CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 20:21 Then I will send a boy and say, 'Go, find the arrows!' Now, if I expressly say to him, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,' then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you and there is no danger.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/09_1Sa_20_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:21 - Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then I will send a boy and say, 'Go, find the arrows!' Now, if I expressly say to him, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,' then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you and there is no danger." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/20-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/20-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/20-20.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:20">◄</a> 1 Samuel 20:21 <a href="/1_samuel/20-22.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a> Then I will send a boy and say, &#8216Go, find the arrows.&#8217 If I say to him, &#8216Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them here,&#8217 then come, because, as surely as the LORD lives, you are safe; there is no danger. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then I will send a boy to bring the arrows back. If you hear me tell him, ‘They’re on this side,’ then you will know, as surely as the LORD lives, that all is well, and there is no trouble. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And behold, I will send the boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I say to the boy, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you, take them,’ then you are to come, for, as the LORD lives, it is safe for you and there is no danger. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you, and there is no danger. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a> and there I will send a lad, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I expressly say to the lad, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; get them and come’—then, as the LORD lives, there is safety for you and no harm. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then behold, I will send the boy, telling him, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I specifically say to the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are on this side of you, get them,’ then come, because it is safe for you and there is nothing to harm you, as the LORD lives. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220And behold, I will send the lad, saying, &#8216Go, find the arrows.&#8217 If I specifically say to the lad, &#8216Behold, the arrows are on this side of you, get them,&#8217 then come; for there is safety for you and no harm, as the LORD lives. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And behold, I will send the lad, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I specifically say to the lad, ‘Behold, the arrows are on this side of you, get them,’ then come; for there is safety for you and no harm, as the LORD lives. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And behold, I will send the young man, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I specifically say to the young man, ‘Behold, the arrows are on this side of you, get them,’ then come, for there is peace for you and no harm, as Yahweh lives. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And I will send a boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I specifically say to the boy, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you, get them,’ then come [back to my father’s table]; for it is safe for you and there is no danger, as the LORD lives. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then I will send a servant and say, ‘Go and find the arrows! ’ Now, if I expressly say to the servant, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you—get them,’ then come, because as the LORD lives, it is safe for you and there is no problem. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then I will send the young man and say, &#8216Go and find the arrows!&#8217 Now, if I expressly say to the young man, &#8216Look, the arrows are on this side of you—get them,&#8217 then come, because as the LORD lives, it is safe for you and there is no problem. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And, behold, I will send the lad, saying, Go, find the arrows. If I say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee; take them, and come; for there is peace to thee and no hurt, as Jehovah liveth. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and send my servant to find the arrows. You'll know if it's safe to come out by what I tell him. If it is safe, I swear by the living LORD that I'll say, "The arrows are on this side of you! Pick them up!" <a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And, behold, I will send the lad, saying, Go, find the arrows. If I say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee: take them, and come; for there is peace to thee and no hurt, as the LORD liveth. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then I will send out a boy and say, 'Go, find the arrows.' Now, if I tell the boy, 'Look, the arrows are next to you; get them,' then come [back with me]. You will be safe, and there will be no trouble. I swear it, as the LORD lives. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then I will tell my servant to go and find them. And if I tell him, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you; get them,' that means that you are safe and can come out. I swear by the living LORD that you will be in no danger. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then I'll send a servant, saying, 'Go, find the arrows.' If I specifically say to the servant, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you, get them,' then come out because it's safe for you, and, as surely as the LORD lives, there is no danger. <a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a> When I send a boy after them, I will say, "Go and find the arrows." If I say to the boy, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you; get them,' then come back. For as surely as the LORD lives, you will be safe and there will no problem. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Look, I will send the boy, saying, 'Go, find the arrows.' If I tell the boy, 'Look, the arrow is on this side of you. Take it;' then come; for there is peace to you and no hurt, as the LORD lives. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find the arrows. If I expressly say to the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you, and there is no danger. <a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Behold, I will send the boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ If I tell the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are on this side of you. Take them;’ then come, for there is peace to you and no danger, as Yahweh lives. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and behold, I send the youth, [saying], Go, find the arrows. If I say to the youth at all, Behold, the arrows [are] on this side of you—take them and come, for [there is] peace for you, and there is no [adverse] word—[as] YHWH lives. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and lo, I send the youth: Go, find the arrows. If I at all say to the youth, Lo, the arrows are on this side of thee -- take them, -- then come thou, for peace is for thee, and there is nothing; Jehovah liveth. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And behold, I will send the boy: Go find the arrows. If saying, I say to the boy, Behold, the arrows from thee, and behold, take it: and come, for peace to thee, and not a word; Jehovah lives.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I will send a boy, saying to him: Go and fetch me the arrows. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Also, I will send a boy, saying to him, ‘Go and bring the arrows to me.’ <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a> I will then send my attendant to recover the arrows. If in fact I say to him, ‘Look, the arrow is this side of you; pick it up,’ come, for you are safe. As the LORD lives, there will be nothing to fear. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then I will send the boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I say to the boy, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you, collect them,’ then you are to come, for, as the LORD lives, it is safe for you and there is no danger.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And. behold, I will send a lad to go to gather up the arrows. And if I should say to the lad, The arrows are on this side of you, take them and come; then you will know and see that there is peace to you, there is no danger, as the LORD liveth. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And behold I will send a boy to go gather the arrows. If I say to the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are beside you, and take them there and come.’ Know and see that he is at peace with you, and there are no evil matters; living is LORD JEHOVAH!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And, behold, I will send the lad: Go, find the arrows. If I say unto the lad: Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee; take them, and come; for there is peace to thee and no hurt, as the LORD liveth. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go find me the arrow. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6024" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant</a> …20I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as if I were aiming at a target. 21<a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">Then</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: ’eš·laḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">I will send</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: han·na·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">a boy and say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lêḵ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">‘Go,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mə·ṣā (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To attain to, find. ">find</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2671.htm" title="2671: ha·ḥiṣ·ṣîm (Art:: N-mp) -- From chatsats; properly, a piercer, i.e. An arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear.">the arrows!’</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">Now, if</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mōr (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I expressly say</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: lan·na·‘ar (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">‘Look,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2671.htm" title="2671: ha·ḥiṣ·ṣîm (Art:: N-mp) -- From chatsats; properly, a piercer, i.e. An arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear.">the arrows</a> <a href="/hebrew/2008.htm" title="2008: wā·hên·nāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Hither. From hen; hither or thither.">are on this side</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·mə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">of you;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: qā·ḥen·nū (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3mse) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">bring them,’</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: wā·ḇō·’āh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">then come,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">as surely as the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">lives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šā·lō·wm (N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">it is safe</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">for you</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">and there is no</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">danger.</a> 22But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3-4</a> Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. / And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt. <a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1-2</a> Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, / so 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. <a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">1 Samuel 23:16-18</a> And 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. <a href="/2_samuel/1-25.htm">2 Samuel 1:25-26</a> How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. / I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. <a href="/2_kings/4-29.htm">2 Kings 4:29-31</a> So 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.” / And the mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her. / Gehazi went on ahead of them and laid the staff on the boy’s face, but there was no sound or response. So he went back to meet Elisha and told him, “The boy has not awakened.” <a href="/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49-50</a> It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. / If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.” <a href="/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30-31</a> He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.” / So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. <a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Genesis 31:44-46</a> Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” / So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, / and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. <a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Proverbs 17:17</a> A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Proverbs 18:24</a> A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. <a href="/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13-15</a> Greater 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. <a href="/matthew/26-48.htm">Matthew 26:48-49</a> Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. <a href="/acts/20-37.htm">Acts 20:37-38</a> They 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. <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a> Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a> Do 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say to the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of you, take them; then come you: for there is peace to you, and no hurt; as the LORD lives.no.<a href="/jeremiah/4-2.htm">Jeremiah 4:2</a> And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.<a href="/jeremiah/5-2.htm">Jeremiah 5:2</a> And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.<a href="/jeremiah/12-16.htm">Jeremiah 12:16</a> And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Arrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-20.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/joshua/24-10.htm">Expressly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/joshua/24-20.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/exodus/2-10.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Safety</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-20.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-6.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-58.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-22.htm">Arrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-22.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-22.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-9.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-31.htm">Expressly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-36.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-42.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-4.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-42.htm">Safety</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-26.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-22.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 20</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">David consults with Jonathan for his safety</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath</a> 18. <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Jonathan's token to David</a> 23. <a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan</a> 35. <a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ In this passage, Jonathan devises a covert plan to communicate with David about King Saul's intentions. The use of a boy to retrieve arrows is a strategic choice, allowing Jonathan to convey a message without arousing suspicion. This reflects the tense political climate and the need for secrecy. The act of sending a boy also highlights the innocence and unawareness of the child, contrasting with the gravity of the situation. The use of arrows as a signal is practical and discreet, fitting the context of ancient warfare and communication methods.Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ Jonathan's specific instructions to the boy serve as a coded message to David. The phrase "on this side of you" indicates safety and a lack of threat from Saul. This method of communication underscores the deep trust and friendship between Jonathan and David, as well as Jonathan's loyalty to David despite his father Saul's hostility. The careful planning reflects the wisdom and discernment needed in navigating dangerous political landscapes.then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you, and there is no danger. Jonathan invokes the name of the LORD, emphasizing the seriousness and truthfulness of his message. This phrase reassures David of his safety, highlighting Jonathan's role as a protector and ally. The invocation of the LORD's name also reflects the covenantal relationship between Jonathan and David, rooted in their shared faith and commitment to God's will. This assurance of safety is a moment of divine providence, where God's protection over David is affirmed through Jonathan's actions. The phrase "as surely as the LORD lives" is a common biblical oath, underscoring the certainty and reliability of the promise being made.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is the one devising the plan to communicate with David. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, currently in hiding due to King Saul's jealousy and intent to kill him. 3. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, whose jealousy and fear of losing his throne to David drive him to seek David's life. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a> The location where Jonathan and David meet secretly to discuss Saul's intentions. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_boy.htm">The Boy</a> A servant used by Jonathan to retrieve the arrows, unknowingly part of the signal to David.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_true_friendship.htm">The Value of True Friendship</a> Jonathan and David's relationship exemplifies loyalty, trust, and sacrificial love. In our lives, we should seek to build and maintain friendships that reflect these qualities. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_and_wisdom.htm">Discernment and Wisdom</a> Jonathan uses wisdom and discernment in devising a plan to communicate with David without arousing suspicion. We should seek God's guidance in navigating complex situations in our lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a> Despite Saul's intentions, God protects David through Jonathan's actions. This reminds us that God is in control and can use others to fulfill His purposes and protect us. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_danger.htm">Courage in the Face of Danger</a> Jonathan's courage in standing up to his father and protecting David is a powerful example of doing what is right, even when it is risky. We are called to act with courage and integrity in our own lives. <a href="/topical/c/communication_and_clarity.htm">Communication and Clarity</a> The plan involving the arrows highlights the importance of clear communication, especially in critical situations. We should strive for clarity and honesty in our interactions with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20</a> <a href="/q/did_david_or_elhanan_kill_goliath.htm">Did David or Elhanan kill Goliath?</a> <a href="/q/are_jonathan's_signals_in_1_sam_20_verifiable.htm">Are the clandestine signals used by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:19-22 verifiable through any parallel ancient Near Eastern texts or historical records?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_elhanan_kill_goliath's_brother.htm">1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_2_sam_24_and_1_chr_21_differ.htm">Why do 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21 differ in their attribution of who prompted David's census--God or Satan?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then I will send אֶשְׁלַ֣ח (’eš·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out a boy [and say], הַנַּ֔עַר (han·na·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> A boy, lad, youth, retainer ‘Go, לֵ֖ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk find מְצָ֣א (mə·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present the arrows!’ הַחִצִּ֑ים (ha·ḥiṣ·ṣîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2678.htm">Strong's 2678: </a> An arrow Now, if אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not I expressly say אָמֹר֩ (’ā·mōr) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to him, לַנַּ֜עַר (lan·na·‘ar) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> A boy, lad, youth, retainer ‘Look, וְהִנֵּה֙ (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! the arrows הַחִצִּ֣ים ׀ (ha·ḥiṣ·ṣîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2678.htm">Strong's 2678: </a> An arrow are on this side וָהֵ֗נָּה (wā·hên·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2008.htm">Strong's 2008: </a> Hither, thither of you; מִמְּךָ֣ (mim·mə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of bring them,’ קָחֶ֧נּוּ ׀ (qā·ḥen·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take then come, וָבֹ֛אָה (wā·ḇō·’āh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction as surely as the LORD יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel lives, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life it is safe שָׁל֥וֹם (šā·lō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace for you לְךָ֛ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and there is no וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle danger. דָּבָ֖ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-21.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:21 Behold I will send the boy saying (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>