King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 27:3 Mean?

1 Samuel 27:3 in the King James Version says “And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoa...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.”

1 Samuel 27:3 · KJV

Context

1

And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. perish: Heb. be consumed

2

And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that were with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.

3

And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.

4

And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.

5

And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?

Read 1 Samuel 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The domestic details reveal the human cost of David's wilderness years: his household now included two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, each with her own story of how she came to David. Every man with David similarly brought a household, transforming the fugitive band into a refugee community. The phrase 'every man with his household' (Hebrew: 'ish u-veto') emphasizes the scope of responsibility David carried. Leadership meant providing not just for warriors but for their dependents in hostile territory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Polygamy, while permitted in ancient Israel, often created family conflicts as seen in patriarchal narratives. Ahinoam of Jezreel became David's wife during the wilderness period; Abigail, widow of the foolish Nabal, brought significant wealth and wisdom to David's household.

Reflection Questions

  1. What responsibilities for others' welfare do you carry in your leadership?
  2. How does caring for dependents shape the risks you are willing to take?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֵּשֶׁב֩1 of 18

“dwelt”

H3427

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

דָּוִד֙2 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עִם3 of 18
H5973

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

אָכִ֥ישׁ4 of 18

“with Achish”

H397

akish, a philistine king

בְּגַ֛ת5 of 18

“at Gath”

H1661

gath, a philistine city

ה֥וּא6 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אִ֣ישׁ7 of 18

“every man”

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)

אִ֣ישׁ8 of 18

“every man”

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)

וּבֵית֑וֹ9 of 18

“with his household”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

דָּוִד֙10 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וּשְׁתֵּ֣י11 of 18

“with his two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֵֽשֶׁת12 of 18

“wife”

H802

a woman

אֲחִינֹ֙עַם֙13 of 18

“Ahinoam”

H293

achinoam, the name of two israelitesses

הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִ֔ת14 of 18

“the Jezreelitess”

H3159

a jezreelitess

וַֽאֲבִיגַ֥יִל15 of 18

“and Abigail”

H26

abigail or abigal, the name of two israelitesses

אֵֽשֶׁת16 of 18

“wife”

H802

a woman

נָבָ֖ל17 of 18

“Nabal's”

H5037

nabal, an israelite

הַֽכַּרְמְלִֽית׃18 of 18

“the Carmelitess”

H3762

a karmelitess or female inhabitant of karmel

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 27:3 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 27:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:42-431 Samuel 30:51 Samuel 25:31 Samuel 30:31 Samuel 25:18-35

Places in This Verse

Carmel 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet el Kirmil · 31.42°N, 35.13°E14 verses across 5 books
Gath 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Safi · 31.70°N, 34.85°E38 verses across 10 books
Jezreel 3Settlement · Modern: Yatta · 31.45°N, 35.09°E6 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 27 →

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