13 So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.

Other Translations of 1 Samuel 21:13

King James Version

13 And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled scrabbled: or, made marks on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.

English Standard Version

13 So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard.

The Message

13 So right there, while they were looking at him, he pretended to go crazy, pounding his head on the city gate and foaming at the mouth, spit dripping from his beard.

New King James Version

13 So he changed his behavior before them, feigned madness in their hands, scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard.

New Living Translation

13 So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:13

Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:10-15

(Read 1 Samuel 21:10-15)

God's persecuted people have often found better usage from Philistines than from Israelites. David had reason to put confidence in Achish, yet he began to be afraid. His conduct was degrading, and discovered wavering in his faith and courage. The more simply we depend on God, and obey him, the more comfortably and surely we shall walk through this troublesome world.