King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 23:19 Mean?

1 Samuel 23:19 in the King James Version says “Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? on: Heb. on the right hand Jeshimon: or, the wilderness”

1 Samuel 23:19 · KJV

Context

17

And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.

18

And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

19

Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? on: Heb. on the right hand Jeshimon: or, the wilderness

20

Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand.

21

And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.

Read 1 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?

The Ziphites' betrayal contrasts sharply with Jonathan's loyalty. These men of Judah—David's own tribe—informed against him to Saul. Their detailed report reveals knowledge of David's precise locations: strongholds, the wood, the hill of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon. The Hebrew interrogative 'halo' (is it not/does he not) suggests they expected reward for confirmed information. Unlike Keilah's potential betrayal, the Ziphites actively sought Saul out. Judahite betraying Judahite demonstrates that tribal loyalty provided no guaranteed protection. David's enemies existed not only in Saul's court but among his own people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Ziphites lived in the wilderness of Ziph, the same region where David hid. Their betrayal may have stemmed from fear of Saul's reprisals or hope for royal favor. Jeshimon ('wasteland') described the barren region toward the Dead Sea.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when those closest to you betray your trust?
  2. What does the Ziphites' betrayal teach about finding security in God rather than tribal or community loyalty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיַּֽעֲל֤וּ1 of 17

“Then came up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

זִפִים֙2 of 17

“the Ziphites”

H2130

a ziphite or inhabitant of ziph

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֔וּל4 of 17

“to Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

הַגִּבְעָ֖תָה5 of 17

“to Gibeah”

H1390

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

לֵאמֹ֑ר6 of 17

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲל֣וֹא7 of 17
H3808

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

דָ֠וִד8 of 17

“Doth not David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִסְתַּתֵּ֨ר9 of 17

“hide”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

עִמָּ֤נוּ10 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בַמְּצָדוֹת֙11 of 17

“himself with us in strong holds”

H4679

a fastness (as a covert of ambush)

בַּחֹ֔רְשָׁה12 of 17

“in the wood”

H2793

a forest (perhaps as furnishing the material for fabric)

בְּגִבְעַת֙13 of 17

“in the hill”

H1389

a hillock

הַֽחֲכִילָ֔ה14 of 17

“of Hachilah”

H2444

chakilah, a hill in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֖ר15 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מִימִ֥ין16 of 17

“which is on the south”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

הַיְשִׁימֽוֹן׃17 of 17

“of Jeshimon”

H3452

a desolation

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 23:19 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 23:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 26:11 Samuel 26:3Psalms 54:1-71 Samuel 22:7-8Proverbs 29:12

Places in This Verse

Gibeah 1Settlement · Modern: Tel el Ful · 31.82°N, 35.23°E45 verses across 6 books
HachilahSettlement · Modern: Zahrat al Kula · 31.47°N, 35.22°E3 verses across 1 book
HoreshNatural Area · Modern: Khirbet Khureise · 31.45°N, 35.13°E4 verses across 1 book
JeshimonRegion · Modern: Zahrat al Kula · 31.47°N, 35.22°E6 verses across 2 books
Ziph 1Settlement · Modern: Tell Zif · 31.47°N, 35.14°E5 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 23 →

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