King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 29:10 Mean?

1 Samuel 29:10 in the King James Version says “Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up e...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart.”

1 Samuel 29:10 · KJV

Context

8

And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king? with: Heb. before thee

9

And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle.

10

Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart.

11

So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

Read 1 Samuel 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Achish's final instructions establish the practical arrangements for David's departure. The phrase 'thy master's servants that are come with thee' (Hebrew: 'avdey adonekha') may refer to David's men as servants of Saul (their former allegiance) or as David's own followers. The instruction to leave at first light ensures David's departure is orderly and visible, preventing any accusation of desertion. The practical details conclude the diplomatic resolution that saves David from his impossible situation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early morning departure was standard for military movements, allowing maximum daylight travel. David's honorable discharge with clear instructions prevented any later accusation of abandonment or treachery.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do practical arrangements help navigate the conclusion of difficult situations?
  2. What role do timing and visibility play in maintaining honor amid complex circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְעַתָּה֙1 of 13
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

וְהִשְׁכַּמְתֶּ֣ם2 of 13

“Wherefore now rise up early”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר3 of 13

“in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְעַבְדֵ֥י4 of 13

“servants”

H5650

a servant

אֲדֹנֶ֖יךָ5 of 13

“with thy master's”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֲשֶׁר6 of 13
H834

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

בָּ֣אוּ7 of 13

“that are come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אִתָּ֑ךְ8 of 13
H854

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

וְהִשְׁכַּמְתֶּ֣ם9 of 13

“Wherefore now rise up early”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר10 of 13

“in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְא֥וֹר11 of 13

“and have light”

H215

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

לָכֶ֖ם12 of 13
H0
וָלֵֽכוּ׃13 of 13
H1980

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

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 29:10 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 29:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 12:191 Chronicles 12:221 Samuel 30:1-2Genesis 22:14Psalms 37:23-242 Peter 2:9

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 29 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes