1 Samuel 21:3
Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יֵּ֧שׁ
Now therefore what is
H3426
יֵּ֧שׁ
Now therefore what is
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
3 of 11
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
תַּֽחַת
H8478
תַּֽחַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
4 of 11
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
בְיָדִ֑י
in mine hand
H3027
בְיָדִ֑י
in mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 11
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
לֶ֖חֶם
loaves of bread
H3899
לֶ֖חֶם
loaves of bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
7 of 11
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
תְּנָ֣ה
give
H5414
תְּנָ֣ה
give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְיָדִ֑י
in mine hand
H3027
בְיָדִ֑י
in mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 11
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
Historical Context
Bread was the staple food of ancient Israel, and five loaves represented a modest but adequate provision. The request demonstrates the informal hospitality expected at religious centers, where travelers could seek sustenance from the priests who received tithes and offerings.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you approach God and others when you have nothing to offer but your need?
- What does David's willingness to accept 'whatever is present' teach about contentment in scarcity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.
David's request for 'five loaves' reveals his desperate circumstances—he fled with nothing. The Hebrew 'mah yesh' (what is there) indicates he would accept whatever was available. Five loaves would sustain a small group for several days. This humble petition from the anointed future king illustrates the principle that God's chosen servants often experience seasons of lack before elevation. The phrase 'under thine hand' employs Hebrew idiom for available resources, showing David's deference to priestly authority even while fleeing for his life. Christ would later multiply five loaves to feed thousands, transforming scarcity into abundance through divine power.