1 Samuel 21:8
And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
Original Language Analysis
לַֽאֲחִימֶ֔לֶךְ
unto Ahimelech
H288
לַֽאֲחִימֶ֔לֶךְ
unto Ahimelech
Strong's:
H288
Word #:
3 of 24
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
יֶשׁ
And is there
H3426
יֶשׁ
And is there
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
5 of 24
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
תַֽחַת
H8478
תַֽחַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
7 of 24
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
בְיָדִ֔י
here under thine hand
H3027
בְיָדִ֔י
here under thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 24
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אוֹ
H176
אוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
10 of 24
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
חַרְבִּ֤י
my sword
H2719
חַרְבִּ֤י
my sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
11 of 24
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
חַרְבִּ֤י
my sword
H2719
חַרְבִּ֤י
my sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
14 of 24
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
כֵּלַי֙
nor my weapons
H3627
כֵּלַי֙
nor my weapons
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
16 of 24
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לָקַ֣חְתִּי
for I have neither brought
H3947
לָקַ֣חְתִּי
for I have neither brought
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
18 of 24
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
בְיָדִ֔י
here under thine hand
H3027
בְיָדִ֔י
here under thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
19 of 24
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
20 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיָ֥ה
required
H1961
הָיָ֥ה
required
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
21 of 24
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
business
H1697
דְבַר
business
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
22 of 24
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Weapons were sometimes stored at sanctuaries for safekeeping, as sacred space provided protection against theft. The tabernacle's movable nature meant various items accumulated at its location over time, including war trophies dedicated to the Lord.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain integrity when survival instincts pressure you toward deception?
- What does David's weaponless state teach about trusting God in vulnerable seasons?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
David's request for weapons continues his deceptive narrative but reveals genuine need. The Hebrew 'chanith' (spear) and 'chereb' (sword) were primary military weapons. His explanation about haste compounds the earlier lie, yet his vulnerability is real—he faces Saul's forces unarmed. The irony deepens: David, Israel's champion who slew Goliath, now begs for any weapon at a sanctuary. This reduction of the mighty warrior to a desperate fugitive illustrates how quickly circumstances can reverse. The passage reminds us that even those greatly used by God experience seasons of profound weakness and dependency.