King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 23:14 Mean?

1 Samuel 23:14 in the King James Version says “And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

1 Samuel 23:14 · KJV


Context

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

13

Then David and his men, which were about six hundred , arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.

14

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

15

And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.

16

And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

The contrast between Saul's constant pursuit and God's constant protection frames David's wilderness years. The Hebrew 'metsadot' (strongholds) describes natural fortifications—caves and rocky positions offering defensive advantage. The wilderness of Ziph, southeast of Hebron, provided rugged terrain favoring evasion over pursuit. The phrase 'Saul sought him every day' (kol-hayamim) emphasizes the relentless hunt. Yet the theological summary—'God delivered him not into his hand'—attributes David's survival to divine protection rather than human skill. God's sovereignty overshadowed both Saul's determination and David's tactics.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The wilderness of Ziph contained numerous caves and rocky outcrops ideal for hiding. The Judean wilderness, with its deep wadis and barren hills, allowed small bands to survive through mobility and local knowledge. Saul's larger forces were disadvantaged in this terrain.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's protection change your perspective on persistent threats?
  2. What does 'God delivered him not' teach about divine sovereignty over human pursuit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב1 of 16

abode

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

דָּוִ֤ד2 of 16

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּמִדְבַּר3 of 16

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

בַּמְּצָד֔וֹת4 of 16

in strong holds

H4679

a fastness (as a covert of ambush)

וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב5 of 16

abode

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּהָ֖ר6 of 16

in a mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

בְּמִדְבַּר7 of 16

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

זִ֑יף8 of 16

of Ziph

H2128

ziph, the name of a place in palestine; also of an israelite

וַיְבַקְשֵׁ֤הוּ9 of 16

sought

H1245

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

שָׁאוּל֙10 of 16

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

כָּל11 of 16
H3605

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

הַיָּמִ֔ים12 of 16

him every day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְלֹֽא13 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נְתָנ֥וֹ14 of 16

delivered

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֱלֹהִ֖ים15 of 16

but 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

בְּיָדֽוֹ׃16 of 16

him not into his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v


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 23:14 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 23:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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