1 Samuel 21:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 21:15 mean?

1 Samuel 21:15 shows King Achish of Gath reacting with annoyance when his servants bring David, who is pretending to be insane, before him. Achish questions why they would bring a madman to him, sarcastically asking if he needs more crazy people and refusing to let David into his house.

In this scene, Achish is speaking to his own servants after they present David, who is feigning madness to avoid harm. The king’s rhetorical questions highlight his irritation and disbelief, making it clear he sees no benefit in dealing with someone acting insane. This verse wraps up David’s attempt to escape danger by acting unpredictably in a foreign court.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 21:15

• "need" (חָסֵר, chaser): This word means "lack" or "need." Achish uses it sarcastically, as if to say he certainly does not lack madmen already.
• "men" (מְשֻׁגָּעִים, meshuggaiim): This word means "madmen" or "insane people." Achish’s use of it emphasizes his view of David’s behavior as foolish or crazy.
• "brought" (בּוֹא, bo): This verb means "to bring" or "to come." Achish questions why his servants have brought David to him, underlining his displeasure at the situation.
• "come" (בּוֹא, bo): Used again, this word reinforces Achish’s refusal to allow David, whom he sees as a madman, to enter his personal space or house.
• "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): This means "house" or "household." Achish’s reference to his house signals that he does not want David, in his current state, anywhere near his private or royal quarters.

Why 1 Samuel 21:15 matters

• This verse clarifies that David’s act of pretending to be insane was convincing enough to make Achish dismiss him rather than harm him, which helps explain how David escaped danger.
• The king’s sarcastic tone reveals the social stigma and annoyance associated with madness in that culture, showing why Achish wanted nothing to do with David.
• The verse connects to the larger story by showing David’s resourcefulness and the lengths he went to in order to survive while on the run from Saul.