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1 Samuel 21:14

Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?

1 Samuel 21:14 · King James Version

Meaning

In the Bible, the verse "Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?" comes from the story of David feigning madness before Achish, the king of Gath. In this verse, Achish is questioning his servants as to why they would bring a seemingly mad man before him. This verse highlights the theme of deception and cunning strategy in the face of danger. As David pretended to be insane in order to escape from the enemies who were seeking to harm him, it serves as a reminder of the lengths individuals may go to protect themselves from harm. It also showcases the importance of quick thinking and adaptability in difficult situations. Overall, this verse from the Bible serves as a powerful example of how individuals may use unconventional methods to protect themselves in times of distress.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse from 1 Samuel 21:14 focuses on the consequences of David's deception. In this passage, Achish, the king of Gath, mistakes David for a madman and questions why his servants brought him to the king. Some scholars see this as a moment where David's actions lead to potentially dangerous situations. The consequences of David's deception in seeking refuge from Achish, his former enemy, result in him having to feign madness to protect himself. This story serves as a reminder of the challenges and dangers that can arise from deceit and the importance of trust in God's protection. Additionally, some word studies on this verse emphasize the Hebrew word translated as "mad" and explore its implications for David's character and actions in this context. Through theological interpretation and word studies, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of biblical narratives and the lessons they convey about faith, trust, and the consequences of our choices.

1 Samuel 21:14 in other translations

American Standard Version

Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad; wherefore then have ye brought him to me?

World English Bible

Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me?

Douay-Rheims

And Achis said to his servants: You saw the man was mad: why have you brought him to me?

Geneva Bible (1599)

Then said Achish vnto his seruants, Lo, ye see the man is beside him selfe, wherefore haue ye brought him to me?