1 Samuel 22:20

20 But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David.

1 Samuel 22:20 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
English Standard Version (ESV)
20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 Only Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech, escaped and fled to David.
The Message Bible (MSG)
20 Only one son of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped: Abiathar. He got away and joined up with David.
American Standard Version (ASV)
20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
20 But Ahimelech, Ahitub's son, had one son who escaped. His name was Abiathar. He fled to David.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
20 However, one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
20 But Abiathar, a son of Ahimelech, escaped. Ahimelech was the son of Ahitub. Abiathar ran away and joined David.

1 Samuel 22:20 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 22:20

And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named
Abiathar, escaped
Who very probably was left by his father to take care of the sanctuary, and the holy things in it, when he and the rest of the priests were summoned to appear before Saul; who having heard of his bloody execution of them, before his messengers could get to Nob, took, the ephod, with the Urim and Thummim, and made his escape, as appears from ( 1 Samuel 23:6-9 ) ; this man succeeded his father in the high priesthood, and continued in it until the times of Solomon: and fled after David;
who was now removed, or removing from the forest of Hareth to Keilah, whither Abiathar followed him, and came to him there, ( 1 Samuel 23:6 ) , and with whom only he could be safe, and therefore it was right to flee unto him.

1 Samuel 22:20 In-Context

18 The king then ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.
19 He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep.
20 But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David.
21 He told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD.
22 Then David said to Abiathar, “That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family.

Cross References 3

  • 1. 1 Samuel 23:6,9; 1 Samuel 30:7; 2 Samuel 15:24; 2 Samuel 20:25; 1 Kings 1:7; 1 Kings 2:22,26,27; 1 Kings 4:4; 1 Chronicles 15:11; 1 Chronicles 27:34
  • 2. S 1 Samuel 14:3
  • 3. S 1 Samuel 2:32
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