1 Samuel 20 37

1 Samuel 20:37 kjv

And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?

1 Samuel 20:37 nkjv

When the lad had come to the place where the arrow was which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried out after the lad and said, "Is not the arrow beyond you?"

1 Samuel 20:37 niv

When the boy came to the place where Jonathan's arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, "Isn't the arrow beyond you?"

1 Samuel 20:37 esv

And when the boy came to the place of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the boy and said, "Is not the arrow beyond you?"

1 Samuel 20:37 nlt

When the boy had almost reached the arrow, Jonathan shouted, "The arrow is still ahead of you.

1 Samuel 20 verses

1 Samuel 20 37 Meaning

1 Samuel 20:37 describes the crucial moment of Jonathan's pre-arranged signal to David. The verse signifies that when Jonathan's young servant reached the point where the arrow had landed, Jonathan called out to him, indicating that the arrow was "beyond" the lad. This specific phrase "Is not the arrow beyond thee?" was the agreed-upon coded message between Jonathan and David, signifying imminent danger from King Saul and instructing David to flee immediately.

1 Samuel 20 37 Context

1 Samuel chapter 20 details the poignant final meeting and strategic plan between David and Jonathan to ascertain Saul's true intentions towards David. Despite their deep friendship and covenant, Saul's intense jealousy and attempts on David's life necessitated a covert means of communication. Jonathan devises a test involving a feast and an arrow signal. If the arrows fall "on this side" of the lad he sends, David is safe. If "beyond" the lad, David must flee for his life. The verse 20:37 records the execution of this second, critical part of the plan, revealing Saul's murderous intent. Historically, this occurs as David is growing in popularity and favor, eclipsing King Saul, who is increasingly consumed by a tormenting spirit and paranoia, seeing David as a threat to his kingdom and lineage. The cultural context includes the strict hierarchical structure of kingship and the practice of secret, coded communication for political maneuvering or survival in times of conflict.

1 Samuel 20 37 Word analysis

• And when the lad:

  • "Lad" (Hebrew: na'ar - נער): Refers to a young servant, possibly a page or an attendant. This specific lad is not named, emphasizing his role as an unwitting participant in a highly secret operation. He is merely an instrument in Jonathan's hand, crucial for the deception but unaware of its true meaning, thus ensuring the secrecy of the communication. His ignorance protected David's location.
  • Significance: The use of an ignorant third party highlights the extreme danger and necessity for complete secrecy.

• came to the place of the arrow:

  • "Place" (Hebrew: maqom - מקום): Refers to the physical location where the arrow landed.
  • "Arrow" (Hebrew: khets - חץ): A projectile weapon, but here it is a precise tool for signaling.
  • Significance: The arrow serves as the focal point of the clandestine signal. Its exact landing spot determines the message. It's not just a weapon but a messenger, laden with coded meaning for David.

• which Jonathan had shot:

  • "Jonathan had shot": This affirms Jonathan's role in orchestrating the signal. Jonathan's skill with a bow (referenced in 2 Sam 1:22, "the bow of Jonathan") adds to the authenticity and believability of his actions to the lad.
  • Significance: Confirms that the event is an intentional act by Jonathan as part of their pre-arranged plan, not a random occurrence.

• Jonathan cried after the lad:

  • "Cried after" (Hebrew: qara - קרא): To call out, shout. This implies a loud vocalization, audible from a distance, reinforcing the image of an urgent, almost demanding, instruction for a servant during an archery practice.
  • Significance: The seemingly innocuous nature of this public call contrasts sharply with its profound, life-or-death secret meaning to David.

• and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?:

  • "Is not...?" (Hebrew interrogative particle, implies an expectation of confirmation): Posing it as a question makes it sound like a corrective instruction during practice, diverting any suspicion from the lad or other observers.
  • "Beyond thee" (Hebrew: hal'ah mimcha - הלאה ממך): Literally "farther than you" or "forward from you." This is the core of the coded message. This phrase indicates the extreme danger to David and that he must flee far away. In contrast, "on this side of thee" would have meant safety.
  • Significance: This is the key to the entire operation. This simple phrase communicates an urgent, critical, life-threatening message that only David, hiding nearby, understood. It speaks to Jonathan's quick thinking and cleverness in devising a signal that could be executed publicly without revealing its true intent.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And when the lad came to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot": This whole phrase sets the scene for the message's delivery. It highlights the precise execution of the plan Jonathan had laid out, focusing on the point of reference—where the arrow landed. The physical act masks the spiritual/prophetic truth of David's anointing being protected.
• "Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?": This is the culmination of the setup. Jonathan's seemingly casual instruction contains a grave message for David. The deceptive simplicity underscores the treacherous environment David was in. This phrase confirms Saul's unyielding resolve to kill David, indicating divine providence allowing David to escape a preordained, hidden threat.

1 Samuel 20 37 Bonus section

• The relationship between David and Jonathan is one of the most celebrated friendships in the Bible, serving as a powerful counter-example to the corrupting influence of power and envy personified by Saul. This verse exemplifies the depth of their loyalty unto great personal risk.
• The arrow's trajectory and Jonathan's call reveal an extraordinary foresight on Jonathan's part. He had to plan not just for David's safety, but for the convincing simulation of an archery lesson that would deceive everyone else.
• This specific coded message "beyond thee" or "farther from you" also has a spiritual dimension; it indicates not just physical distance but an impassable barrier or state of extreme danger, a call for a swift and distant flight, emphasizing the separation David must undertake for his life and future destiny.

1 Samuel 20 37 Commentary

1 Samuel 20:37 marks a turning point in David's life, transitioning him from Saul's courtier to a fugitive in the wilderness. It's a testament to Jonathan's extraordinary loyalty, love, and courage, as he directly opposes his father, the king, to protect his covenanted friend. The arrow signal, a simple yet ingenious act, is a profound example of clandestine communication vital for survival. The innocent participation of the lad highlights the precariousness of David's situation and the meticulous nature of Jonathan's plan. This verse demonstrates the critical moment of clarity: David is not safe with Saul. This divine protection and escape are central to God's plan for David to eventually become king. The need for flight often symbolizes spiritual battles, where discerning subtle warnings (like the arrow) is crucial for avoiding danger. For believers, this teaches prudence and discernment in times of hidden hostility and highlights the sacrifice of loyal friendship, even at personal cost, reflecting the love of Christ.