New International Version“Come,” Jonathan said, “let’s go out into the field.” So they went there together.
New Living Translation“Come out to the field with me,” Jonathan replied. And they went out there together.
English Standard VersionAnd Jonathan said to David, “Come, let us go out into the field.” So they both went out into the field.
Berean Standard Bible“Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field,
King James BibleAnd Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.
New King James VersionAnd Jonathan said to David, “Come, let us go out into the field.” So both of them went out into the field.
New American Standard BibleJonathan said to David, “Come, and let’s go out to the field.” So both of them went out to the field.
NASB 1995Jonathan said to David, “Come, and let us go out into the field.” So both of them went out to the field.
NASB 1977And Jonathan said to David, “Come, and let us go out into the field.” So both of them went out to the field.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Jonathan said to David, “Come, and let us go out into the field.” So both of them went out to the field.
Amplified BibleJonathan said to David, “Come, let us go out into the field [to talk].” So they went out to the field.
Christian Standard BibleHe answered David, “Come on, let’s go out to the countryside.” So both of them went out to the countryside.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe answered David, “Come on, let’s go out to the field.” So both of them went out to the field.
American Standard VersionAnd Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.
Contemporary English Version"Let's go out to this field, and I'll tell you," Jonathan answered. When they got there,
English Revised VersionAnd Jonathan said unto David, Come and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJonathan said, "Let's go out into the country." So they went out into the country.
Good News Translation"Let's go out to the fields," Jonathan answered. So they went,
International Standard VersionThen Jonathan told David, "Come, let's go into the field." So the two of them went into the field.
NET BibleJonathan said to David, "Come on. Let's go out to the field." When the two of them had gone out into the field,
New Heart English BibleJonathan said to David, "Come, and let us go out into the field." They both went out into the field.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Jonathan said to David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field,
World English BibleJonathan said to David, “Come! Let’s go out into the field.” They both went out into the field. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jonathan says to David, “Come, and we go out into the field”; and both of them go out into the field.
Young's Literal Translation And Jonathan saith unto David, 'Come, and we go out into the field;' and they go out both of them into the field.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jonathan will say to David, Come, and we will go forth to the field. And they two went forth to the field. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jonathan said to David: Come and let us go out into the field. And when they were both of them gone out into the field,
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Jonathan said to David, “Come, and let us go out into the field.” And when they both had gone out into the field,
New American BibleJonathan replied to David, “Come, let us go out into the field.” When they were out in the open country together,
New Revised Standard VersionJonathan replied to David, “Come, let us go out into the field.” So they both went out into the field. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jonathan said to David, Come, and let us go out into the field. So they both went out into the field.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Jonathan said to David: “Come, we will go out to the field.” And they both went out to the field OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jonathan said unto David: 'Come and let us go out into the field.' And they went out both of them into the field.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Jonathan said to David, Go, and abide in the field. And they went out both into the field.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant10Then David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?” 11“Come,”hereplied,“let us go outto the field.”So the twoof them went outinto the field,12and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?…
Cross References 1 Samuel 18:3Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
1 Samuel 19:2so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.
1 Samuel 23:16-18And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.
2 Samuel 1:26I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.
2 Samuel 9:1Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”
2 Samuel 21:7Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.
Proverbs 17:17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
John 15:13-15Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
John 13:34-35A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
John 15:12This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Romans 12:10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Philippians 2:3-4Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Colossians 3:12-14Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
1 Thessalonians 4:9Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.
Treasury of Scripture And Jonathan said to David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field. Jump to Previous CountryDavidJonathanLet'sOpenTogetherJump to Next CountryDavidJonathanLet'sOpenTogether1 Samuel 20 1.David consults with Jonathan for his safety11.Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath18.Jonathan's token to David23.Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan35.Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David“Come,” he replied,This phrase indicates an invitation and a response. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is speaking to David. The context is a secretive and urgent conversation due to the tension between David and Saul. Jonathan's invitation suggests a level of trust and urgency. In biblical narratives, invitations often precede significant revelations or actions, as seen in other instances like Jesus inviting His disciples to follow Him. “let us go out to the field.”
The field represents a place of privacy and safety away from the prying eyes of Saul's court. Fields in ancient Israel were often used for private conversations, as they were open spaces away from the city. This setting is significant as it allows Jonathan and David to speak freely. The field can also symbolize a place of testing and decision, much like the wilderness experiences of biblical figures such as Moses and Jesus. So the two of them went out into the field,
This action demonstrates the mutual trust and commitment between Jonathan and David. Their relationship is a profound example of covenant friendship, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. The act of going out together signifies unity and shared purpose. This moment foreshadows the loyalty and sacrifice that Jonathan will show towards David, even at the cost of his own future as heir to the throne. It also prefigures the sacrificial love of Christ, who calls His followers into a relationship of trust and commitment. Persons / Places / Events 1. JonathanThe son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and integrity, Jonathan plays a crucial role in protecting David from Saul's wrath. 2. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point in the account, David is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 3. The FieldA place of privacy and safety where Jonathan and David can speak freely without fear of being overheard or interrupted. It symbolizes a place of refuge and trust. 4. SaulThe first king of Israel, whose jealousy and paranoia lead him to seek David's life. Though not directly mentioned in this verse, his actions are the backdrop for the events. 5. CovenantThe underlying theme of this passage is the covenant of friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David, which is reaffirmed in the field. Teaching Points The Value of True FriendshipJonathan and David's relationship exemplifies the biblical ideal of friendship, characterized by loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual support. Courage in AdversityJonathan's willingness to meet David in the field, despite the danger posed by Saul, teaches us about the courage required to stand by our convictions and support those we love. The Importance of CovenantsThe covenant between Jonathan and David is a reminder of the importance of keeping our promises and commitments, especially in our relationships. Seeking Refuge in GodJust as the field provided a place of safety for Jonathan and David, we are reminded to seek refuge in God during times of trouble. Discernment and WisdomJonathan's actions demonstrate the need for discernment and wisdom in navigating complex relationships and situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:11?
2.How does Jonathan's loyalty to David reflect Christ-like friendship in 1 Samuel 20:11?
3.What does 1 Samuel 20:11 teach about seeking God's guidance in difficult situations?
4.How can Jonathan's actions inspire us to prioritize God's will over personal gain?
5.Compare Jonathan's covenant with David to God's covenant with us through Jesus.
6.How can we apply Jonathan's example of faithfulness in our relationships today?
7.What is the significance of Jonathan and David's relationship in 1 Samuel 20:11?
8.How does 1 Samuel 20:11 reflect the theme of loyalty in the Bible?
9.What historical context surrounds the events of 1 Samuel 20:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20?
11.Is Saul counted among the prophets?
12.What is the Bible's perspective on luck?
13.What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)?
14.What does the Bible say about monogamy?What Does 1 Samuel 20:11 Mean “Come,”• Jonathan’s invitation signals urgency and intimacy. He is summoning David without hesitation, much like Jesus’ immediate call to His first disciples inMatthew 4:19. • The word places Jonathan in the role of initiator, showing his active commitment to protect his friend, echoingProverbs 17:17 where a friend loves at all times. • It reminds us that divine opportunities often start with a simple, personal summons—compareGenesis 12:1 where God calls Abram to step out in faith.
“he replied,”• Jonathan’s quick response to David’s need highlights faithfulness under pressure, paralleling Ruth’s reply to Naomi inRuth 1:16–17. • His reply contrasts Saul’s hostility (1 Samuel 19:10), underscoring the difference between covenant loyalty and fleshly jealousy. • The dialogue models the principle inJames 1:19 of being “quick to listen,” showing mutual respect between believers.
“let us go out to the field.”• Moving to the open field provides privacy from Saul’s spies, similar to Jesus withdrawing to a solitary place to pray inMark 1:35. • The field offers a safe environment to form a covenant (1 Samuel 20:12–17), recalling how God met Moses outside the camp inExodus 33:7. • Fields in Scripture often symbolize openness and revelation—considerGenesis 37:15 where Joseph’s dreams unfold in the fields—so Jonathan seeks clarity away from palace intrigue. • The plural “let us” underscores partnership, much likeEcclesiastes 4:9–10 where two are better than one because they can help each other up.
“So the two of them went out into the field.”• Their united action demonstrates obedience to wise counsel (Proverbs 13:20) and mutual trust. • “The two of them” emphasizes covenant unity reminiscent ofAmos 3:3: “Can two walk together without having agreed?” • Physically distancing themselves foreshadows the arrow-signal plan (1 Samuel 20:19–22), showing sensible stewardship of information (Proverbs 22:3). • Together they model brotherly fellowship—Psalm 133:1 celebrates how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.
summaryJonathan’s simple invitation, his immediate reply, the choice of an open field, and their joint action all spotlight loyal friendship, wise discretion, and covenant faithfulness.1 Samuel 20:11 captures the moment David and Jonathan step away from danger to seek God-honoring clarity and protection, showing that true friends pursue truth together, even when the cost is high. Verses 11-13. - Let us go out into the field. David's question had shown Jonathan that there were grave difficulties in their way, and so he proposes that they should walk into the country, to be able to talk with one another more freely, and concert measures for the future. And there Jonathan binds himself with a solemn oath, if Saul's intentions be good, to send a trusty messenger to inform David, but if there be danger, then to come and tell David himself. O Lord God. With a few MSS. we must supply the usual formula of an oath: "As Jehovah the God of Israel liveth." About tomorrow any time, or the third day. This cumbrous translation arose out of the mistaken idea that the word rendered tomorrow could only be used in that limited sense. Strictly it signifies the morning, and is applicable to any morrow. Jonathan fixes one time, and one only, and the passage should be rendered, "By this time on the third morrow." The meeting was to be on the morrow after the second day of the festival, and so on the third morrow after the conversation. The whole may be translated, "As Jehovah the God of Israel liveth, when by this time on the third morrow I have searched my father, and, behold, there be good for David, if then I send not to thee, and uncover thy ear, Jehovah do so and much more to Jonathan." The alternative case is then put, and if the news be evil, Jonathan undertakes himself to be the messenger, and David is to provide for his safety by flight. The concluding prayer that Jehovah might be with David as he had been with Saul contains the same presentiment of David attaining to great power and dignity which is more directly expressed in the following verses.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Come,”לְכָ֖ה(lə·ḵāh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkheיְהֽוֹנָתָן֙(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083:Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelitesreplied,וַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“let us go outוְנֵצֵ֣א(wə·nê·ṣê)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximto the field.”הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה(haś·śā·ḏeh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704:Field, landSo the twoשְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם(šə·nê·hem)Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)of them went outוַיֵּצְא֥וּ(way·yê·ṣə·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximinto the field,הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃(haś·śā·ḏeh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704:Field, land
Links 1 Samuel 20:11 NIV1 Samuel 20:11 NLT1 Samuel 20:11 ESV1 Samuel 20:11 NASB1 Samuel 20:11 KJV
1 Samuel 20:11 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 20:11 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 20:11 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 20:11 French Bible1 Samuel 20:11 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 20:11 Jonathan said to David Come and let (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
