1 Samuel 21:3

Now therefore what is vnder thine hand? giue me fiue loaues of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

"Now therefore, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found."
- New American Standard Version (1995)

Now therefore what is under thy hand? give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatsoever there is present.
- American Standard Version (1901)

So now, if you have here five cakes of bread, give them into my hand, or whatever you have.
- Basic English Bible

And now what is under thy hand? give me five loaves in my hand, or what may be found.
- Darby Bible

Now therefore what is under thy hand? give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or what there is present.
- Webster's Bible

Now therefore what is under your hand? Give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatever there is present."
- World English Bible

and now, what is there under thy hand? five loaves give into my hand, or that which is found.'
- Youngs Literal Bible

(21:4) Now therefore what is under thy hand? five loaves of bread? give them in my hand, or whatsoever there is present.'
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for 1 Samuel 21:3

21:1 Nob - A city of priests, where the tabernacle now was. Hither David resorted, for a supply of his necessities, which he supposed he might receive here, without danger of being betrayed into Saul's hands: and principally, that in this great distress, he might receive comfort and counsel from the Lord. Ahimelech - The chief priest, brother to that Ahiah, chap.#14:3|, and he being now dead, his successor in the priesthood, for they were both sons of Ahitub. Was afraid - Suspecting some extraordinary cause of his coming in such a manner. Alone - For though David had some servants as is manifest from ver.#4|,5, whom Jonathan probably had sent to a place appointed, yet they were left at another place: as David himself affirmeth, ver.#2|. And David was now alone, as also he was when he fled to Achish. He who had been suddenly advanced to the highest honour, is as soon reduced to the desolate conditions of an exile. Such changes are there in this world, and so uncertain are its smiles.

21:2 The king, &c. - This seems to be a plain lie extorted from him, by fear. But it was pernicious to all the priests there. Whence David afterwards declares his repentance for this sin of lying, #Psalm 119:29|. To such a place - To a certain place which it not convenient now to mention; because the whole business requires concealment.

21:4 There is, &c. - Here in the tabernacle: though doubtless he had other provisions is his house; but David was in great haste, and in fear of Doeg whom he saw, and knew and therefore would not stay 'till any thing could be fetched thence. There was a double impediment to the giving this bread to them; Its sacredness in itself; which the priest implies, and David answers ver.#5|, and the priest was satisfied therein by David's great necessities. The abstinence from all women, which he supposed should be in those that use it; concerning which he now enquires. And though he mentions this only concerning David's young men, and out of reverence forbears to name him; yet he is also included in the number, as David's answer shews.

21:5 Three days - As long as the law required, #Exod 19:15|. And so long David, and his men hid, it seems, hid themselves for fear of Saul, whereby they were kept both from women: and from food convenient for them. Vessels - That is, Either, Their garments, or other utensils for their journey. Or their bodies. The bread - Heb. and this bread; is in a manner common: that is, considering the time, and our necessity, this maybe used in a manner, like common bread. For though for a season while it is to stand before the Lord, it be so holy, that the priest himself might not eat it; yet afterwards it is eaten by the priest, and his whole family, and so it may be by us, in our circumstances. Tho' it were - But newly put into the vessel, it must give place to the great law of necessity, and charity; because God will have mercy preferred before sacrifice.