And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.

1 SAMUEL 23:6KJV
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1 Samuel 23:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 23:6 mean?

1 Samuel 23:6 describes how Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, escaped to David at Keilah and brought an ephod with him. This ephod was a special priestly garment, and its arrival with Abiathar is significant for David’s ability to seek guidance from God.

In the story, Abiathar is fleeing after his family was killed by Saul, and he joins David, who is hiding from Saul’s pursuit. The mention of the ephod means that Abiathar brings with him the means for David to consult God’s will through the priest, which becomes important in the following events.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 23:6

  • אֵפוֹד (ephod): This word refers to a priestly garment, often associated with seeking God's guidance. Its presence here signals that David now has access to priestly counsel and the ability to inquire of God, which shapes the decisions he makes in the coming chapters.
  • יָד (yad): This word means "hand." The verse notes that Abiathar came with the ephod "in his hand," emphasizing that he brought it intentionally and personally, not by accident or as a leftover item.

Why 1 Samuel 23:6 matters

  • The verse explains how David gains access to priestly guidance, which is a turning point in his leadership and decision-making while on the run from Saul.
  • It clarifies that Abiathar’s escape was not just for his own safety but also provided David with spiritual resources he did not have before.
  • This detail connects to the wider narrative, showing how God provides for David through unexpected means, even as Saul tries to cut off all support for him.

Where else these words appear

“Ahimelech” Hebrew H288 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 21:1 Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?
  • 1 Samuel 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?
  • 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;

“Keilah” Hebrew H7084 · used in 16 verses

  • Joshua 15:44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:
  • 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
  • 1 Samuel 23:12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.

“Abiathar” Hebrew H54 · used in 28 verses

  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • 2 Samuel 15:35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
  • 1 Kings 2:22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

“ephod” Hebrew H646 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 35:27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;
  • Judges 18:17 And the five men that went to spy out the land went up, and came in thither, and took the graven image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image: and the priest stood in the entering of the gate with the six hundred men that were appointed with weapons of war.