1 Samuel 22 15

1 Samuel 22:15 kjv

Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.

1 Samuel 22:15 nkjv

Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king impute anything to his servant, or to any in the house of my father. For your servant knew nothing of all this, little or much."

1 Samuel 22:15 niv

Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of his father's family, for your servant knows nothing at all about this whole affair."

1 Samuel 22:15 esv

Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little."

1 Samuel 22:15 nlt

This was certainly not the first time I had consulted God for him! May the king not accuse me and my family in this matter, for I knew nothing at all of any plot against you."

1 Samuel 22 verses

1 Samuel 22 15 Meaning

This verse is Ahimelech the priest's impassioned plea and defense before King Saul, adamantly denying any conspiratorial involvement with David. He asserts that his past inquiries of God for David were routine priestly duties, not extraordinary acts connected to rebellion. Ahimelech strongly disavows any guilt or foreknowledge of David's alleged treachery, expressing utter ignorance of any plotted wrongdoing, whether great or small. He challenges the king to find fault with him or his priestly family on these grounds.

1 Samuel 22 15 Context

1 Samuel chapter 22 recounts David's desperate flight from Saul, seeking refuge in the cave of Adullam, and the subsequent gathering of his family and various distressed individuals around him. News of David's whereabouts, specifically his interaction with Ahimelech the priest in Nob (recounted in 1 Sam 21), reached Saul. Driven by intense paranoia and suspicion that everyone, including his own son Jonathan, was conspiring with David, Saul gathered his servants and erupted in fury. Doeg the Edomite, an enemy of David and a chief herdsman for Saul, volunteered the information that Ahimelech had aided David. Saul, without further investigation or hearing Ahimelech's side, immediately summoned Ahimelech and his entire priestly family to Gibeah, accusing them of treason. Verse 15 is Ahimelech's direct response to Saul's grave accusation of aiding a traitor, pleading innocence and outlining his customary priestly duties.

1 Samuel 22 15 Word analysis

• Did I then begin to inquire:
  • Hebrew: Hahǎyōm hēḥaltî liš'ol lo elohim? (הַהַיּוֹם הַחִלֹּתִי לִשְׁאֹל־לוֹ בֵּאלֹהִים) - "Did today I begin to inquire for him from God?"
  • This is a rhetorical question implying, "Of course not!"
  • "inquire" (sha'al): This verb means to ask, question, consult. In the context of "of God" (elohim), it specifically refers to seeking divine counsel, typically through the Urim and Thummim mediated by the high priest.
  • Ahimelech implies this was a long-standing, ordinary practice for him as priest, not something he just started doing to benefit David conspiratorially.
• of God for him?
  • Highlights the standard priestly function: mediating between people and God for guidance. It emphasizes the divine authority he served, which predated Saul's current paranoia.
  • Ahimelech's defense relies on the routine nature of his duty. Any person in need might approach the priest for divine inquiry.
• Far be it from me!
  • Hebrew: Ḥālīlāh lī! (חָלִילָה לִי) - This is a strong Hebrew idiom expressing horror, repudiation, or "God forbid!"
  • It indicates a vehement denial, almost an oath of innocence, strongly disassociating himself from the accusation. It is an expression of utter revulsion at the idea of being disloyal.
• Let not the king impute anything:
  • Hebrew: ʾAl-yaśem hammelleḵ 'el 'abdu... (אַל־יָשֵׂם הַמֶּלֶךְ אֶל־עַבְדֶּךָ...) - "Let not the king put upon his servant..."
  • "impute" (śîm): To put, place, appoint, ascribe. Here, it means to charge, accuse, or assign blame.
  • Ahimelech pleads that Saul not assign fault to him, nor attribute treasonous motives to his actions.
• to his servant or to all the house of my father:
  • "his servant": A customary deferential self-designation when speaking to the king, asserting loyalty despite the accusation.
  • "all the house of my father": Refers to his entire priestly lineage and family, stressing that the accusation impacts more than just him – it smears the entire institution and family honor.
• for your servant has known nothing of all this, of less or more.
  • Hebrew: kî lō'-yadaʿ ʿabdekā baḵol-zō't dābār lašāṭ wəlaḥōṣ (כִּי לֹא־יָדַע עַבְדְּךָ בְּכָל־זֹאת דָּבָר לְמַטָּה וְלַמָּעְלָה).
  • "known nothing" (lō' yadaʿ): A definitive statement of ignorance. Ahimelech claims absolute unawareness of any underlying conspiracy or David's true status as a fugitive.
  • "of all this": Refers to David's supposed rebellion or the broader conspiracy Saul suspects.
  • "of less or more": This idiom, often translated "little or much," or "small or great," signifies utter ignorance concerning every single detail of the alleged plot. He knew nothing at all.
  • It emphasizes the complete and total lack of involvement, negating any possibility of complicity, even by oversight.

1 Samuel 22 15 Bonus section

• Ahimelech's appeal to "known nothing of all this, of less or more" parallels a legal defense asserting a complete absence of mens rea (guilty mind or intent). From a human justice perspective, this should have warranted dismissal or further inquiry.
• The dramatic irony is significant: While Ahimelech believed David was simply fulfilling a king's command, Saul was consumed by the false belief that David was leading a full-blown insurrection, and that Ahimelech was knowingly assisting. This disconnect underscores the spiritual decline of Saul, whose judgment was increasingly clouded by suspicion and rejection of God.
• Ahimelech, in a sense, appeals to a higher authority (God's established practices for divine inquiry) than Saul's immediate, emotionally driven judgment. He implicitly calls Saul to recognize the priestly office's divine mandate.
• This statement highlights the purity and integrity that a priest serving God should uphold, a stark contrast to Saul's actions driven by worldly fear and jealousy rather than divine principle.

1 Samuel 22 15 Commentary

Ahimelech's defense in 1 Samuel 22:15 is a model of a clear and unvarnished statement of innocence against a tyrannical accusation. He logically dismantles Saul's charge by appealing to common priestly practice and declaring his complete ignorance of any nefarious plot. His rhetorical question highlights the ordinary nature of consulting God through the priest, presenting his actions towards David as nothing more than fulfilling his sacred duty for someone seeking divine guidance. The strong exclamation "Far be it from me!" underscores his personal integrity and horror at the thought of disloyalty. His plea extends beyond himself to his entire priestly lineage, appealing to the king to respect their innocent service. Ultimately, Ahimelech asserts total unknowing, distinguishing between performing a normal religious function and participation in any act of rebellion. This verse lays bare the tragic conflict between Saul's unfounded paranoia and the steadfast duty of God's servants, showcasing how even virtuous acts can be twisted under suspicion.