Old Testament
1 Samuel 27:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
David left neither man nor woman alive to bring news to Gath, saying, 'Lest they report about us, saying, This is what David did, and this has been his practice the whole time he lived in Philistine territory.'
Compare translations
And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.
What 1 Samuel 27:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, David is on a mission to protect his reputation while living among the Philistines. He decides to eliminate any potential witnesses, both men and women, to ensure that no one can report his actions back to Gath. David fears that if news of his deeds gets out, it could tarnish his image and lead to distrust. This decision reflects his desire to maintain control over how he is perceived, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. David's actions highlight the lengths to which he will go to safeguard his standing and the complexities of living in a foreign land. It raises questions about morality and the consequences of our choices. Ultimately, David's fear of being judged by others drives him to make decisions that could have lasting impacts on his life and relationships. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the potential pitfalls of prioritizing reputation over ethical behavior. David's story encourages us to reflect on our own choices and the motivations behind them.
How to apply 1 Samuel 27:11 to your life
Consider how your actions might be perceived by others. Are you making choices based on fear of judgment? Reflect on the importance of integrity in your life. Strive to act in ways that align with your values, regardless of how others might view you. Remember, true character shines through honesty and authenticity, not fear-driven decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: David Among the Philistines (1 Samuel 27:1–12)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 27:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 27:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 27:11 mean?
1 Samuel 27:11 describes David's decision to kill all potential witnesses while living among the Philistines. He feared that if anyone reported his actions back to Gath, it could damage his reputation and lead to distrust.
What is the meaning of David's actions in 1 Samuel 27:11?
David's actions in this verse reflect his desire to control his reputation and avoid being judged by others. By eliminating witnesses, he aimed to protect his image, even at the cost of morality.
How does 1 Samuel 27:11 relate to integrity?
1 Samuel 27:11 raises questions about integrity as David prioritizes his reputation over ethical behavior. His extreme measures to avoid judgment illustrate the potential pitfalls of acting out of fear.
What themes are present in 1 Samuel 27:11?
Key themes in 1 Samuel 27:11 include reputation, fear, morality, control, and integrity. The verse explores the complexities of living in a foreign land and the consequences of one's choices.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.