1 Samuel 27:11
And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִ֨ישׁ
neither man
H376
וְאִ֨ישׁ
neither man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 23
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְחַיֶּ֣ה
alive
H2421
יְחַיֶּ֣ה
alive
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
4 of 23
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יַגִּ֥דוּ
Lest they should tell
H5046
יַגִּ֥דוּ
Lest they should tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
עָלֵ֖ינוּ
H5921
עָלֵ֖ינוּ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
13 of 23
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
עָשָׂ֤ה
So did
H6213
עָשָׂ֤ה
So did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 23
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְכֹ֣ה
H3541
וְכֹ֣ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
מִשְׁפָּט֔וֹ
and so will be his manner
H4941
מִשְׁפָּט֔וֹ
and so will be his manner
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַ֨יָּמִ֔ים
all the while
H3117
הַ֨יָּמִ֔ים
all the while
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
19 of 23
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
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
20 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָשַׁ֖ב
he dwelleth
H3427
יָשַׁ֖ב
he dwelleth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Historical Context
The phrase 'so will be his manner' (Hebrew: 'ken mishpato') indicates this became David's regular practice throughout his time in Ziklag. The systematic elimination of witnesses over sixteen months represents a sustained campaign of deception.
Questions for Reflection
- How does one deception often necessitate others to maintain it?
- What 'webs' of compromise have you experienced that became increasingly difficult to escape?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The grim explanation for David's thorough destruction reveals the practical necessity driving his brutality: 'Lest they should tell on us.' The Hebrew 'pen-yaggidu' (lest they report) exposes fear as the motivation. David's entire position depended on maintaining two incompatible personas: loyal vassal to Achish and faithful Israelite. Dead witnesses could not expose this contradiction. This verse reveals how one compromise necessitates others, creating a web of deception and violence from which extrication becomes increasingly difficult.