Did Jesus Name the Wrong Man?

Do you have Bible questions? Let the Word of God surprise you with amazing answers. The Bible has never failed to stand the test of time, and when we study carefully, we discover that even apparent contradictions reveal deeper truths.

One such question often asked is this:

When Jesus spoke in Mark 2:23–26, did He name the wrong man? He referred to Abiathar as high priest, but wasn’t it really Ahimelech whom David met in 1 Samuel 21:1–6?

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The Gospel Account (Mark 2:23–26)

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus recalls how David entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread. The passage refers to “Abiathar the high priest” and makes it clear that David was not alone but had men with him.

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The Historical Account (1 Samuel 21:1–6)

Here, the Old Testament records that David met Ahimelech the priest and received the bread of the Presence. At first glance, it seems David was alone.

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Reconciling the Two

When we read carefully, there is no contradiction. Both men—Ahimelech and Abiathar—were alive at that time. Abiathar was Ahimelech’s son, and after Ahimelech’s death, Abiathar became the high priest.

Mark’s Gospel is not necessarily claiming that Abiathar was already high priest when David entered the sanctuary. Rather, the passage identifies him by the role he became known for: Abiathar the high priest.

This is like saying, “I knew President Bush when he was a student at Yale.” Of course, Bush was not yet president while at Yale, but it is still correct to identify him by the office he later held. In the same way, Abiathar is rightly identified by the role for which history remembers him.

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Why Mention Abiathar and Not Ahimelech?

Abiathar was far better known in Israel’s collective memory. He remained closely linked to David throughout much of his reign, sharing in many of his adventures. Rabbis of Jesus’ day often spoke of Abiathar, and so it made sense that Jesus used the name His listeners would immediately recognize.

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Was David Alone?

Mark does not actually say David’s men entered the house of God with him. The text says David entered, because he and his men were hungry. He went in on their behalf, obtained the bread, and then later gave it to them. Thus, the Gospel and the Old Testament account are in harmony.

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Conclusion

Jesus did not misidentify the high priest. The Scriptures are consistent. Mark identifies Abiathar by the office he later held, highlighting the better-known figure tied to David’s story. What seems like a contradiction at first glance becomes an example of how the Bible, when studied carefully, proves itself accurate and trustworthy.

The Word of God is not in error. Instead, it invites us to dig deeper so that our understanding may grow stronger.