King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 30:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 30:7 in the King James Version says “And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thi...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.”

1 Samuel 30:7 · KJV

Prayer

Context

5

And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

6

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. grieved: Heb. bitter

7

And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

8

And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

9

So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed.

Read 1 Samuel 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's immediate request for the ephod demonstrates his spiritual instinct under pressure. Rather than reacting in anger, fear, or self-defense, he seeks divine guidance. The ephod, which Abiathar had brought when fleeing Saul's massacre at Nob (23:6-9), contained the Urim and Thummim for divine consultation. David's first response to crisis is inquiry of the LORD, contrasting sharply with Saul's forbidden consultation in chapter 28. Two leaders facing crisis turn to opposite sources.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ephod was the priestly garment containing pockets for the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots for divine guidance. Abiathar's presence with David meant legitimate priestly inquiry was available, unlike Saul who had killed the priests and lost this access.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is your instinctive response to crisis: action, fear, or seeking God's guidance?
  2. How does having access to legitimate spiritual resources shape decision-making under pressure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִֽד׃2 of 17

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶבְיָתָ֛ר4 of 17

“And Abiathar”

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּהֵן֙5 of 17

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בֶּן6 of 17

“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

אֲחִימֶ֔לֶךְ7 of 17

“Ahimelech's”

H288

achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite

וַיַּגֵּ֧שׁ8 of 17

“I pray thee bring me hither”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

נָּ֥א9 of 17
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

לִ֖י10 of 17
H0
הָֽאֵפ֖וֹד11 of 17

“the ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

וַיַּגֵּ֧שׁ12 of 17

“I pray thee bring me hither”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֶבְיָתָ֛ר13 of 17

“And Abiathar”

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

אֶת14 of 17
H853

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

הָֽאֵפ֖וֹד15 of 17

“the ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

אֶל16 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִֽד׃17 of 17

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

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 30:7 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 30:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:261 Samuel 22:20-21Mark 2:261 Samuel 23:2-9

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 30 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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