Bible Strands
1 Samuel 29:8
“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?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses Achish immediately after Achish orders him to withdraw so the Philistine commanders will not be offended. This exchange occurs during the Philistine army's mobilization against Saul, just before David is formally barred from joining the battle.
The words — The Hebrew מֶה (meh) translates literally as "what?" and עָשִׂ֙יתִי֙ ('a.Si.ti) means "have I done," framing David's direct inquiry into his documented conduct.
The thread — This appeal to a verified record of loyalty runs parallel to the plea in 1 Samuel 12:3 and the prohibition against deceitful speech in Psalm 34:13.
Why it lands — The text records David's factual demand for a concrete accounting of his service before any judgment is issued. It requires a reader to present clear evidence of conduct when facing unexplained exclusion or suspicion.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James 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 with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?
Cross-references
- Psalms 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.
- Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
- 1 Samuel 12:3 Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”
- 1 Samuel 17:29 “What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?”
- 1 Samuel 20:8 Therefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?”
- 1 Samuel 26:18 And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?
- 1 Samuel 28:2 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.”
- 2 Samuel 16:18 “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.