1 Samuel 21:4

KJV

And the priest answered David, and said, [There is] no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} answered {H6030} David {H1732}, and said {H559}, There is no common {H2455} bread {H3899} under mine hand {H3027}, but there is {H3426} hallowed {H6944} bread {H3899}; if the young men {H5288} have kept {H8104} themselves at least {H389} from women {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen answered David, "I don't have any regular bread; however, there is consecrated bread - but only if the guards have abstained from women.

Berean Standard Bible

“There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.”

American Standard Version

And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under my hand, but there is holy bread; if only the young men have kept themselves from women.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 21:4, David, a fugitive from King Saul and in dire need of provisions for himself and his men, approaches Ahimelech the priest at Nob. This verse records Ahimelech's response, stating that while he has no ordinary, "common" bread, he does possess the consecrated "hallowed bread" (the Bread of the Presence), which he can provide only if David's young men have maintained ritual purity, specifically by abstaining from sexual relations. This pivotal exchange highlights the tension between strict adherence to ceremonial law and the pressing demands of human need, setting the stage for a significant theological discussion later referenced by Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after David's dramatic flight from King Saul, detailed in [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - David's Escape from Saul"). Having narrowly escaped Saul's murderous intent with Jonathan's help, David is now a desperate fugitive. He arrives at Nob, the city of priests, alone (or so he claims initially, though he has young men with him). In [1 Samuel 21:1-3](/1_samuel/21-1 "1 Samuel 21:1-3 - David's Deception at Nob"), David fabricates a story about being on a secret mission for King Saul, seeking both food and a weapon. Ahimelech, the priest, is initially hesitant and suspicious, prompting David's lie to secure the necessary provisions. Verse 4 then presents Ahimelech's conditional offer of the consecrated bread. The subsequent verses describe David's acceptance and his acquisition of Goliath's sword, further illustrating his desperate circumstances and God's unconventional provision.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nob was a city of priests, likely a sanctuary where the Tabernacle or a similar sacred structure was located, housing the Bread of the Presence and other holy articles. The "hallowed bread" (or showbread) consisted of twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, placed on a table before the Lord in the Tabernacle as a perpetual offering ([Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Regulations for the Showbread")). It was considered most holy and was typically reserved for consumption only by the priests themselves, and only in a holy place. The condition of the young men having "kept themselves from women" refers to a common requirement for ritual purity in ancient Israel, particularly before engaging in sacred service, battle, or approaching God's presence. For example, before receiving the Law at Mount Sinai, the Israelites were commanded to abstain from sexual relations ([Exodus 19:15](/exodus/19-15 "Exodus 19:15 - Consecration at Sinai")). This purity was not about moral sin but about ceremonial cleanness, signifying a state of consecration and readiness for holy interaction.

* **Key Themes:** This passage introduces several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights **David's desperation and God's unconventional provision**. David, the anointed future king, is reduced to lying and begging for food, yet God provides for him through extraordinary means. Secondly, it underscores the **sacredness of the showbread** and the **importance of ritual purity** within the Mosaic Law. Ahimelech's hesitation and conditions demonstrate the seriousness with which these regulations were observed. Thirdly, and most significantly, this event foreshadows the New Testament principle of **mercy over sacrifice**. Jesus later references this very incident in [Matthew 12:3-4](/matthew/12-3 "Matthew 12:3-4 - Jesus on David and the Showbread"), [Mark 2:25-26](/mark/2-25 "Mark 2:25-26 - Jesus' Teaching on the Sabbath"), and [Luke 6:3-4](/luke/6-3 "Luke 6:3-4 - Jesus and the Sabbath Grain"), using David's actions to illustrate that human need and compassion can, in certain circumstances, take precedence over the strict letter of the ceremonial law, especially when the spirit of the law (love for God and neighbor) is upheld.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hallowed bread (Hebrew, _lechem qodesh'_):** This term literally translates to "holy bread" or "bread of holiness." It refers specifically to the Bread of the Presence (also known as showbread), which was consecrated bread placed before the Lord in the Tabernacle as a perpetual offering. Its "hallowed" status meant it was set apart for sacred use and typically forbidden for consumption by anyone other than the priests, signifying its unique connection to God's presence and covenant.
* **Kept themselves at least from women (Hebrew, _shamar min isha'_):** This phrase denotes a state of ritual purity achieved through temporary abstinence from sexual relations. In ancient Israelite culture, such abstinence was a requirement for individuals or groups engaging in sacred activities, holy war, or approaching God's presence. It was not about the sinfulness of sexual relations but about maintaining a state of ceremonial cleanness and consecration suitable for interacting with the holy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread":** Ahimelech, the priest, responds to David's urgent request for food. He clarifies that he does not possess any ordinary, "common" (profane, everyday) bread that would be readily available for general consumption. His only available provisions are the "hallowed bread," which refers to the Bread of the Presence, consecrated and set apart for sacred use within the Tabernacle. This highlights the scarcity of resources and the extraordinary nature of the provision David is seeking.
* **"if the young men have kept themselves at least from women."**: This clause presents Ahimelech's crucial condition for dispensing the holy bread. He inquires about the ritual purity of David's accompanying young men, specifically whether they have abstained from sexual relations. This condition was essential for anyone partaking in holy things or engaging in sacred service, ensuring they were in a state of ceremonial cleanness appropriate for handling or consuming items consecrated to God. Ahimelech's question demonstrates his adherence to the Mosaic Law regarding the sanctity of the showbread.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Irony** as David, the future king, lies about his mission to a priest, yet this deception leads to a divine provision that ultimately serves God's purposes. There is also **Foreshadowing** in this event, as it sets a precedent for the principle that human need and mercy can, in certain circumstances, transcend the strict letter of ceremonial law, a concept Jesus would later emphasize. Furthermore, the "hallowed bread" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's provision and the sacredness of His presence, even as its rules of consumption are bent to meet a dire human need.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The incident at Nob profoundly explores the tension between legalistic adherence to ceremonial law and the compassionate demands of human necessity. While the Mosaic Law strictly regulated the consumption of the showbread, David's desperate hunger, recognized by Ahimelech, led to an extraordinary exception. This act, though seemingly a breach of ritual law, was not condemned by God and was later affirmed by Jesus as an example of mercy taking precedence over sacrifice. It underscores a fundamental theological truth: God's laws are given for the well-being of humanity, and in cases of genuine need, the spirit of compassion and life often outweighs the rigid application of specific ceremonial regulations. This event highlights God's practical care for His anointed, even when it requires bending the established norms.

* [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Regulations for the Bread of the Presence")
* [Matthew 12:3-4](/matthew/12-3 "Matthew 12:3-4 - Jesus' Defense of His Disciples on the Sabbath")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David and the hallowed bread invites us to consider the heart of God's law and our own approach to rules and regulations, both spiritual and secular. While order and adherence to principles are crucial, this passage reminds us that God's ultimate desire is for mercy, compassion, and the flourishing of human life. It challenges us to discern when strict adherence to the letter of the law might inadvertently hinder the greater good or neglect pressing human needs. For believers, this means cultivating a spirit of discernment, prioritizing love and compassion in our interactions, and understanding that true righteousness is not merely external conformity but an internal disposition of the heart that seeks to honor God by loving our neighbor. It encourages us to be instruments of God's provision and mercy, even in unconventional ways, recognizing that grace often operates beyond rigid boundaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we balance strict adherence to religious or moral principles with the demands of compassion and human need in our lives today?**
* **In what situations might we be tempted to prioritize ritual or tradition over genuine acts of mercy and love?**
* **How does this story inform our understanding of God's character and His priorities for His people?**

### FAQ
**What was the "hallowed bread" and why was it so significant?**

Answer: The "hallowed bread" (or showbread) refers to the twelve loaves of unleavened bread that were perpetually displayed on a table in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) before the Lord, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. It was considered "most holy" ([Leviticus 24:9](/leviticus/24-9 "Leviticus 24:9 - The Holiest Portion of the Showbread")) and was typically reserved exclusively for the priests to eat in a holy place. Its significance lay in its symbolic representation of Israel's ongoing covenant relationship with God and His continuous provision for His people. It was a sacred offering, a perpetual reminder of God's presence among them.

**Why did Ahimelech require David's men to be "kept from women"?**

Answer: This requirement was for ritual purity, not moral condemnation. In ancient Israel, temporary abstinence from sexual relations was a common practice for individuals or groups who were about to engage in sacred activities, participate in holy war, or otherwise draw near to God's presence. For example, the Israelites were commanded to purify themselves before receiving the Law at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:15](/exodus/19-15 "Exodus 19:15 - Consecration for Sinai")). The purpose was to ensure a state of ceremonial cleanness and consecration appropriate for handling or consuming holy items like the showbread. Ahimelech was upholding the established sacred protocols for the holy bread.

**How did Jesus use this event in the New Testament?**

Answer: Jesus famously referenced this incident on multiple occasions when challenged by the Pharisees about His disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath ([Matthew 12:3-4](/matthew/12-3 "Matthew 12:3-4 - Jesus' Defense of His Disciples on the Sabbath"), [Mark 2:25-26](/mark/2-25 "Mark 2:25-26 - Jesus' Teaching on the Sabbath"), [Luke 6:3-4](/luke/6-3 "Luke 6:3-4 - Jesus and the Sabbath Grain")). He used David's actions, which technically violated the ceremonial law regarding the showbread but were justified by necessity, to argue that "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Purpose of the Sabbath")). Jesus emphasized that mercy and human need take precedence over strict legalistic adherence, echoing the prophetic call for "mercy, not sacrifice" ([Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David and the hallowed bread finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, David, as the anointed king facing rejection and hardship, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate King who would also be rejected and suffer for humanity. Just as David, in his hunger, partook of the bread reserved for priests, so Jesus, our Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), offers Himself as the true "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) to a hungry and desperate world. He is the spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies, fulfilling the symbolic nature of the showbread. Secondly, Jesus' use of this incident to argue for mercy over sacrifice ([Matthew 12:7](/matthew/12-7 "Matthew 12:7 - Jesus on Mercy, Not Sacrifice")) points directly to His own mission: to inaugurate a new covenant where the rigid demands of the ceremonial law are superseded by the boundless grace and love of God. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Christ fulfilled the law, not by abolishing it, but by embodying its ultimate purpose: love for God and neighbor ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). He is the ultimate provision, the one who cleanses us not with external rituals, but with His own blood, making us truly pure and able to draw near to God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 19:15

And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.

Matthew 12:3

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;

Matthew 12:4

How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

Exodus 25:30

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

Leviticus 24:5

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

Leviticus 24:9

And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it [is] most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

1 Corinthians 7:5

Defraud ye not one the other, except [it be] with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.