Translations
Modern
David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory.
Traditional
And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.
Literal
And man and woman David would not save alive to be brought to Gath, saying, “Lest they declare it against us, saying, ‘Thus David did.’” And thus was his custom all the days that he dwelt in the field of the Philistines.
Latin
Virum et mulierem non vivificabat David, nec adducebat in Geth, dicens: Ne forte loquantur adversum nos: Hæc fecit David: et hoc erat decretum illi omnibus diebus quibus habitavit in regione Philisthinorum.
Original
Hebrew
English
David did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Otherwise they will report us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” And this was David’s custom the whole time he lived in Philistine territory.
Notes
David fled to the Philistines to get away from Saul for good. Rather than killing Saul, David chose the dangerous life of a fugitive.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
People
David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ
Places
Gath: Philistine city; home of Goliath; refuge for David Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan
Glossary
Achish David Philistia, Philistines Samuel, Books of First and Second
Topics
David: King of Israel: Conducts an Expedition Against Amalekites, Misstates the Facts to Achish Falsehood: David's Other Deceits with the Philistines Philistines: Kings of Achish Prisoners of War: Put to Death War of Extermination