King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 23:10 Mean?

1 Samuel 23:10 in the King James Version says “Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.”

1 Samuel 23:10 · KJV

Context

8

And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.

9

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

10

Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.

11

Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.

12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. deliver: Heb. shut up

Read 1 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.

David's prayer employs formal covenant language. The address 'LORD God of Israel' (Yahweh Elohei Yisrael) invokes the covenant relationship. David's self-designation as 'thy servant' maintains humility before God. His concern extends beyond self-preservation: Saul threatens 'to destroy the city for my sake'—David worries about collateral damage to the town he just saved. This intercessory dimension elevates his inquiry beyond mere escape planning. The Hebrew infinitive construct 'leshahet' (to destroy) echoes Sodom's destruction, suggesting David sees Saul capable of similar devastation. His prayer recognizes that others suffer when the wicked pursue the righteous.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's formal prayer follows ancient Near Eastern patterns of divine inquiry—stating the petitioner's understanding of the situation before asking specific questions. This protocol respected God's majesty while presenting human concerns clearly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you frame your prayers to acknowledge both God's sovereignty and your specific concerns?
  2. What does David's concern for Keilah's destruction teach about considering how our presence affects others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֮1 of 17

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִד֒2 of 17

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יְהוָה֙3 of 17

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י4 of 17

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

שָׁמַע֙6 of 17

“hath certainly”

H8085

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

שָׁמַע֙7 of 17

“hath certainly”

H8085

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

עַבְדְּךָ֔8 of 17

“thy servant”

H5650

a servant

כִּֽי9 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מְבַקֵּ֥שׁ10 of 17

“seeketh”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

שָׁא֖וּל11 of 17

“that Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לָב֣וֹא12 of 17

“to come”

H935

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

אֶל13 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קְעִילָ֑ה14 of 17

“to Keilah”

H7084

keilah, a place in palestine

לְשַׁחֵ֥ת15 of 17

“to destroy”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

לָעִ֖יר16 of 17

“the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בַּֽעֲבוּרִֽי׃17 of 17
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

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 23:10 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 23:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 3:61 Samuel 22:19Proverbs 28:15Romans 3:15-161 Samuel 23:8Genesis 18:24

Places in This Verse

KeilahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Qila · 31.61°N, 35.00°E15 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 23 →

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