New International Versionand he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
New Living Translation“Start running,” he told the boy, “so you can find the arrows as I shoot them.” So the boy ran, and Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
English Standard VersionAnd he said to his boy, “Run and find the arrows that I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
Berean Standard BibleHe said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” And as the boy ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
King James BibleAnd he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
New King James VersionThen he said to his lad, “Now run, find the arrows which I shoot.” As the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
New American Standard BibleHe said to his boy, “Run, find now the arrows which I am about to shoot.” The boy ran, and he shot an arrow past him.
NASB 1995He said to his lad, “Run, find now the arrows which I am about to shoot.” As the lad was running, he shot an arrow past him.
NASB 1977And he said to his lad, “Run, find now the arrows which I am about to shoot.” As the lad was running, he shot an arrow past him.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd he said to his young man, “Run, find now the arrows which I am about to shoot.” As the young man was running, he shot an arrow past him.
Amplified BibleAnd he said to his boy, “Run, please find the arrows which I am about to shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow past him.
Christian Standard BibleHe said to the servant, “Run and find the arrows I’m shooting.” As the servant ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe said to the young man, “Run and find the arrows I’m shooting.” As the young man ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
American Standard VersionAnd he said unto his lad, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
Contemporary English Versionand told him, "When I shoot the arrows, you run and find them for me." The boy started running, and Jonathan shot an arrow so that it would go beyond him.
English Revised VersionAnd he said unto his lad, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Run," he told the boy, "please find the arrows I shoot." The boy ran, and Jonathan shot the arrow over him.
Good News Translationand said to him, "Run and find the arrows I'm going to shoot." The boy ran, and Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
International Standard VersionJonathan told his servant, "Run, find the arrows that I'm shooting." As the servant ran, Jonathan shot the arrow beyond him.
NET BibleHe said to his servant, "Run, find the arrows that I am about to shoot." As the servant ran, Jonathan shot the arrow beyond him.
New Heart English BibleHe said to the boy, "Run, find now the arrows which I shoot." And as the boy ran, he shot an arrow, sending it toward the city.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he said to his lad, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow, beyond him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” And as the boy ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
World English BibleHe said to his boy, “Run, find now the arrows which I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says to his youth, “Now run, find the arrows which I am shooting”; the youth is running, and he has shot the arrow, causing [it] to pass over him.
Young's Literal Translation And he saith to his youth, 'Run, find, I pray thee, the arrows which I am shooting;' the youth is running, and he hath shot the arrow, causing it to pass over him.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will say to the boy, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot The boy ran, and he shot the arrows beyond him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to his boy: Go, and fetch me the arrows which I shoot. And when the boy ran, he shot another arrow beyond the boy.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he said to his boy, “Go, and bring to me the arrows that I shoot.” And when the boy had run, he shot another arrow away from the boy.
New American BibleThere he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows.” And as the boy ran, he shot an arrow past him.
New Revised Standard VersionHe said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows that I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to his lad, Run, gather up the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he said to the boy: “Run! Gather the arrows which I shoot!” The boy ran and he shot an arrow beyond him OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said unto his lad: 'Run, find now the arrows which I shoot.' And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he said to the boy, Run, find me the arrows which I shoot: and the boy ran, and Jonathan shot an arrow, and sent it beyond him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan… 35In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him. 36He saidto the boy,“Runand findthe arrowsIshoot.”And as the boyran,Jonathanshotan arrowbeyond him.37When the boy reached the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called to him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?”…
Cross References 1 Samuel 18:4And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
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 15:32-37When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. / David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. / But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ ...
2 Kings 4:29So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”
2 Kings 9:1-3Now Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tuck your cloak under your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead. / When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room. / Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”
Psalm 55:12-14For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
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.
Acts 9:25One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall.
Acts 20:37-38They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. / They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Romans 12:10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Treasury of Scripture And he said to his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. Run 1 Samuel 20:20,21
And I will shoot three arrows on the sidethereof, as though I shot at a mark… beyond him [heb] to pass over him 1 Samuel 20:21,22
And, behold, I will send a lad,saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrowsare on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: forthere is peace to thee, and no hurt;as the LORD liveth… Jump to Previous ArrowArrowsBowBoyCausingLadPastRanRunRunningShootShootingShotYouthJump to Next ArrowArrowsBowBoyCausingLadPastRanRunRunningShootShootingShotYouth1 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 DavidHe said to the boy,In this passage, Jonathan is speaking to a young servant. The use of a boy or servant for such tasks was common in ancient Israelite society, reflecting the hierarchical structure and the roles assigned within households. This interaction highlights Jonathan's status and the trust placed in servants for carrying out important tasks. “Run and find the arrows I shoot.”
Jonathan's instruction to the boy is part of a prearranged signal between him and David. This method of communication was necessary due to the dangerous political climate, as King Saul sought David's life. The use of arrows as a signal demonstrates the ingenuity required to convey messages secretly. This also reflects the broader biblical theme of God providing wisdom and protection to His chosen ones in times of peril. And as the boy ran,
The boy's obedience and quick action are indicative of the loyalty and efficiency expected of servants. This moment underscores the urgency of the situation, as Jonathan and David's plan depended on precise timing and execution. The boy's role, though minor, is crucial in the unfolding of God's plan for David's safety and future kingship. Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
Jonathan's action is both literal and symbolic. The arrow shot beyond the boy was the predetermined sign to David that he must flee, as Saul's intentions were hostile. This act of shooting the arrow can be seen as a type of Christ, where Jonathan, a prince, sacrifices his relationship with his father for the sake of his friend, foreshadowing Christ's sacrificial love. The arrow going beyond also symbolizes the idea of God's plans and purposes extending beyond human understanding and immediate circumstances. Persons / Places / Events 1. JonathanThe son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is a key figure in this chapter, demonstrating loyalty and friendship. 2. DavidThe future king of Israel, who is in hiding due to King Saul's jealousy and intent to kill him. David's life is at risk, and he relies on Jonathan for information about Saul's intentions. 3. The BoyA servant of Jonathan, who is unaware of the true purpose behind retrieving the arrows. He plays a role in the secret communication between Jonathan and David. 4. The FieldThe location where Jonathan and David had arranged to communicate secretly. It serves as a neutral ground away from Saul's court. 5. The ArrowsUsed as a signal to communicate Saul's intentions to David. The shooting of the arrows is a prearranged sign between Jonathan and David. Teaching Points Loyalty in FriendshipJonathan's actions demonstrate the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in friendships, even when it requires personal sacrifice. Courage in AdversityBoth Jonathan and David show courage in the face of danger. Jonathan risks his relationship with his father, Saul, while David trusts in Jonathan's loyalty. God's Sovereignty and ProtectionDespite the danger, God's hand is evident in protecting David through Jonathan's actions. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and His ability to use others for our protection. Communication and TrustThe use of the arrows as a signal highlights the importance of clear communication and trust in relationships, especially in times of crisis. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20
Are the clandestine signals used by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:19-22 verifiable through any parallel ancient Near Eastern texts or historical records?
Why does Saul's sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30-33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized?
Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants?
How do we reconcile the timing of the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5 with other Old Testament passages referencing similar observances?(36) He shot an arrow beyond him.--This was the sign agreed on if all was over for David at the court of Saul. Expositors are in a little difficulty, though, here, as only one arrowis mentioned, whereas "three" had to be shot according to the terms of the understanding. We cannot imagine, as some have suggested, that "Jonathan shortened the affair, and shot only once, considering that there was danger in delay," and that every moment was of consequence; had there been such need of haste, the parting scene would have been cut even shorter. It is better, with Keil, to assume that the "singular" here stands in an indefinite general way, the author not thinking it needful, after what he had before said, to state that Jonathan shot three arrows one after another.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew He saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto the boy,לְנַעֲר֔וֹ(lə·na·‘ă·rōw)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retainer“Runרֻ֗ץ(ruṣ)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7323:To runand findמְצָ֥א(mə·ṣā)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present[the arrows] Iאָנֹכִ֖י(’ā·nō·ḵî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Ishoot.”מוֹרֶ֑ה(mō·w·reh)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3384:To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teachAnd as the boyהַנַּ֣עַר(han·na·‘ar)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retainerran,רָ֔ץ(rāṣ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7323:To runJonathanוְהֽוּא־(wə·hū-)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areshotיָרָ֥ה(yā·rāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3384:To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teachan arrowהַ֣חִצִּ֔ים(ha·ḥiṣ·ṣîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2678:An arrowbeyond him.לְהַעֲבִרֽוֹ׃(lə·ha·‘ă·ḇi·rōw)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass on
Links 1 Samuel 20:36 NIV1 Samuel 20:36 NLT1 Samuel 20:36 ESV1 Samuel 20:36 NASB1 Samuel 20:36 KJV
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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:36 He said to his boy Run find (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
