King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 22:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 22:12 in the King James Version says “And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord. Here: Heb. Behold me” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord. Here: Heb. Behold me”

1 Samuel 22:12 · KJV

Context

10

And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

11

Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king.

12

And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord. Here: Heb. Behold me

13

And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

14

Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?

Read 1 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord.

The brief exchange reveals devastating contrasts. Saul's address 'son of Ahitub' refuses to use Ahimelech's name, reducing him to a lineage marker—dehumanizing prelude to murder. The Hebrew 'shema-na' (hear now) echoes his earlier address to the Benjamites (v. 7), treating the priest as another subordinate to interrogate. Ahimelech's response 'hinneni adoni' (Here I am, my lord) expresses complete availability and respect—the same words Abraham used in response to God (Genesis 22:1). The priest's humble submission to royal authority makes the coming slaughter more horrific. Innocence stands before corrupt power, ready to serve, about to die.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The formula 'Here I am' (hinneni) was a standard response indicating readiness to obey. Its use by Ahimelech demonstrates proper respect for the king while unknowingly echoing sacred covenant language used in encounters with God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Ahimelech's respectful response teach about maintaining dignity before hostile authorities?
  2. How does innocent trust in corrupt institutions parallel Christ standing before His accusers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר1 of 9

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֔וּל2 of 9

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

שְֽׁמַֽע3 of 9

“Hear”

H8085

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

נָ֖א4 of 9
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בֶּן5 of 9

“now thou son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲחִיט֑וּב6 of 9

“of Ahitub”

H285

achitub, the name of several priests

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר7 of 9

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנְנִ֥י8 of 9
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֲדֹנִֽי׃9 of 9

“Here I am my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

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 22:12 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 22:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 9:61 Samuel 22:7Isaiah 65:11 Samuel 22:13

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 22 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes