1 Samuel 21:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 21:2 mean?

1 Samuel 21:2 shows David telling Ahimelech the priest that he is on a secret mission from the king, and that no one else should know about it. David also says he has arranged for his men to meet him at a certain place, though he does not give details.

In this verse, David is speaking to Ahimelech after fleeing from King Saul, who is trying to kill him. David claims to be on royal business, but he is actually hiding from Saul. The verse highlights David’s attempt to protect himself and his men by not revealing the true reason for his visit, and it sets up the tension and secrecy that run through this part of David’s story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 21:2

• דָּבָר (davar, H1697) — "business" or "matter": This word is used twice in the verse and can refer to any kind of affair, message, or task. Here, it adds to the sense of secrecy and importance that David wants to convey to Ahimelech.
• יָדַע (yada, H3045) — "know": David insists that no "man" (אִישׁ, ish, H376) should know anything about the "business." The word for "know" here emphasizes the need for complete secrecy.
• שָׁלַח (shalach, H7971) — "send": David says the king sent him, which is part of the story he tells to explain his sudden appearance.
• נַעַר (na'ar, H5288) — "servants" or "young men": David refers to his followers as "servants," which could mean young men or attendants, suggesting he is not alone, even if they are not present.

Why 1 Samuel 21:2 matters

• This verse clarifies that David is not being truthful with Ahimelech, which becomes important later when Saul accuses the priests of helping David.
• The emphasis on secrecy and the use of words like "business" and "know" show how dangerous David’s situation is and how careful he must be.
• Understanding this verse helps explain why Ahimelech acts the way he does and why the events that follow are so tragic for the priests at Nob.