1 Samuel 27:3
And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּשֶׁב֩
dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּשֶׁב֩
dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 18
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
ה֥וּא
H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 18
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
אִ֣ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 18
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)
אִ֣ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 18
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)
וּבֵית֑וֹ
with his household
H1004
וּבֵית֑וֹ
with his household
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
9 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
Polygamy, while permitted in ancient Israel, often created family conflicts as seen in patriarchal narratives. Ahinoam of Jezreel became David's wife during the wilderness period; Abigail, widow of the foolish Nabal, brought significant wealth and wisdom to David's household.
Questions for Reflection
- What responsibilities for others' welfare do you carry in your leadership?
- How does caring for dependents shape the risks you are willing to take?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The domestic details reveal the human cost of David's wilderness years: his household now included two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, each with her own story of how she came to David. Every man with David similarly brought a household, transforming the fugitive band into a refugee community. The phrase 'every man with his household' (Hebrew: 'ish u-veto') emphasizes the scope of responsibility David carried. Leadership meant providing not just for warriors but for their dependents in hostile territory.