 19

“And the servants”

H5650

a servant

אָכִישׁ֙3 of 19

“of Achish”

H397

akish, a philistine king

אֵלָ֔יו4 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֲלוֹא5 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לָזֶ֗ה6 of 19

“one to another of him”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְדָוִ֖ד7 of 19

“and David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֶ֣לֶךְ8 of 19

“the king”

H4428

a king

הָאָ֑רֶץ9 of 19

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הֲל֣וֹא10 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לָזֶ֗ה11 of 19

“one to another of him”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יַֽעֲנ֤וּ12 of 19

“did they not sing”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בַמְּחֹלוֹת֙13 of 19

“in dances”

H4246

a dance

לֵאמֹ֔ר14 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִכָּ֤ה15 of 19

“hath slain”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

שָׁאוּל֙16 of 19

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

בַּֽאֲלָפָ֔ו17 of 19

“his thousands”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְדָוִ֖ד18 of 19

“and David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּרִבְבֹתָֽו׃19 of 19

“his ten thousands”

H7233

abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)

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 21:11 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 21:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 29:5Psalms 56:1-131 Samuel 16:11 Samuel 18:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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