1 Samuel 29:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Achish summons David, praises his uprightness, but explains that the other lords will not approve of him.
What Does 1 Samuel 29:6 Mean?
Achish calls David and breaks the news. Swearing even by the LORD, the God of Israel, he affirms that David has been upright and that his service has pleased him from the first day until now. Yet the other rulers do not favor him, and Achish cannot overrule them. The Philistine king speaks with genuine respect, naming David honest and good in his sight, unaware that he is releasing the future king of Israel from a snare.
That a pagan ruler would swear by the living God and praise David's integrity is a striking witness. Even those outside the covenant could see something true in David's conduct. Believers are called to live so that even those who do not share their faith can testify to their uprightness. And in the larger picture, the Lord's providence moves through the goodwill of Achish to open the door for David's release.
1 Samuel 29:6 in the Original Language
upright -- from yashar (יָשָׁר), 'straight' or 'level,' picturing a life that runs true without crookedness.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 29:6
What does 1 Samuel 29:6 mean?
Achish summons David, praises his uprightness, but explains that the other lords will not approve of him.