King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:2 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:2 in the King James Version says “And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I mak...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.”

1 Samuel 28:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.

2

And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

3

Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

4

And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

Read 1 Samuel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's ambiguous response to Achish demonstrates his diplomatic skill while revealing his impossible position. The phrase 'Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do' (Hebrew: 'lachen attah teda') can be read as either promise or veiled threat. David neither commits to fighting Israel nor refuses Achish's command. Achish's response, making David 'keeper of mine head for ever' (personal bodyguard), shows he interprets David's words as loyalty. The dramatic irony deepens David's predicament.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The position of royal bodyguard was among the most trusted roles in ancient courts. Achish's appointment of David to this position indicates either profound trust or, possibly, a desire to keep the powerful Israelite warrior where he could be watched.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you navigate situations where honesty would create immediate danger but deception perpetuates compromise?
  2. What ambiguous situations in your life require God's intervention to resolve?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 21

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔ד2 of 21

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָכִישׁ֙4 of 21

“And Achish”

H397

akish, a philistine king

לָכֵ֗ן5 of 21

“Surely”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אַתָּ֣ה6 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תֵדַ֔ע7 of 21

“thou shalt know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵ֥ת8 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲשֶֽׁר9 of 21
H834

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

יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה10 of 21

“can do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ11 of 21

“what thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר12 of 21

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָכִישׁ֙13 of 21

“And Achish”

H397

akish, a philistine king

אֶל14 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֔ד15 of 21

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לָכֵ֗ן16 of 21

“Surely”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

שֹׁמֵ֧ר17 of 21

“thee keeper”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לְרֹאשִׁ֛י18 of 21

“of mine head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֲשִֽׂימְךָ֖19 of 21

“Therefore will I make”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

כָּל20 of 21
H3605

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

הַיָּמִֽים׃21 of 21

“for ever”

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

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 28:2 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 28:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 16:16-19Romans 12:91 Samuel 27:10

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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