1 Samuel 22:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Saul pronounces a death sentence on Ahimelech and his entire family.
What Does 1 Samuel 22:16 Mean?
Without weighing the priest's honest defense, Saul pronounces sentence: death, not for Ahimelech alone but for his whole family. The judgment is swift, total, and unjust, ignoring every word of innocence the priest has spoken.
Here the depth of Saul's fall is laid bare. He condemns the blameless and extends the sentence to the innocent household, a cruelty that no evidence supports. When the fear of God departs, the fear of man and the love of power rush in to fill the void, and human life becomes cheap. The verse stands as a sober warning of where a heart can travel once it refuses correction. Against such darkness, the reader longs all the more for the righteous King who judges truly and saves rather than destroys.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 22:16
What does 1 Samuel 22:16 mean?
Saul pronounces a death sentence on Ahimelech and his entire family.