Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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.” New Living Translation 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.” English Standard Version 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.” Berean Standard Bible Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” Berean Literal Bible Today did I begin to inquire for him of God? 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 matter, small or great.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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.” New American Standard Bible Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything against his servant or against any of the household of my father, because your servant knows nothing at all of this whole affair.” NASB 1995 “Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing at all of this whole affair.” NASB 1977 “Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing at all of this whole affair.” Legacy Standard Bible Did I just begin to ask of God on his behalf today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing small or great of this whole affair.” Amplified Bible Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute any guilt to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing at all about this entire matter.” Berean Annotated Bible Was that day the first time I inquired of God {Elohim} for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” Christian Standard Bible Was today the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Please don’t let the king make an accusation against your servant or any of my father’s family, for your servant didn’t have any idea about all this.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Was today the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Please don’t let the king make an accusation against your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant didn’t have any idea about all this.” American Standard Version Have I to-day begun to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute anything unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for thy servant knoweth nothing of all this, less or more. Contemporary English Version This isn't the first time I've talked with God for David, and it's never made you angry before! Please don't accuse me or my family like this. I have no idea what's going on!" English Revised Version Have I today begun 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 knoweth nothing of all this, less or more. GOD'S WORD® Translation Is this the first time I have prayed to God for him? Not at all! You shouldn't blame me or anyone in my family for this. I knew nothing at all about this." Good News Translation Yes, I consulted God for him, and it wasn't the first time. As for plotting against you, Your Majesty must not accuse me or anyone else in my family. I don't know anything about this matter!" International Standard Version Is today the first time I inquired of God for him? Absolutely not! The king shouldn't accuse his servant, or any of my father's family of anything, because your servant didn't know anything at all about this." NET Bible Was it just today that I began to inquire of God on his behalf? Far be it from me! The king should not accuse his servant or any of my father's house. For your servant is not aware of all this--not in whole or in part!" New Heart English Bible Have I today begun to inquire of God for him? Be it far from me. Do not let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more." Webster's Bible Translation Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me. Let not the king impute any thing to his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWas that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” World English Bible Have I today begun to inquire of God for him? Be it far from me! Don’t let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionToday have I begun to inquire of God for him? Far be it from me! Do not let the king lay anything against his servant, against any of the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, little or much.” Berean Literal Bible Today did I begin to inquire for him of God? 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 matter, small or great.” Young's Literal Translation To-day have I begun to ask for him at God? far be it from me! let not the king lay anything against his servant, against any of the house of my father, for thy servant hath known nothing of all this, less or more.' Smith's Literal Translation This day did I begin to ask for him in God? far be it to me. The king shall not put upon his servant upon all the house of my father: for thy servant knew not a word upon all this, small or great. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDid I begin to day to consult the Lord for him? far be this from me: let not the king suspect such a thing against his servant, or any one in all my father's house: for thy servant knew nothing of this matter, either little or great. Catholic Public Domain Version Did I begin to consult the Lord for him today? May this be far from me! Let not the king suspect this kind of thing against his servant, nor against anyone in all my father’s house. For your servant did not know anything about this matter, either small or great.” New American Bible Is this the first time I have consulted God for him? No indeed! Let not the king accuse his servant or anyone in my family of such a thing. Your servant knows nothing at all, great or small, about the whole matter.” New Revised Standard Version Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? By no means! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any member of my father’s house; for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleDid I begin today to inquire of God for him? Far be it from me; let not the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knew nothing of all this matter, less or more. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Is it today I have begun to inquire for him of God? God forbid it to me! Let not the King lay this matter on his Servant and upon the household of my father, because your Servant does not know any of this matter, great or little!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Have I to-day begun 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 knoweth nothing of all this, less or more.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Have I begun to-day to enquire of God for him? By no means: let not the king bring a charge against his servant, and against thee whole of my father's house; for thy servant knew not in all these matters anything great or small. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul Slays the Priests of Nob…14Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house? 15Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair— not in part or in whole.” 16But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!”… Cross References Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? 1 Samuel 23:2 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 1 Samuel 23:4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” Far be it from me! Genesis 44:7 “Why does my lord say these things?” they asked. “Your servants could not possibly do such a thing. Joshua 22:29 Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle.” 2 Samuel 23:17 saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, 1 Samuel 24:11 See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. 1 Samuel 26:18 And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? 1 Samuel 20:15 and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair— 1 Samuel 20:39 But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement. Deuteronomy 21:7 and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it. Psalm 35:11 Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. not in part or in whole.” Leviticus 5:17 If someone sins and violates any of the LORD’s commandments even though he was unaware, he is guilty and shall bear his punishment. Numbers 15:24-26 and if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, then the whole congregation is to prepare one young bull as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and drink offering according to the regulation, and one male goat as a sin offering. / The priest is to make atonement for the whole congregation of Israel, so that they may be forgiven; for the sin was unintentional and they have brought to the LORD a food offering and a sin offering, presented before the LORD for their unintentional sin. / Then the whole congregation of Israel and the foreigners residing among them will be forgiven, since it happened to all the people unintentionally. Deuteronomy 19:4-6 Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him: / If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life. / Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm. 1 Samuel 21:1-9 Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” / “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. / Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.” … Treasury of Scripture Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing to his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for your servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. the servant Genesis 20:5,6 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this… 2 Samuel 15:11 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. less or more [heb] little or great 1 Samuel 25:36 And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. Jump to Previous Begin Begun House Household Impute Inquire Less Servant Today To-DayJump to Next Begin Begun House Household Impute Inquire Less Servant Today To-Day1 Samuel 22 1. Companies resort unto David at Adullam3. At Mizpeh he commends his parents unto the king of Moab 5. Admonished by Gad, he comes to Hareth, 6. Saul going to pursue him, complains of his servants' unfaithfulness 9. Doeg accuses Ahimelech 11. Saul commands to kill the priests 17. The footmen refusing, Doeg executes it 20. Abiathar escaping, brings David the news Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Ahimelech, the priest, is speaking to King Saul, defending his actions regarding David. The inquiry of God refers to seeking divine guidance, often through the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used by the high priest. This practice was common in Israel for making important decisions (Numbers 27:21). Ahimelech suggests that consulting God for David was not unusual, indicating David's established reputation as a faithful servant of Saul and a man of God. Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair— not in part or in whole. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhimelechThe high priest who served at Nob. He is speaking in this verse, defending his actions to King Saul. 2. David The future king of Israel, who was on the run from Saul and sought help from Ahimelech. 3. Saul The current king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 4. Nob A city of priests where Ahimelech served and where David sought refuge. 5. Inquiry of God The act of seeking divine guidance, which Ahimelech claims was not unusual for him to do on behalf of David. Teaching Points The Importance of IntegrityAhimelech's defense highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness, even when falsely accused. Seeking God's Guidance The practice of inquiring of God is a model for believers to seek divine wisdom in decision-making. The Cost of Righteousness Ahimelech's situation reminds us that doing the right thing can sometimes lead to personal risk or sacrifice. Trust in God's Justice Despite false accusations, believers can trust that God sees the truth and will ultimately bring justice. Community and Support David's reliance on Ahimelech shows the importance of community and support among believers during times of trial. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 22:15?2. How does 1 Samuel 22:15 illustrate the importance of seeking truth before judgment? 3. What role does Ahimelech's innocence play in understanding God's justice in 1 Samuel? 4. How can we apply Ahimelech's defense to our own spiritual integrity today? 5. In what ways does 1 Samuel 22:15 connect to Jesus' teachings on innocence? 6. How does this verse encourage us to trust God's protection in unjust situations? 7. Why did David seek refuge with Ahimelech in 1 Samuel 22:15? 8. How does 1 Samuel 22:15 reflect on the role of priests in Israel? 9. What does 1 Samuel 22:15 reveal about David's relationship with Saul? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 22? 11. Did David commit rape against Bathsheba? 12. Why did Abiathar and Ahimelech face King Saul's wrath? 13. While Leviticus 4 describes an intricate sacrificial system, why do other parts of the Bible suggest that God desires obedience over sacrifice (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:22)? 14. Are there historical or logistical issues with Doeg, a single Edomite, carrying out the massacre of so many priests (1 Samuel 21:7 - 22:18-19)? What Does 1 Samuel 22:15 Mean Was That Day the First Time I Inquired of God for Him?“Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him?” Ahimelech opens with a rhetorical question. He reminds Saul that seeking the LORD for David was not a one-off favor but part of a long-standing pattern. • Priests regularly asked God for guidance on behalf of Israel’s leaders (1 Samuel 9:9; Deuteronomy 33:8). • David, already known as “a man after God’s own heart,” often sought divine direction (1 Samuel 23:2–4; 30:7-8). • By pointing to that history, Ahimelech highlights David’s proven loyalty (1 Samuel 18:13-16) and underscores that nothing about the consultation should look suspicious. Far Be It From Me! “Far be it from me!” This strong protest signals both innocence and reverence. Similar phrases mark outrage at the very thought of wrongdoing (Genesis 44:17; 1 Samuel 12:23; 1 Kings 21:3). Ahimelech cannot imagine defying God’s anointed king or conspiring against him. Let Not the King Accuse Your Servant or Any of My Father’s Household “Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household…” • Ahimelech appeals to Saul’s sense of justice, pleading that the whole priestly family not be condemned (compare Exodus 23:7; Psalm 7:8). • His respectful address—“your servant”—shows submission to the throne while begging Saul to pause before acting (Proverbs 18:13). • The coming verses reveal Saul’s refusal and the tragic slaughter of the priests (1 Samuel 22:17-19), fulfilling earlier warnings about what rejection of God’s ways would cost Israel (1 Samuel 2:30-33). For Your Servant Knew Nothing of This Whole Affair—Not in Part or in Whole “…for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” Ahimelech utterly disavows knowledge of the conflict between Saul and David. • Just as the innocent men who accompanied Absalom “went in simplicity, knowing nothing” (2 Samuel 15:11), the priest had no idea David was fleeing. • Ignorance, however, will not spare him; Saul’s paranoia blinds him to reason (Proverbs 28:1). • The verse reminds us that human rulers may misjudge, but God sees true motives (1 Chronicles 28:9; Hebrews 4:13). summary 1 Samuel 22:15 records Ahimelech’s earnest defense: consulting God for David was routine priestly service, not treason. His emphatic “Far be it from me!” and plea for his household spotlight his innocence and Saul’s unjust rage. The verse calls readers to trust the LORD’s perfect justice even when earthly authorities distort it, and to keep serving faithfully, knowing God ultimately vindicates those who walk uprightly (Psalm 37:5-6). (15) Did I then begin to enquire?--The English translation of the Hebrew here would imply that David had on many previous occasions received through him (the high priest) Divine directions from the Urim and Thummim. "Did I that day begin to enquire?" Abarbanel gives an alternative rendering: "That was the first day that I enquired of God for him, and I did not know that it was displeasing to thee." Another rendering is: "Did I enquire?" in a negative sense, suggesting the reply "No, I did not." On the whole, the alternative rendering suggested by Abarbanel, quoted in Lange, is the best: "That was the first day, &c." And the reason why Ahimelech allowed the sacred Urim to be consulted was that he supposed David was come (as he represented) on a mission direct from King Saul. Surely, thought the blameless high priest, I never supposed my king would have been wroth with me for that.If we render as in the English Version, which has the support of many scholars and versions, the only possible explanation of the words, "Did I that day begin to enquire?" is to suppose that David had been in the habit of consulting the Urim on special occasions for the king. The king, when there was a king in Israel, it is nearly certain, alone had this right. The Talmud teaching here is most definite; and it is a point in which the Talmud tradition may be looked on as authoritative. "The Rabbis have taught--How were the Urim and Thummim oracularly consulted? The king or the chief of the legislative administration, who alone had the privilege of consulting the Urim, stood facing the priest, and the priest was facing the Shekinah and the 'Shem-hammephorash,' the ineffable name deposited with the Urim within the breastplate."--Treatise Yoma, fol. 73, cols. 1, 2. Hebrew Was that dayהַיּ֧וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day the first הַחִלֹּ֛תִי (ha·ḥil·lō·ṯî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play time I inquired לִשְׁאָל־ (liš·’āl-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand of God בֵאלֹהִ֖ים (ḇê·lō·hîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative for him? ל֥וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand Far be it חָלִ֣ילָה (ḥā·lî·lāh) Interjection | third person feminine singular Strong's 2486: For, a profaned thing, far be it! from me! לִּ֑י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew Let not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not the king הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king accuse יָשֵׂם֩ (yā·śêm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set your servant בְּעַבְדּ֤וֹ (bə·‘aḇ·dōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant or any בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every of my father’s אָבִ֔י (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1: Father household, בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house for כִּ֠י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction your servant עַבְדְּךָ֙ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant knew יָדַ֤ע (yā·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know nothing לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no of this זֹ֔את (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, whole בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every affair— דָּבָ֥ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause not in part קָטֹ֖ן (qā·ṭōn) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant or א֥וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if in whole.” גָדֽוֹל׃ (ḡā·ḏō·wl) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent Links 1 Samuel 22:15 NIV1 Samuel 22:15 NLT 1 Samuel 22:15 ESV 1 Samuel 22:15 NASB 1 Samuel 22:15 KJV 1 Samuel 22:15 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 22:15 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 22:15 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 22:15 French Bible 1 Samuel 22:15 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 22:15 Have I today begun to inquire (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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