Mark 2:26 mentions Abiathar in the context of David eating the showbread—'in the days of Abiathar the high priest'—though 1 Samuel 21 actually names Ahimelech, Abiathar's father, as priest at that time. This textual difficulty has generated extensive discussion. The name means 'father of excellence' in Hebrew. Abiathar later became high priest under David and served faithfully until siding with Adonijah, leading to his deposition by Solomon. Mark's reference assumes readers' familiarity with this significant priestly figure.