1 Samuel 28:2
And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
Surely
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Surely
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תֵדַ֔ע
thou shalt know
H3045
תֵדַ֔ע
thou shalt know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 21
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶֽׁר
H834
אֲשֶֽׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
can do
H6213
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
can do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לָכֵ֗ן
Surely
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Surely
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
שֹׁמֵ֧ר
thee keeper
H8104
שֹׁמֵ֧ר
thee keeper
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
לְרֹאשִׁ֛י
of mine head
H7218
לְרֹאשִׁ֛י
of mine head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
18 of 21
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
אֲשִֽׂימְךָ֖
Therefore will I make
H7760
אֲשִֽׂימְךָ֖
Therefore will I make
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
19 of 21
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Historical Context
The position of royal bodyguard was among the most trusted roles in ancient courts. Achish's appointment of David to this position indicates either profound trust or, possibly, a desire to keep the powerful Israelite warrior where he could be watched.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you navigate situations where honesty would create immediate danger but deception perpetuates compromise?
- What ambiguous situations in your life require God's intervention to resolve?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's ambiguous response to Achish demonstrates his diplomatic skill while revealing his impossible position. The phrase 'Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do' (Hebrew: 'lachen attah teda') can be read as either promise or veiled threat. David neither commits to fighting Israel nor refuses Achish's command. Achish's response, making David 'keeper of mine head for ever' (personal bodyguard), shows he interprets David's words as loyalty. The dramatic irony deepens David's predicament.