1 Samuel 22:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David invites Abiathar to stay with him, promising that the one who hunts David's life will be no safer for Abiathar than for himself, but that with David he will be protected.
What Does 1 Samuel 22:23 Mean?
Having owned his part in the loss, David now opens his life to the survivor. 'Abide thou with me, fear not,' he says. He binds their fates together: the same Saul who seeks David's life seeks Abiathar's, so they will stand or fall as one, and under David's care the priest will be kept safe.
'Fear not' is the word God's servants speak to the trembling, and David's welcome turns guilt into protection and a stranger into family. He shelters the very son of the house his coming had imperiled. In this we glimpse the heart of the true King who says to the hunted and the harmed, 'abide with me, fear not.' Those who take refuge in him share his enemies, but also his safety, and find in his presence a safeguard the world cannot give.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 22:23
What does 1 Samuel 22:23 mean?
David invites Abiathar to stay with him, promising that the one who hunts David's life will be no safer for Abiathar than for himself, but that with David he will be protected.