1 Samuel 21:6
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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
And 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
The original Julia E. Smith Bible records the following as a verse reference for 1 Sam 21:7 And the priest will give to him the holy, for there was not there bread except the bread of the face, being taken away from before Jehovah to put hot bread in the day of taking it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The 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 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 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 1917
So 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 Turned
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Bread Consecrated Hallowed Holy Hot New Order Presence Priest Removed Replaced Show Showbread Show-Bread Turned
1 Samuel 21
1. David at Nob obtains Ahimelech's hallowed bread
7. 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
The Bread of the Presence, or showbread, was a sacred offering placed on a table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, as described in Exodus 25:30. It symbolized God's provision and presence among His people. The fact that there was no other bread available underscores the urgency of David's situation and the priest's willingness to prioritize compassion over ritual.

which had been removed from before the LORD
The bread was placed before the LORD as a continual offering, signifying the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It was replaced weekly on the Sabbath, as per Leviticus 24:8. The removal of the bread indicates the regular practice of replacing it, ensuring that the offering remained fresh and symbolically sustaining.

and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away
This detail highlights the meticulous observance of the ritual, ensuring that the Bread of the Presence was always fresh. The replacement of the bread with hot, newly baked loaves signifies the ongoing nature of God's provision and presence. This practice points to the importance of maintaining a continual relationship with God, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. The fresh bread can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the "bread of life" (John 6:35), offering continual spiritual sustenance to believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The 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 Need
David'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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן (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


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OT History: 1 Samuel 21:6 So the priest gave him holy bread (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 21:5
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