1 Samuel 21:13 Meaning: David's Feigned Madness Before Achish

1 Samuel 21:13 says that David altered his behavior before those present and pretended to be insane, scratching at the gate doors and allowing saliva to run down his beard.

“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.” (KJV)

1 Samuel 21:13 Meaning

In this verse, David is the subject who "changed his behaviour before them," indicating that he acted differently than he normally would. This change in behavior was a deliberate act of pretense; he "feigned himself mad," meaning he pretended to be insane rather than actually being mad. The phrase "in their hands" suggests that David was under the control or custody of those present, although the specific individuals are not identified.

David's actions included "scrabbled on the doors of the gate," which refers to him scratching or marking the gate doors, and "let his spittle fall down upon his beard," indicating that he allowed saliva to run down his beard. These actions were reported in the context of David's fear of Achish, as stated in the preceding verses.

Context of 1 Samuel 21:13

The immediate context of this verse includes verses 11 and 12, where Achish's servants recognize David and mention his fame in Israel, saying, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." David was "sore afraid" of Achish after hearing these words, which precedes his changed behavior in verse 13. Following verse 13, in verses 14 and 15, Achish responds to David's actions by declaring him mad and questioning why his servants brought him to him. This response indicates that Achish perceived David as a madman, but the text does not clarify the outcome of these events or whether David was allowed to leave Achish's presence.

Did this explanation of 1 Samuel 21:13 Meaning: David's Feigned Madness Before Achish help you? Explore more verses from the book of 1 Samuel and enrich your understanding of Scripture.