And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

1 SAMUEL 21:11KJV
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1 Samuel 21:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 21:11 mean?

1 Samuel 21:11 describes how the servants of Achish, the Philistine king, recognized David and questioned if he was not the famous leader of Israel, recalling the popular song that praised David for killing "ten thousands" compared to Saul's "thousands." This verse shows that David's reputation had spread even among Israel's enemies, making his presence in Gath a cause for concern.

In this scene, Achish's servants are speaking to their king about David, who has come to Gath seeking refuge. They remember the song sung by the Israelites, which set David apart as a greater warrior than Saul. This recognition puts David in danger, as his fame and past victories over the Philistines are well known even outside Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 21:11

  • עֶבֶד (ʿeved, H5650) — "servants": This word refers to the attendants or officials of King Achish, highlighting that it is not just common people but those close to the king who recognize David.
  • דָּוִד (David, H1732) — "David": The use of David's name here emphasizes his fame and personal identity, not just as a soldier but as a leader known across borders.
  • מֶלֶךְ (melekh, H4428) — "king": The servants call David "the king of the land," which is striking because at this point Saul is still officially king. This shows how David's reputation as a leader had grown, even among foreigners.
  • רָקַד (mĕchōlōt, H4246) — "dances": The reference to singing "in dances" points to a celebratory and public song, underlining how widespread and memorable David's achievements were.

Why 1 Samuel 21:11 matters

  • This verse highlights that David's fame was not limited to Israel; even the Philistines knew the songs celebrating his victories, which made him a figure of both respect and suspicion.
  • The servants' words show that David was already seen as a rival king, foreshadowing his future role and the threat he posed to both Saul and the Philistines.
  • Understanding this recognition helps explain why David felt threatened and acted with caution while in Gath, setting the stage for his actions in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“dances” Hebrew H4246 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
  • Judges 11:34 And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
  • 1 Samuel 18:6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.

“thousands” Hebrew H7233 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Deuteronomy 33:17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.
  • Psalms 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

“Achish” Hebrew H397 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Samuel 21:10 And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.
  • 1 Samuel 27:6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.
  • 1 Samuel 29:2 And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish.

“him” Hebrew H2088 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
  • Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
  • 1 Kings 17:24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.