Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the LORD and replaced by hot bread on the day it was taken away. New Living Translation Since there was no other food available, the priest gave him the holy bread—the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread. English Standard Version So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the LORD, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away. Berean Standard Bible So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence, which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away. King James Bible So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. New King James Version So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread which had been taken from before the LORD, in order to put hot bread in its place on the day when it was taken away. New American Standard Bible So the priest gave him consecrated bread; for there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence which was removed from its place before the LORD, in order to put hot bread in its place on the day it was taken away. NASB 1995 So the priest gave him consecrated bread; for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence which was removed from before the LORD, in order to put hot bread in its place when it was taken away. NASB 1977 So the priest gave him consecrated bread; for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence which was removed from before the LORD, in order to put hot bread in its place when it was taken away. Legacy Standard Bible So the priest gave him consecrated bread; for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence which was removed from before Yahweh, in order to put hot bread in its place when it was taken away. Amplified Bible So the priest gave him the consecrated bread; for there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence which was removed from before the LORD in order to put hot bread in its place when it was taken away. Christian Standard Bible So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, for there was no bread there except the Bread of the Presence that had been removed from the presence of the LORD. When the bread was removed, it had been replaced with warm bread. Holman Christian Standard Bible So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, for there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence that had been removed from the presence of the LORD. When the bread was removed, it had been replaced with warm bread. American Standard Version So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread, that was taken from before Jehovah, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. Contemporary English Version The only bread the priest had was the sacred bread that he had taken from the place of worship after putting out the fresh loaves. So he gave it to David. English Revised Version So the priest gave him holy bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. GOD'S WORD® Translation So the priest gave him holy [bread] because he only had the bread of the presence which had been taken from the LORD's presence and replaced with warm bread that day. Good News Translation So the priest gave David the sacred bread, because the only bread he had was the loaves offered to God, which had been removed from the sacred table and replaced by fresh bread. ( International Standard Version So the priest gave him consecrated bread because no bread was there except the Bread of the Presence that had been removed from the LORD's presence and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away. NET Bible So the priest gave him holy bread, for there was no bread there other than the bread of the Presence. It had been removed from before the LORD in order to replace it with hot bread on the day it had been taken away. New Heart English Bible So the priest gave him what had been consecrated, for there was no bread there but the show bread, that had been removed before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. Webster's Bible Translation So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the show-bread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence, which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away. World English Bible So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the show bread that was taken from before Yahweh, to be replaced with hot bread in the day when it was taken away. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the priest gives the holy thing to him, for there was no bread there except the Bread of the Presentation, which is turned aside from the presence of YHWH to put hot bread [there] in the day of its being taken away. Young's Literal Translation And the priest giveth to him the holy thing, for there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence which is turned aside from the presence of Jehovah to put hot bread in the day of its being taken away. Smith's Literal Translation Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe priest therefore gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there, but only the loaves of proposition, which had been taken away from before the face of the Lord, that hot loaves might be set up. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, the priest gave to him sanctified bread. For there was no bread there, but only the bread of the Presence, which had been taken away from before the face of the Lord, so that fresh loaves might be set up. New American Bible So the priest gave him holy bread, for no other bread was on hand except the showbread which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced by fresh bread when it was taken away. New Revised Standard Version So the priest gave him the holy bread; for there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the LORD, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the priest gave him hallowed bread; for there was no bread there but the shewbread that was taken from before the LORD to be replaced by hot bread on the day when it was taken away. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David answered and said to the Priest: “The offering is permitted to us from yesterday and from the day before yesterday when we came out, and behold, the garments of the young men are holy and this way is permitted, also today it is hallowed in the vessels” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation So Abimelech the priest gave him the shewbread; for there were no loaves there, but only the presence loaves which had been removed from the presence of the Lord, in order that hot bread should be set on, on the day on which he took them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Takes the Consecrated Bread…5David answered, “Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the equipment of the young men is holy, as it is even on common missions, and all the more at this time.” 6So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence, which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away. 7Now one of Saul’s servants was there that day, detained before the LORD. And his name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief shepherd for Saul.… Cross References Matthew 12:3-4 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. Mark 2:25-26 Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? / During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.” Luke 6:3-4 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.” Leviticus 24:5-9 You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf, / and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. / And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. ... Exodus 25:30 And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times. Hebrews 9:2 A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. Numbers 4:7 Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. 1 Chronicles 9:32 Some of their Kohathite relatives were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath. 1 Kings 7:48 Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; 2 Chronicles 2:4 Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever. 2 Chronicles 13:11 Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him. Nehemiah 10:33 for the showbread, for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings, for the Sabbath offerings, for the New Moons and appointed feasts, for the holy offerings, for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the duties of the house of our God. Matthew 12:1-8 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. / When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” / Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ... Mark 2:23-28 One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked along. / So the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” / Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? ... Luke 6:1-5 One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them. / But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” / Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ... Treasury of Scripture So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the show bread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. gave him Matthew 12:3,4 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; … Mark 2:25-27 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? … Luke 6:3,4 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; … hot bread Leviticus 24:5-9 And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake… Jump to Previous Bread Consecrated Hallowed Holy Hot New Order Presence Priest Removed Replaced Show Showbread Show-Bread TurnedJump to Next Bread Consecrated Hallowed Holy Hot New Order Presence Priest Removed Replaced Show Showbread Show-Bread Turned1 Samuel 21 1. David at Nob obtains Ahimelech's hallowed bread7. Doeg is present 8. David takes Goliath's sword 10. David at Gath feigns himself insane So the priest gave him the consecrated bread In this passage, the priest Ahimelech gives David the consecrated bread, also known as the showbread. This bread was typically reserved for the priests, as outlined in Leviticus 24:5-9. The act of giving this bread to David highlights the principle that human need can take precedence over ceremonial law, a point later emphasized by Jesus in Matthew 12:3-4 when He references this event to illustrate the importance of mercy over sacrifice. since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, who is fleeing from King Saul and seeking sustenance. 2. Ahimelech The priest at Nob who provides David with the consecrated bread. 3. Nob The city of priests where Ahimelech serves and where the tabernacle is located. 4. Bread of the Presence Also known as "showbread," this is the consecrated bread placed in the tabernacle as an offering to God. 5. The LORD The covenant name of God, before whom the Bread of the Presence is placed. Teaching Points God's Provision in Times of NeedDavid's reception of the consecrated bread illustrates God's provision for His people, even in unconventional ways. Trust in God's ability to meet needs beyond human expectations. Mercy Over Ritual The act of giving the consecrated bread to David underscores the principle that mercy and human need can take precedence over ritualistic observance. Reflect on how this principle applies in your life and community. The Role of Priests and Leaders Ahimelech's decision to give the bread to David shows the responsibility of spiritual leaders to discern and act with compassion. Consider how leaders today can balance tradition with the needs of their congregation. Sacredness and Practicality The Bread of the Presence was sacred, yet it served a practical purpose in this account. Explore how sacred elements in your faith can have practical applications in daily life. Foreshadowing Christ's Ministry This event foreshadows Christ's teaching on the Sabbath and His emphasis on compassion. Recognize how Old Testament events point to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 21:6?2. Why did the priest give David the consecrated bread in 1 Samuel 21:6? 3. How does 1 Samuel 21:6 illustrate God's provision in times of need? 4. What does 1 Samuel 21:6 teach about the sacredness of God's provisions? 5. How can we trust God to provide for us like David in 1 Samuel? 6. How does Jesus reference this event in Matthew 12:3-4, and its significance? 7. Why did Ahimelech give David the consecrated bread in 1 Samuel 21:6? 8. Does 1 Samuel 21:6 justify breaking religious laws for survival? 9. How does 1 Samuel 21:6 relate to Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 21? 11. Why does this text present such severe violence against priests as sanctioned or uninterrupted (1 Samuel 22:19)? 12. How do we reconcile God’s protection of David with the horrific outcome that befell the priests who assisted him (1 Samuel 22)? 13. What is the plot of Priests of Nob? 14. Why did Doeg betray David to King Saul? What Does 1 Samuel 21:6 Mean So the priest gave him the consecrated breadDavid arrived at Nob desperate and hungry (1 Samuel 21:1–3). Ahimelech, the high priest, responded by handing over what was technically set apart for priestly use only. • Leviticus 24:5-9 plainly states that “the bread is for Aaron and his sons; and they shall eat it in a holy place.” • Yet mercy triumphed over ritual when a life-threatening need arose. Jesus later points to this very moment—“Have you never read what David did…?” (Mark 2:25-26; see also Matthew 12:3-4; Luke 6:3-4)—to illustrate that God’s law was never meant to stifle compassion. • The historical narrative is literal: a real priest handed real bread to a real, hungry fugitive. At the same time, it foreshadows the greater Priest who would give Himself as living bread (John 6:32-35). since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence The tabernacle’s only supply at that moment was the twelve loaves that symbolized Israel’s perpetual fellowship with the LORD (Exodus 25:30; 1 Chronicles 9:32). • Showbread (also called “Bread of the Presence”) sat continually before God as a tangible reminder that the twelve tribes were always in His sight. • The absence of ordinary bread highlights David’s predicament and amplifies the grace extended to him. • God’s provision often comes from unexpected places; here, the holiest bread in Israel becomes daily sustenance for a weary servant. which had been removed from before the LORD Each Sabbath the old loaves were lifted off the gold table inside the Holy Place (Leviticus 24:8). • The phrase underscores reverence: the bread’s primary location was “before the LORD,” emphasizing divine ownership. • By time of removal, the loaves had fulfilled their symbolic duty; they could now be eaten—normally by priests alone (Leviticus 24:9). • God’s law remained intact; it was the sphere of consumption, not the bread’s purpose, that flexed in mercy. and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away Fresh loaves went on immediately, ensuring uninterrupted testimony that God welcomes His people. • The detail of “hot bread” confirms a scheduled, literal swap—weekly, without fail (Leviticus 24:8-9). • Continuous renewal pictures God’s unfailing covenant faithfulness; there is always “fresh bread” in His presence. • David’s reception of the retired loaves hints that God reserves both yesterday’s mercies and today’s renewal for those who seek Him (Lamentations 3:22-23). summary 1 Samuel 21:6 records an historical moment when God’s holy bread became emergency rations for His anointed servant. The verse teaches that: • God’s ceremonial commands are never at odds with His heart of mercy. • Sacred things point to an even greater provision—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the Bread of Life. • God keeps His covenant light burning; while He honors order, He always meets the genuine needs of His people. Hebrew So the priestהַכֹּהֵ֖ן (hak·kō·hên) 0 Strong's 3548: Priest gave וַיִּתֶּן־ (way·yit·ten-) 0 Strong's 5414: To give, put, set him ל֥וֹ (lōw) 0 Strong's Hebrew the consecrated [bread], קֹ֑דֶשׁ (qō·ḏeš) 0 Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity since כִּי֩ (kî) 0 Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction there was הָ֨יָה (hā·yāh) 0 Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be no לֹא־ (lō-) 0 Strong's 3808: Not, no bread לֶ֗חֶם (le·ḥem) 0 Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain there שָׁ֜ם (šām) 0 Strong's 8033: There, then, thither but אִם־ (’im-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not the bread of the Presence, הַפָּנִים֙ (hap·pā·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face which had been removed הַמּֽוּסָרִים֙ (ham·mū·sā·rîm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5493: To turn aside from before מִלִּפְנֵ֣י (mil·lip̄·nê) Conjunction Strong's 6440: The face the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and replaced with לָשׂוּם֙ (lā·śūm) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set hot חֹ֔ם (ḥōm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2527: Heat bread לֶ֣חֶם (le·ḥem) Adverb Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain on the day בְּי֖וֹם (bə·yō·wm) Conjunction Strong's 3117: A day it was taken away. הִלָּקְחֽוֹ׃ (hil·lā·qə·ḥōw) Conjunction Strong's 3947: To take Links 1 Samuel 21:6 NIV1 Samuel 21:6 NLT 1 Samuel 21:6 ESV 1 Samuel 21:6 NASB 1 Samuel 21:6 KJV 1 Samuel 21:6 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 21:6 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 21:6 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 21:6 French Bible 1 Samuel 21:6 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 21:6 So the priest gave him holy bread (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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