King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 22:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 22:1 in the King James Version says “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.

1 Samuel 22:1 · KJV


Context

1

David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.

2

And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented , gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. was in debt: Heb. had a creditor discontented: Heb. bitter of soul

3

And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.

The cave of Adullam marks the beginning of David's wilderness community. The Hebrew 'me'arah' (cave) suggests a substantial cavern capable of housing many people—archaeological surveys identify several large caves in the region. David's family joining him indicates Saul's persecution extended to his relatives, a common practice in ancient royal conflicts. The phrase 'went down' (yarad) reflects the topographical descent from Bethlehem to the Shephelah lowlands. This gathering of family foreshadows the larger assembly that would follow, as David became a refuge for Israel's outcasts. Christ similarly drew society's marginalized to Himself, forming a new family of faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Adullam was located in the Shephelah, the lowland foothills between the Judean highlands and the coastal plain. The region contained numerous limestone caves offering natural fortification. This area had strategic importance, controlling access routes between the coast and the hill country.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God used seasons of exile or difficulty to gather unexpected communities around you?
  2. What does David's family joining him in danger teach about family loyalty and shared risk?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ1 of 15
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דָּוִד֙2 of 15

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִשָּׁ֔ם3 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וַיִּמָּלֵ֖ט4 of 15

thence and escaped

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

אֶל5 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְעָרַ֣ת6 of 15

to the cave

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

עֲדֻלָּ֑ם7 of 15

Adullam

H5725

adullam, a place in palestine

וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ8 of 15

heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶחָיו֙9 of 15

and when his brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְכָל10 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּ֣ית11 of 15

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֔יו12 of 15

and all his father's

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיֵּֽרְד֥וּ13 of 15

it they went down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֵלָ֖יו14 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָֽׁמָּה׃15 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


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 22:1 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 22:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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