1 Samuel 21:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David asks the priest for whatever bread is on hand, requesting five loaves to sustain him.
What Does 1 Samuel 21:3 Mean?
Hungry and on the run, David turns to the one place that might supply him: the sanctuary at Nob. He asks simply for bread, for himself and the men he claims are waiting. The phrase under thine hand means whatever is available, within reach.
Even the LORD's anointed must ask for daily bread. There is no shame in need; the Scriptures honor those who depend on God's provision through others. The One who would later teach His followers to pray for daily bread knew this same hunger, and met human need with compassion at every turn.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 21:3
What does 1 Samuel 21:3 mean?
David asks the priest for whatever bread is on hand, requesting five loaves to sustain him.