King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 22:9 Mean?

1 Samuel 22:9 in the King James Version says “Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob,... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.

1 Samuel 22:9 · KJV


Context

7

Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;

8

That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? sheweth: Heb. uncovereth mine ear

9

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.

Doeg's opportunistic report fulfills the ominous foreshadowing of 21:7. The Hebrew construction emphasizes his foreign identity—'Doeg the Edomite'—suggesting his willingness to betray where Israelite servants hesitated. His reference to David as 'son of Jesse' mirrors Saul's contemptuous language, ingratiating himself with the king. The detail about Ahimelech's lineage ('son of Ahitub') demonstrates careful observation that would later prove lethal. Doeg had been 'detained before the LORD' (21:7) for religious purposes, yet used information gained at the sanctuary for treachery. This chilling example shows how religious observance without heart transformation produces only more effective wickedness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Doeg had been promoted to oversee Saul's servants, indicating his trusted position. Edomites, descendants of Esau, had a complex relationship with Israel—sometimes allied, often hostile. Doeg's willingness to inform against Israelite priests may reflect cultural distance from Yahweh worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious knowledge and access be misused for selfish or harmful purposes?
  2. What does Doeg's advancement through betrayal teach about the character flaws corrupt leaders reward?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיַּ֜עַן1 of 19

Then answered

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,

דֹּאֵ֣ג2 of 19

Doeg

H1673

doeg, an edomite

הָֽאֲדֹמִ֗י3 of 19

the Edomite

H130

an edomite, or descendants from (or inhabitants of) edom

וְה֛וּא4 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נִצָּ֥ב5 of 19

which was set

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

עַל6 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַבְדֵֽי7 of 19

over the servants

H5650

a servant

שָׁא֖וּל8 of 19

of Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר9 of 19

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

רָאִ֙יתִי֙10 of 19

I saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת11 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֶּן12 of 19

the 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

יִשַׁ֔י13 of 19

of Jesse

H3448

jishai, david's father

בָּ֣א14 of 19

coming

H935

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

נֹ֔בֶה15 of 19

to Nob

H5011

nob, a place in palestine

אֶל16 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחִימֶ֖לֶךְ17 of 19

to Ahimelech

H288

achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite

בֶּן18 of 19

the 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

אֲחִטֽוּב׃19 of 19

of Ahitub

H285

achitub, the name of several priests


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 22:9 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 22:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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