King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 22:21 Mean?
“And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests.”
1 Samuel 22:21 · KJV
Context
19
And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.
20
And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
21
And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests.
22
And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house.
23
Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests.
Abiathar's report brings devastating news to David. The Hebrew 'vayagged' (showed/reported) conveys more than mere telling—it revealed the full horror of the massacre. The designation 'LORD's priests' emphasizes the sacrilege: these were not merely men but God's consecrated servants. David now learned the catastrophic consequences of his deception at Nob. The information connected cause and effect across the narrative: David's lie (21:2), Doeg's presence (21:7), and now this slaughter. The report forced David to confront how his survival tactics had contributed to innocent deaths—a weight he would carry as a man who understood that his sins had consequences beyond himself.
Abiathar's report brings devastating news to David. The Hebrew 'vayagged' (showed/reported) conveys more than mere telling—it revealed the full horror of the massacre. The designation 'LORD's priests' emphasizes the sacrilege: these were not merely men but God's consecrated servants. David now learned the catastrophic consequences of his deception at Nob. The information connected cause and effect across the narrative: David's lie (21:2), Doeg's presence (21:7), and now this slaughter. The report forced David to confront how his survival tactics had contributed to innocent deaths—a weight he would carry as a man who understood that his sins had consequences beyond himself.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Abiathar's role as sole witness to the massacre made him invaluable for David's understanding of events. His report would have included details about Doeg's role, Saul's accusations, and the soldiers' initial refusal—information crucial for the historical record.
Reflection Questions
- How do we process news that reveals unintended consequences of our actions?
- What does the phrase 'the LORD's priests' emphasize about the gravity of Saul's crime?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוַיַּגֵּ֥ד1 of 9
“shewed”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כִּ֚י4 of 9
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵ֖ת7 of 9
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֹּֽהֲנֵ֥י8 of 9
“priests”
H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
יְהוָֽה׃9 of 9
“the LORD'S”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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 22:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.