1 Samuel 21 15

1 Samuel 21:15 kjv

Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?

1 Samuel 21:15 nkjv

Have I need of madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?"

1 Samuel 21:15 niv

Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?"

1 Samuel 21:15 esv

Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?"

1 Samuel 21:15 nlt

We already have enough of them around here! Why should I let someone like this be my guest?"

1 Samuel 21 verses

1 Samuel 21 15 Meaning

This verse captures King Achish of Gath's perplexed and irritated reaction to David's feigned madness. Achish questions his servants, emphasizing the apparent absurdity and lack of foresight in bringing a seemingly insane man into his presence and court. It highlights the success of David's desperate ruse to escape the Philistine threat and provides a pivotal moment in his flight from Saul.

1 Samuel 21 15 Context

This verse is situated during a deeply perilous time for David. Having just left Ahimelech at Nob (where he obtained the showbread and Goliath's sword), David is actively fleeing King Saul, who seeks to kill him. David, a renowned warrior, flees to Gath, a major Philistine city, and notably the hometown of Goliath, the giant he slew. This act itself is a testament to his desperation. The Philistine servants of King Achish recognize David, identifying him as the victorious Israelite hero who was sung about in terms of slaying "tens of thousands" (1 Sam 21:11). This recognition immediately puts David's life in extreme jeopardy. Realizing his peril, David employs a desperate strategy: he feigns madness. He scratches on the doors, drools on his beard, and behaves erratically (1 Sam 21:13). Verse 15 marks the Philistine King Achish's reaction to this spectacle, which ultimately leads to David's release.

1 Samuel 21 15 Word analysis

• Then said: Hebrew "va·yō·mer" (וַיֹּאמֶר). A common narrative conjunction and verb, simply indicates the immediate sequential action.

• Achish: Hebrew "Aḵîš" (אֲכִישׁ). King of Gath, a significant Philistine city-state. David sought refuge with him out of desperation from Saul. Historically, Gath was one of the five primary Philistine cities, often at odds with Israel.

• unto his servants: Implies a collective addressing of those around him, particularly those responsible for David being present. This suggests Achish's exasperation is also directed at his retinue.

• Lo: Hebrew "hin·nêh" (הִנֵּה). An interjection drawing immediate attention, equivalent to "behold," "look," or "indeed." Achish uses it to emphasize the obviousness of David's perceived condition.

• ye see: Implies a shared, undeniable observation. Achish isn't making an assertion; he's stating what he believes should be apparent to all. This underscores his rhetorical question and frustration.

• the man: Referring to David, without using his name. This could be dismissive, stripping him of his reputation (especially the 'killer of tens of thousands') and reducing him to merely "this crazy person," thereby diminishing his threat in Achish's eyes.

• is mad: Hebrew "mit·ḥō·lêl" (מִתְחֹלֵל). From the root חָלַל (ḥālal), meaning "to profane," "to defile," "to pierce." In this context, used reflexively/reciprocally to mean "acting mad," "raving," "playing the madman," or "feigning insanity." This is crucial as it signifies David's deliberate act of deception, not actual mental illness. Ancient cultures sometimes regarded those genuinely mad as being afflicted by deities or spirits, making them untouchable or unpunishable. Feigning it was a survival tactic.

• wherefore then: Hebrew "lā·mâ" (לָמָה) repeated subtly. This forms a strong interrogative "why then" or "for what purpose." Achish questions the judgment of those who would bring a seemingly useless and bothersome person to the king.

• have ye brought him: An indirect rebuke. It indicates Achish believes his servants acted foolishly by presenting a "madman," implying such an individual serves no practical purpose for the court or the king.

• to me?: Highlights Achish's personal irritation and position. Why bring a lunatic directly into the king's presence, rather than dismissing him elsewhere? It suggests David is now his problem.

• Word-Group Analysis:

  • "Lo, ye see the man is mad": Achish asserts the evident state of David. This group of words portrays a common understanding among those present, suggesting that David's performance was convincing. It conveys a tone of exasperated obviousness.
  • "wherefore then have ye brought him to me?": This rhetorical question expresses Achish's indignation and bafflement. It reveals the Philistine king's practical, dismissive approach to what he perceives as a madman – he sees no value in harboring such a person.

1 Samuel 21 15 Bonus section

The Psalms 34 and 56 bear superscriptions connecting them to this event (though Psalm 34 refers to "Abimelech," which some scholars suggest was a general Philistine royal title, like Pharaoh, rather than a different king, or a scribal variant). These psalms beautifully reflect David's mindset during this intense period – his fear, his prayer, and his eventual trust and praise for God's deliverance despite his desperate circumstances. David's willingness to humble himself and employ such a tactic highlights the extreme pressure he was under and his resourceful, though not always exemplary, nature. This event sets the stage for David's continued nomadic life as a fugitive, where he gathers loyal followers (1 Sam 22:2) and builds a foundation for his future kingship under divine protection, often relying on his wits as much as his might.

1 Samuel 21 15 Commentary

1 Samuel 21:15 provides the successful culmination of David's desperate strategy to escape Philistine capture. Upon being recognized as the formidable Israelite warrior who slew Goliath, David feigned madness, behaving erratically to appear harmless and contemptible. King Achish's response indicates he was successfully deceived. The Philistine king's pragmatic view is evident: a madman is useless, a nuisance, and not a threat or valuable asset to a royal court. His questioning of his servants ("wherefore then have ye brought him to me?") underscores his frustration with their poor judgment in presenting such a person. This moment is not merely a clever ruse; it highlights God's providence in preserving His anointed, David, even through seemingly undignified means. It underscores that God can use the "foolishness" or apparent weakness of the world to protect His chosen ones and further His plans, demonstrating that human cunning, within God's larger design, can be an instrument of deliverance.