1 Samuel 21:13

So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their hands; he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard.

Berean Standard Bible

In The King James Version

And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.

In Context

12Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.

14Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you can see that the man is insane! Why have you brought him to me?

Read all of 1 Samuel 21

Cross References

1 Samuel 17:11On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.

Proverbs 29:25The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

Isaiah 51:12“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?

Matthew Henry on 1 Samuel 21:11-15

David Driven from Achish. ( b. c. 1057.) 10 And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11 And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? 12 And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 13 And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Samuel 21:13