King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 23:26 Mean?

1 Samuel 23:26 in the King James Version says “And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.”

1 Samuel 23:26 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

24

And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.

25

Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. into: or, from the rock

26

And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

27

But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. invaded: Heb. spread themselves upon, etc

28

Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth. Selahammahlekoth: that is, The rock of divisions

Read 1 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

The tension reaches its climax. The Hebrew description of opposing sides of the mountain creates vivid imagery—hunter and prey separated only by terrain. David's 'haste' (Hebrew 'bahel') indicates urgent, fearful movement. The phrase 'compassed round about' (Hebrew 'otrim') describes encirclement—Saul's forces were closing in. For the first time, escape seemed impossible. The Hebrew construction emphasizes the apparent hopelessness: David was surrounded, outnumbered, and out of options. Yet this moment of maximum danger would reveal God's deliverance most dramatically. Human extremity creates space for divine intervention.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Encirclement tactics were standard for capturing fugitives in mountainous terrain. Saul's larger force could spread to cover escape routes. David's position appeared strategically hopeless—surrounded in wilderness with no apparent means of escape.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you felt completely surrounded by threatening circumstances?
  2. What does this moment of apparent defeat teach about trusting God's timing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ1 of 24
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְשָׁא֣וּל2 of 24

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מִצַּ֥ד3 of 24

“on that side”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

הָהָ֖ר4 of 24

“of the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מִזֶּ֔ה5 of 24
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

דָּוִ֥ד6 of 24

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֛יו7 of 24
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִצַּ֥ד8 of 24

“on that side”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

הָהָ֖ר9 of 24

“of the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מִזֶּ֑ה10 of 24
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיְהִ֨י11 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דָּוִ֥ד12 of 24

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

נֶחְפָּ֤ז13 of 24

“made haste”

H2648

properly, to start up suddenly, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, to fear

לָלֶ֙כֶת֙14 of 24
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

מִפְּנֵ֣י15 of 24

“for fear”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְשָׁא֣וּל16 of 24

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְשָׁא֣וּל17 of 24

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֗יו18 of 24
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עֹֽטְרִ֛ים19 of 24

“compassed”

H5849

to encircle (for attack or protection); especially to crown (literally or figuratively)

אֶל20 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֥ד21 of 24

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְאֶל22 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲנָשָׁ֖יו23 of 24
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְתָפְשָֽׂם׃24 of 24

“to take”

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

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 23:26 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 23:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 17:9Psalms 31:222 Corinthians 1:82 Chronicles 20:12Psalms 22:16Psalms 140:1-9

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1 Samuel 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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