King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:6 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:6 in the King James Version says “Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who w... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.

1 Samuel 26:6 · KJV


Context

4

David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.

5

And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him. trench: or, midst of his carriages

6

Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.

7

So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.

8

Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once , and I will not smite him the second time. delivered: Heb. shut up


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's question to Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai reveals his characteristic courage while seeking a willing companion for a dangerous mission. Abishai's immediate volunteering ('I will go down with thee') demonstrates the fierce loyalty David inspired in his followers. The mention of Ahimelech the Hittite among David's inner circle shows the multinational composition of his band and his ability to integrate foreigners into Israel's story, anticipating his later reign's inclusive character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Hittites were descendants of the ancient Anatolian empire that collapsed around 1200 BCE. Some Hittite populations remained in Canaan and integrated into Israelite society. Abishai, son of Zeruiah (David's sister), would become one of David's most formidable warriors and a key military commander.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who stands ready to accompany you into spiritually dangerous situations?
  2. How does the loyalty of others strengthen your ability to fulfill God's calling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיַּ֨עַן1 of 25

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,

דָּוִ֜ד2 of 25

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר3 of 25

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל4 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחִימֶ֣לֶךְ5 of 25

to Ahimelech

H288

achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite

הַֽחִתִּ֗י6 of 25

the Hittite

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

וְאֶל7 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲבִישַׁ֔י8 of 25

And Abishai

H52

abishai, an israelite

בֶּן9 of 25

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

צְרוּיָ֜ה10 of 25

of Zeruiah

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

אֲחִ֤י11 of 25

brother

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

יוֹאָב֙12 of 25

to Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר13 of 25

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִֽי14 of 25
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

אֵרֵ֥ד15 of 25

I will go down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אִתִּ֛י16 of 25
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֶל17 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֖וּל18 of 25

with me to Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶל19 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה20 of 25

to the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר21 of 25

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲבִישַׁ֔י22 of 25

And Abishai

H52

abishai, an israelite

אֲנִ֖י23 of 25
H589

i

אֵרֵ֥ד24 of 25

I will go down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

עִמָּֽךְ׃25 of 25
H5973

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


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 26:6 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 26:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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