1 Samuel 29:8
New International Version
“But what have I done?” asked David. “What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? Why can’t I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

New Living Translation
“What have I done to deserve this treatment?” David demanded. “What have you ever found in your servant, that I can’t go and fight the enemies of my lord the king?”

English Standard Version
And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

Berean Standard Bible
“But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

King James Bible
And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?

New King James Version
So David said to Achish, “But what have I done? And to this day what have you found in your servant as long as I have been with you, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

New American Standard Bible
However, David said to Achish, “But what have I done? And what have you found in your servant since the day that I came before you, to this day, that I cannot go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

NASB 1995
David said to Achish, “But what have I done? And what have you found in your servant from the day when I came before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

NASB 1977
And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? And what have you found in your servant from the day when I came before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? And what have you found in your servant from the day when I came before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

Amplified Bible
David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day when I [first] came before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

Christian Standard Bible
“But what have I done? ” David replied to Achish. “From the first day I entered your service until today, what have you found against your servant to keep me from going to fight against the enemies of my lord the king? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“But what have I done?” David replied to Achish. “From the first day I was with you until today, what have you found against your servant to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

American Standard Version
And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been before thee unto this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?

Contemporary English Version
"But what have I done?" David asked. "Do you know of anything I've ever done that would keep me from fighting the enemies of my king?"

English Revised Version
And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been before thee unto this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"What have I done?" David asked Achish. "What have you learned about me from the time I came to you until now? Why shouldn't I fight your enemies, Your Majesty?"

Good News Translation
David answered, "What have I done wrong, sir? If, as you say, you haven't found any fault in me since the day I started serving you, why shouldn't I go with you, my master and king, and fight your enemies?"

International Standard Version
David told Achish, "What have I done, and what have you found in your servant from the time I came before you until this very moment, that I shouldn't go out and fight the enemies of your majesty?"

Majority Standard Bible
“But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

NET Bible
But David said to Achish, "What have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day that I first came into your presence until the present time, that I shouldn't go and fight the enemies of my lord the king?"

New Heart English Bible
David said to Achish, "But what have I done? What have you found in your servant so long as I have been before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And David said to Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant, so long as I have been with thee to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king.

World English Bible
David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant so long as I have been before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David says to Achish, “But what have I done? And what have you found in your servant from the day that I have been before you until this day—that I do not go in and have fought against the enemies of my lord the king?”

Young's Literal Translation
And David saith unto Achish, 'But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant from the day that I have been before thee till this day -- that I go not in and have fought against the enemies of my lord the king?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say to Achish, But what did I? and what didst thou find in thy servant from the day I was before thee, even to this day, that I shall not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David said to Achis: But what have I done, and what hast thou found in me thy servant, from the day that I have been in thy sight until this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David said to Achish, “But what have I done, or what have you found in me, your servant, from the day that I was in your sight to this day, so that I may not go out and fight against the enemies of my lord, the king?”

New American Bible
But David said to Achish: “What have I done? What fault have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until today, that I cannot go to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

New Revised Standard Version
David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I should not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
- - -

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said to Akish: “What have I done and what have you found in your Servant from the day that I have been before you and until today? But I would go and fight with the enemies of my Lord the King!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David said unto Achish: 'But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been before thee unto this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said to Anchus, What have I done to thee? and what hast thou found in thy servant from the first day that I was before thee even until this day, that I should not come and war against the enemies of the lord my king?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Philistines Reject David
7Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.” 8“But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” 9Achish replied, “I know that you are as pleasing in my sight as an angel of God. But the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’…

Cross References
1 Samuel 27:8-12
Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these people had inhabited the land extending to Shur and Egypt.) / Whenever David attacked a territory, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing. Then he would return to Achish, / who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.” ...

1 Samuel 28:1-2
Now in those days the Philistines gathered their forces for warfare against Israel. So Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men are to go out to battle with me.” / David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”

1 Samuel 18:5
So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.

1 Samuel 21:10-15
That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. / But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” / Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. ...

1 Samuel 22:14
Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house?

1 Samuel 24:9
and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?

1 Samuel 25:28
Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live.

2 Samuel 3:25
Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.”

2 Kings 18:7
And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him.

Psalm 56:1-2
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. / My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.

Psalm 56:5-6
All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. / They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.

Psalm 34:1-3
Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. / My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. / Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 34:4-7
I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. / Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed. / This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles. ...

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.


Treasury of Scripture

And David said to Achish, But what have I done? and what have you found in your servant so long as I have been with you to this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?

But what have

1 Samuel 12:3
Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

1 Samuel 17:29
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

1 Samuel 20:8
Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

with [heb] before

1 Samuel 28:2
And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

2 Samuel 16:18,19
And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide…

Psalm 34:13,14
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile…

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1 Samuel 29
1. David marching with the Philistines
3. is disallowed by their princes
6. Achish dismisses him, with commendations of his fidelity














But what have I done?
This phrase reflects David's innocence and confusion. In Hebrew, the word for "done" is "עָשִׂיתִי" (asiti), which implies action or deed. David is questioning his actions, emphasizing his integrity and loyalty. Historically, David had been living among the Philistines, serving under Achish, the king of Gath. Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel, David found himself in a precarious position, trying to maintain his honor and allegiance. This question underscores his bewilderment at being rejected by the Philistine commanders, despite his faithful service.

David asked
The act of asking here is significant. The Hebrew root "שָׁאַל" (sha'al) means to inquire or seek information. David's inquiry is not just a request for information but a plea for understanding and justice. In the broader biblical narrative, David is often portrayed as a man after God's own heart, seeking divine guidance and wisdom. His questioning reflects a deep desire to understand his place and purpose, even amidst political and personal turmoil.

What have you found against your servant
The term "servant" in Hebrew is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which denotes a position of humility and submission. David refers to himself as a servant, highlighting his willingness to serve and his subservience to Achish. This phrase also implies a legal or judicial inquiry, as if David is on trial. In the ancient Near Eastern context, loyalty and service were paramount, and David is asserting that no fault or betrayal has been found in him.

from the day I came to you until today
This phrase marks the duration of David's stay with the Philistines. It emphasizes continuity and consistency in his behavior. The historical context reveals that David had been with Achish for over a year, during which he had conducted raids against Israel's enemies, thus proving his loyalty. The phrase "until today" suggests a present moment of reckoning, where past actions are being evaluated.

that I cannot go and fight
The inability to fight is a significant point of contention. In Hebrew, "לָלֶכֶת" (lalekhet) means to go or walk, and "לְהִלָּחֵם" (lehilachem) means to fight or wage war. David's role as a warrior is central to his identity and calling. Being denied the opportunity to fight alongside the Philistines against Israel is both a relief and a rejection. It highlights the tension between his current allegiance and his ultimate destiny as Israel's king.

against the enemies of my lord the king?
This phrase is loaded with irony and duality. "My lord the king" could refer to either Achish or Saul, reflecting David's divided loyalties. The term "enemies" in Hebrew is "אוֹיֵב" (oyev), which denotes adversaries or foes. David's statement is diplomatically ambiguous, allowing him to maintain his loyalty to Achish while not directly opposing Israel. This reflects the complex political landscape of the time, where allegiances were often fluid and multifaceted.

(8) And David said unto Achish, But what have I done?--David's words have a ring of falseness in them; he never contemplated fighting in the ranks against Israel, and yet he speaks thus. The generous confidence of the chivalrous Achish is here in painful contrast with the dissimulation of the Israelite chieftain, David.

It has been suggested that these suspicions of his loyalty on the part of the Philistine leaders had been aroused by David deliberately, in order to bring about his dismissal from the army in the field. This is possible, for the situation in which David now finds himself was most embarrassing from every point of view.

Verse 8. - David's answer is subtle and prevaricating; he pretends that his honour has been attacked, when really he had tricked the unsuspecting Achish. But truth is a modern virtue, and though David extols it in the Psalms (Psalm 15:2; Psalm 51:6), we too often find him practising falsehood.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“But
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

what
מֶ֤ה (meh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

have I done?”
עָשִׂ֙יתִי֙ (‘ā·śî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

David
דָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

replied.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“What
וּמַה־ (ū·mah-)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

have you found
מָּצָ֣אתָ (mā·ṣā·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

against your servant,
בְעַבְדְּךָ֔ (ḇə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

from the day
מִיּוֹם֙ (mî·yō·wm)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

I came
הָיִ֣יתִי (hā·yî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to you
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

until today,
עַ֖ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

to
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

keep me from
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

going along
אָבוֹא֙ (’ā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to fight
וְנִלְחַ֔מְתִּי (wə·nil·ḥam·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

against the enemies
בְּאֹיְבֵ֖י (bə·’ō·yə·ḇê)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

of my lord
אֲדֹנִ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

the king?”
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


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OT History: 1 Samuel 29:8 David said to Achish But what have (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 29:7
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