Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, November 13th, 2025
the Week of Proper 27 / Ordinary 32
the Week of Proper 27 / Ordinary 32
video advertismenet
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Attention!
Tired of seeing ads while studying? Now you can enjoy an "Ads Free" version of the site for as little as 10¢ a day and support a great cause!
Click here to learn more!
Click here to learn more!
Read the Bible
THE MESSAGE
1 Samuel 24:14
"What does the king of Israel think he's doing? Who do you think you're chasing? A dead dog? A flea? God is our judge. He'll decide who is right. Oh, that he would look down right now, decide right now—and set me free of you!"
Jump to:Bible Study Tools • Parallel Bible Verse • Bible Contextual Overview • Bible Cross-References • Gill's Bible Notes • Clarke's Bible Notes • Barnes' Bible Notes
Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
- Nave'sDictionaries:
- AmericanEncyclopedias:
- CondensedParallel Translations
Christian Standard Bible®
Who has the king of Israel come after? What are you chasing after? A dead dog? A single flea?
Who has the king of Israel come after? What are you chasing after? A dead dog? A single flea?
Hebrew Names Version
After whom is the king of Yisra'el come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
After whom is the king of Yisra'el come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
King James Version
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
Lexham English Bible
After whom did the king of Israel go out? After whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog? After one flea?
After whom did the king of Israel go out? After whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog? After one flea?
English Standard Version
After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea!
After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea!
New Century Version
Whom is the king of Israel coming out against? Whom are you chasing? It's as if you are chasing a dead dog or a flea.
Whom is the king of Israel coming out against? Whom are you chasing? It's as if you are chasing a dead dog or a flea.
New English Translation
Who has the king of Israel come out after? Who is it that you are pursuing? A dead dog? A single flea?
Who has the king of Israel come out after? Who is it that you are pursuing? A dead dog? A single flea?
Amplified Bible
"After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue [with three thousand men]? A dead dog, a single flea?
"After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue [with three thousand men]? A dead dog, a single flea?
New American Standard Bible
"After whom has the king of Israel gone out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a single flea?
"After whom has the king of Israel gone out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a single flea?
Geneva Bible (1587)
After whom is the King of Israel come out? after whome doest thou pursue? after a dead dog, and after a flea?
After whom is the King of Israel come out? after whome doest thou pursue? after a dead dog, and after a flea?
Legacy Standard Bible
After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog, after a single flea?
After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog, after a single flea?
Contemporary English Version
Why should the king of Israel be out chasing me, anyway? I'm as worthless as a dead dog or a flea.
Why should the king of Israel be out chasing me, anyway? I'm as worthless as a dead dog or a flea.
Complete Jewish Bible
as the old saying has it, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness, but I will not lay a hand on you.'
as the old saying has it, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness, but I will not lay a hand on you.'
Darby Translation
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a single flea.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a single flea.
Easy-to-Read Version
Who are you chasing? Did the king of Israel bring an army to chase a single flea or a dying dog?
Who are you chasing? Did the king of Israel bring an army to chase a single flea or a dying dog?
George Lamsa Translation
After whom have you come out, O king of Israel? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog, and after a flea?
After whom have you come out, O king of Israel? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog, and after a flea?
Good News Translation
Look at what the king of Israel is trying to kill! Look at what he is chasing! A dead dog, a flea!
Look at what the king of Israel is trying to kill! Look at what he is chasing! A dead dog, a flea!
Literal Translation
After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog? After a flea?
After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog? After a flea?
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Whom persecutest thou O kynge of Israel, whom persecutest thou? a deed dogg? a flee?
Whom persecutest thou O kynge of Israel, whom persecutest thou? a deed dogg? a flee?
American Standard Version
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
Bible in Basic English
After whom has the king of Israel come out? for whom are you searching? for a dead dog, an insect.
After whom has the king of Israel come out? for whom are you searching? for a dead dog, an insect.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
After whom is the king of Israel come out? After whom doest thou pursue? After a dead dog, and after a flea.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? After whom doest thou pursue? After a dead dog, and after a flea.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
King James Version (1611)
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom doest thou pursue? After a dead dogge, after a flea.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom doest thou pursue? After a dead dogge, after a flea.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
As the old proverb says, Transgression will proceed from the wicked ones: but my hand shall not be upon thee.
As the old proverb says, Transgression will proceed from the wicked ones: but my hand shall not be upon thee.
English Revised Version
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
Berean Standard Bible
Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?
Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
`Whom pursuest thou, kyng of Israel, whom pursuest thou? Thou pursuest a deed hound, and a quyk fle.
`Whom pursuest thou, kyng of Israel, whom pursuest thou? Thou pursuest a deed hound, and a quyk fle.
Young's Literal Translation
`After whom hath the king of Israel come out? after whom art thou pursuing? -- after a dead dog! after one flea!
`After whom hath the king of Israel come out? after whom art thou pursuing? -- after a dead dog! after one flea!
Update Bible Version
After whom has the king of Israel come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
After whom has the king of Israel come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
Webster's Bible Translation
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea?
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea?
World English Bible
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
New King James Version
After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea?
After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea?
New Living Translation
Who is the king of Israel trying to catch anyway? Should he spend his time chasing one who is as worthless as a dead dog or a single flea?
Who is the king of Israel trying to catch anyway? Should he spend his time chasing one who is as worthless as a dead dog or a single flea?
New Life Bible
After whom has the king come out? After whom are you running? After a dead dog? After a little bug?
After whom has the king come out? After whom are you running? After a dead dog? After a little bug?
New Revised Standard
Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A single flea?
Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A single flea?
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
After whom, hath the king of Israel come forth? After whom, art thou in pursuit? After a dead dog! after a single flea!
After whom, hath the king of Israel come forth? After whom, art thou in pursuit? After a dead dog! after a single flea!
Douay-Rheims Bible
(24-15) After whom dost thou pursue? After a dead dog, after a flea.
(24-15) After whom dost thou pursue? After a dead dog, after a flea.
Revised Standard Version
After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea!
After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea!
New American Standard Bible (1995)
"After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a single flea?
"After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a single flea?
Contextual Overview
14"What does the king of Israel think he's doing? Who do you think you're chasing? A dead dog? A flea? God is our judge. He'll decide who is right. Oh, that he would look down right now, decide right now—and set me free of you!"
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
the king: 2 Samuel 6:20, 1 Kings 21:7
a dead dog: 1 Samuel 17:43, 2 Samuel 3:8, 2 Samuel 9:8, 2 Samuel 16:9
a flea: 1 Samuel 26:20, Judges 8:1-3
Reciprocal: Job 7:17 - magnify Job 13:25 - break Psalms 113:7 - needy Psalms 124:7 - Our soul Psalms 142:6 - for they Lamentations 4:18 - hunt Mark 14:48 - Are
Cross-References
Genesis 15:8
Abram said, "Master God , how am I to know this, that it will all be mine?"
Abram said, "Master God , how am I to know this, that it will all be mine?"
Genesis 24:1
Abraham was now an old man. God had blessed Abraham in every way.
Abraham was now an old man. God had blessed Abraham in every way.
Genesis 24:2
Abraham spoke to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of everything he had, "Put your hand under my thigh and swear by God —God of Heaven, God of Earth—that you will not get a wife for my son from among the young women of the Canaanites here, but will go to the land of my birth and get a wife for my son Isaac."
Abraham spoke to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of everything he had, "Put your hand under my thigh and swear by God —God of Heaven, God of Earth—that you will not get a wife for my son from among the young women of the Canaanites here, but will go to the land of my birth and get a wife for my son Isaac."
Genesis 24:9
So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and gave his solemn oath.
So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and gave his solemn oath.
Genesis 24:10
The servant took ten of his master's camels and, loaded with gifts from his master, traveled to Aram Naharaim and the city of Nahor. Outside the city, he made the camels kneel at a well. It was evening, the time when the women came to draw water. He prayed, "O God , God of my master Abraham, make things go smoothly this day; treat my master Abraham well! As I stand here by the spring while the young women of the town come out to get water, let the girl to whom I say, ‘Lower your jug and give me a drink,' and who answers, ‘Drink, and let me also water your camels'—let her be the woman you have picked out for your servant Isaac. Then I'll know that you're working graciously behind the scenes for my master."
The servant took ten of his master's camels and, loaded with gifts from his master, traveled to Aram Naharaim and the city of Nahor. Outside the city, he made the camels kneel at a well. It was evening, the time when the women came to draw water. He prayed, "O God , God of my master Abraham, make things go smoothly this day; treat my master Abraham well! As I stand here by the spring while the young women of the town come out to get water, let the girl to whom I say, ‘Lower your jug and give me a drink,' and who answers, ‘Drink, and let me also water your camels'—let her be the woman you have picked out for your servant Isaac. Then I'll know that you're working graciously behind the scenes for my master."
Genesis 24:15
It so happened that the words were barely out of his mouth when Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel whose mother was Milcah the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, came out with a water jug on her shoulder. The girl was stunningly beautiful, a pure virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came back up. The servant ran to meet her and said, "Please, can I have a sip of water from your jug?"
It so happened that the words were barely out of his mouth when Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel whose mother was Milcah the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, came out with a water jug on her shoulder. The girl was stunningly beautiful, a pure virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came back up. The servant ran to meet her and said, "Please, can I have a sip of water from your jug?"
Judges 6:17
Gideon said, "If you're serious about this, do me a favor: Give me a sign to back up what you're telling me. Don't leave until I come back and bring you my gift." He said, "I'll wait till you get back."
Gideon said, "If you're serious about this, do me a favor: Give me a sign to back up what you're telling me. Don't leave until I come back and bring you my gift." He said, "I'll wait till you get back."
Judges 18:5
They said, "Oh, good—inquire of God for us. Find out whether our mission will be a success."
They said, "Oh, good—inquire of God for us. Find out whether our mission will be a success."
2 Samuel 5:24
Before long all the tribes of Israel approached David in Hebron and said, "Look at us—your own flesh and blood! In time past when Saul was our king, you were the one who really ran the country. Even then God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel and you'll be the prince.'" All the leaders of Israel met with King David at Hebron, and the king made a treaty with them in the presence of God . And so they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and ruled for forty years. In Hebron he ruled Judah for seven and a half years. In Jerusalem he ruled all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years. David and his men immediately set out for Jerusalem to take on the Jebusites, who lived in that country. But they said, "You might as well go home! Even the blind and the lame could keep you out. You can't get in here!" They had convinced themselves that David couldn't break through. But David went right ahead and captured the fortress of Zion, known ever since as the City of David. That day David said, "To get the best of these Jebusites, one must target the water system, not to mention this so-called lame and blind bunch that David hates." (In fact, he was so sick and tired of it, people coined the expression, "No lame and blind allowed in the palace.") David made the fortress city his home and named it "City of David." He developed the city from the outside terraces inward. David proceeded with a longer stride, a larger embrace since the God -of-the-Angel-Armies was with him. It was at this time that Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messengers to David, along with timbers of cedar. He also sent carpenters and masons to build a house for David. David took this as a sign that God had confirmed him as king of Israel, giving his kingship world prominence for the sake of Israel, his people. David took on more concubines and wives from Jerusalem after he left Hebron. And more sons and daughters were born to him. These are the names of those born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, Eliphelet. When the Philistines got word that David had been made king over all Israel, they came on the hunt for him. David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. When the Philistines arrived, they deployed their forces in Raphaim Valley. Then David prayed to God : "Shall I go up and fight the Philistines? Will you help me beat them?" "Go up," God replied. "Count on me. I'll help you beat them." David then went straight to Baal Perazim, and smashed them to pieces. Afterward David said, " God exploded on my enemies like a gush of water." That's why David named the place Baal Perazim (The-Master-Who-Explodes). The retreating Philistines dumped their idols, and David and his soldiers took them away. Later there was a repeat performance. The Philistines came up again and deployed their troops in the Rephaim Valley. David again prayed to God . This time God said, "Don't attack them head-on. Instead, circle around behind them and ambush them from the grove of sacred trees. When you hear the sound of shuffling in the trees, get ready to move out. It's a signal that God is going ahead of you to smash the Philistine camp."
Before long all the tribes of Israel approached David in Hebron and said, "Look at us—your own flesh and blood! In time past when Saul was our king, you were the one who really ran the country. Even then God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel and you'll be the prince.'" All the leaders of Israel met with King David at Hebron, and the king made a treaty with them in the presence of God . And so they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and ruled for forty years. In Hebron he ruled Judah for seven and a half years. In Jerusalem he ruled all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years. David and his men immediately set out for Jerusalem to take on the Jebusites, who lived in that country. But they said, "You might as well go home! Even the blind and the lame could keep you out. You can't get in here!" They had convinced themselves that David couldn't break through. But David went right ahead and captured the fortress of Zion, known ever since as the City of David. That day David said, "To get the best of these Jebusites, one must target the water system, not to mention this so-called lame and blind bunch that David hates." (In fact, he was so sick and tired of it, people coined the expression, "No lame and blind allowed in the palace.") David made the fortress city his home and named it "City of David." He developed the city from the outside terraces inward. David proceeded with a longer stride, a larger embrace since the God -of-the-Angel-Armies was with him. It was at this time that Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messengers to David, along with timbers of cedar. He also sent carpenters and masons to build a house for David. David took this as a sign that God had confirmed him as king of Israel, giving his kingship world prominence for the sake of Israel, his people. David took on more concubines and wives from Jerusalem after he left Hebron. And more sons and daughters were born to him. These are the names of those born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, Eliphelet. When the Philistines got word that David had been made king over all Israel, they came on the hunt for him. David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. When the Philistines arrived, they deployed their forces in Raphaim Valley. Then David prayed to God : "Shall I go up and fight the Philistines? Will you help me beat them?" "Go up," God replied. "Count on me. I'll help you beat them." David then went straight to Baal Perazim, and smashed them to pieces. Afterward David said, " God exploded on my enemies like a gush of water." That's why David named the place Baal Perazim (The-Master-Who-Explodes). The retreating Philistines dumped their idols, and David and his soldiers took them away. Later there was a repeat performance. The Philistines came up again and deployed their troops in the Rephaim Valley. David again prayed to God . This time God said, "Don't attack them head-on. Instead, circle around behind them and ambush them from the grove of sacred trees. When you hear the sound of shuffling in the trees, get ready to move out. It's a signal that God is going ahead of you to smash the Philistine camp."
Proverbs 19:14
House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from God .
House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from God .
Gill's Notes on the Bible
After whom is the king of Israel come out?.... From his court and palace, with an army of men, and at the head of them:
after whom dost thou pursue? with such eagerness and fury:
after a dead dog; as David was in the opinion, and according to the representation of his enemies, a dog, vile, mean, worthless, of no account; a dead dog, whose name was made to stink through the calumnies cast upon him; and if a dead dog, then as he was an useless person, and could do no good, so neither could he do any hurt, not so much as bark, much less bite; and therefore it was unworthy of so great a prince, a lessening, a degrading of himself, as well as a vain and impertinent thing, to pursue after such an one, that was not worthy of his notice, and could do him neither good nor harm:
after a flea? a little contemptible animal, not easily caught, as it is observed by some, and when caught good for nothing. David, by this simile, fitly represents not only his weakness and impotence, his being worthless, and of no account, and beneath the notice of such a prince as Saul; but the circumstances he was in, being obliged to move from place to place, as a flea leaps from one place to another, and is not easily taken, and when it is, of no worth and value; signifying, that as it was not worth his pains to seek after him, so it would be to no purpose, he should not be able to take him.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
After whom ... - i. e., was it consistent with the dignity of the king of Israel to lead armies in pursuit of a weak and helpless individual like David?
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 1 Samuel 24:14. After a dead dog — A term used among the Hebrews to signify the most sovereign contempt; see 2 Samuel 16:9. One utterly incapable of making the least resistance against Saul, and the troops of Israel. The same idea is expressed in the term flea. The Targum properly expresses both thus: one who is weak, one who is contemptible.
