King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 29:11 Mean?

1 Samuel 29:11 in the King James Version says “So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philist...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 29:11 · KJV

Context

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
The chapter's conclusion, noting David's early departure and the Philistines' advance to Jezreel, sets the stage for simultaneous narratives: David returning to Ziklag and the Philistines marching to battle. The separation of these storylines creates dramatic tension. While David travels south, the battle that will change Israel's history proceeds north. Divine providence has extracted David from the conflict that will kill Saul and Jonathan, preserving him for the throne while removing the barriers to his succession.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The three-day journey from Aphek to Ziklag would have David arriving approximately when the battle at Gilboa occurred. The geographic and temporal separation meant David was clearly absent from both armies during the decisive confrontation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's timing in one area of life connect to developments in others?
  2. What does David's absence from the battle suggest about God's preparation of future leaders?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם1 of 13

“rose up early”

H7925

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

דָּוִ֜ד2 of 13

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

ה֤וּא3 of 13
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

וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֙4 of 13

“and his men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

לָלֶ֣כֶת5 of 13
H1980

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

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר6 of 13

“in the morning”

H1242

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

לָשׁ֖וּב7 of 13

“to return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל8 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֣רֶץ9 of 13

“into the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים10 of 13

“And the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים11 of 13

“And the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

עָל֥וּ12 of 13

“went up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

יִזְרְעֶֽאל׃13 of 13

“to Jezreel”

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

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 29:11 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 29:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 4:41 Samuel 29:1Joshua 19:18

Places in This Verse

Jezreel 2Settlement · Modern: Tel Yizre’el · 32.56°N, 35.33°E29 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 29 →

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