And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?

1 SAMUEL 27:5KJV
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1 Samuel 27:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 27:5 mean?

1 Samuel 27:5 shows David asking King Achish for permission to live in a country town rather than in the royal city. David humbly refers to himself as Achish’s servant and requests a place to stay away from the king’s immediate presence.

David is speaking to Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, after fleeing from Saul. David’s request signals both respect and a desire for separation; he does not want to impose on Achish or appear as a rival by living in the royal city. This verse highlights David’s careful approach in a foreign land, seeking safety while avoiding political complications.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 27:5

  • "Grace" (חֵן, ḥen): This word means favor or kindness. David is appealing to Achish’s goodwill, showing humility and dependence on the king’s acceptance.
  • "Servant" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): David calls himself Achish’s servant, emphasizing his lower status and respect, which helps him avoid appearing as a threat.
  • "Royal" (מַלְכוּת, malkhut): This word refers to something belonging to the king or kingdom. By mentioning the "royal city," David is acknowledging Achish’s authority and explaining why he should not dwell there as a guest.

Why 1 Samuel 27:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David did not seek to become a political figure in Achish’s court; he wanted to keep a low profile.
  • It shows David’s wisdom in dealing with foreign rulers, balancing humility with practical needs.
  • The request sets up the next events, where David is given Ziklag, which becomes an important base for him and his men.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“grace” Hebrew H2580 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
  • Numbers 11:11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
  • Esther 8:5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:

“royal” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 15:19 And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;