1 Samuel 21:13

So he pretended that he was insane. He started scratching on the gates of the city and allowing his saliva to run down his beard.

Translation for Translators

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

12David heard what those men were saying, so he was afraid of what King Achish might do to him.

14Then King Achish said to his men, “Look at this man! He is acting like an insane man! Why have you brought him to me?

Read all of 1 Samuel 21

Cross References

1 Samuel 17:11When Saul and all the Israeli soldiers heard that, they were extremely terrified [DOU].

Proverbs 29:25It is like a dangerous trap [MET] for people to be ◄afraid of/worried about► what others will think about them, but those who trust in Yahweh are safe/protected.

Isaiah 51:12Yahweh says, “I am the one who encourages you. So ◄why are you/you should not be► [RHQ] afraid of humans who will wither and disappear like [MET] 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