1 Samuel 22:20 net — But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar.

NET Bible

"But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar."

— 1 Samuel 22:20, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 22:20 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 22 — Context

17

Then the king said to the messengers who were stationed beside him,“Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, for they too have sided with David! They knew he was fleeing, but they did not inform me.” But the king’s servants refused to harm the priests of the LORD.

18

Then the king said to Doeg,“You turn and strike down the priests!” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests. He killed on that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.

19

As for Nob, the city of the priests, he struck down with the sword men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep– all with the sword.

20

But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar.

21

Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD.

22

Then David said to Abiathar,“I knew that day when Doeg the Edomite was there that he would certainly tell Saul! I am guilty of all the deaths in your father’s house!

23

Stay with me. Don’t be afraid! Whoever seeks my life is seeking your life as well. You are secure with me.”

1 Samuel 22:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 22:20 say?
1 Samuel 22:20 in the NET Bible reads: “But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar.”
Where is 1 Samuel 22:20 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 22:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 22, verse 20.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 22:20.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 22:20 in?
1 Samuel 22:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 22:20?
1 Samuel 22:20 reads (NET): “But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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