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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I were shooting at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I will come out and shoot three arrows to the side of the stone pile as though I were shooting at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I shot at a mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as if I were aiming at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows on the side <i>thereof</i>, as though I shot at a mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a target;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I sent them towards a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I shot at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows beside it as if I’m aiming at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows beside it as if I&#8217m aiming at a target. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I'll shoot three arrows at a target off to the side of the rock, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows from beside it toward a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I will then shoot three arrows at it, as though it were a target. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I'll shoot three arrows to the side of the rock as though I were shooting at a target. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as if I were aiming at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows near it, as though I were shooting at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And as for me, on the third day I will shoot arrows to its side, aiming it toward a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows on the side of it, as though I shot at a mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows on its side, as though I shot at a mark. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I shoot three of the arrows at the side, sending out at a mark for myself;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And I shoot three of the arrows at the side, sending out for myself at a mark;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows of the side, to send to me for a mark.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows near it, and will shoot as if I were exercising myself at a mark. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows near it, and I will cast them as if I were practicing for myself toward a mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />On the third day of the month I will shoot arrows to the side of it, as though aiming at a target.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I shot at a mark.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I shot at a mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And, behold, I will direct to shoot three arrows to set a target<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows to the side-ward, as though I shot at a mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I will shoot three arrows, aiming them at a mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6018" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>When you have stayed three days, hurry down to the place you hid on the day this trouble began, and remain beside the stone Ezel. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3384.htm" title="3384: ’ō·w·reh (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- Or yara; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water; transitively, to lay or throw; figuratively, to point out, to teach.">will shoot</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</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.">arrows</a> <a href="/hebrew/6654.htm" title="6654: ṣid·dāh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- A side. Contr. From an unused root meaning to sidle off; a side; figuratively, an adversary.">to the side of it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: lə·šal·laḥ- (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">as if I were aiming</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4307.htm" title="4307: lə·maṭ·ṭā·rāh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- A guard, ward, prison, target, mark. Or mattarah; from natar; a jail; also an aim.">at a target.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49</a></span><br />It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-24.htm">2 Kings 9:24</a></span><br />Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-14.htm">2 Samuel 18:14</a></span><br />But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/13-17.htm">2 Kings 13:17</a></span><br />“Open the east window,” said Elisha. So he opened it and Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And Elisha declared: “This is the LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram, for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/13-19.htm">2 Kings 13:19</a></span><br />But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/26-15.htm">2 Chronicles 26:15</a></span><br />And in Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and catapult large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped tremendously until he became powerful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2</a></span><br />For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3-4</a></span><br />who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23</a></span><br />until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare—not knowing it will cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-2.htm">Isaiah 49:2</a></span><br />He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-8.htm">Jeremiah 9:8</a></span><br />Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-12.htm">Lamentations 3:12-13</a></span><br />He bent His bow and set me as the target for His arrow. / He pierced my kidneys with His arrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-14.htm">Zechariah 9:14</a></span><br />Then the LORD will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will sound the ram’s horn and advance in the whirlwinds of the south.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-48.htm">Matthew 26:48-49</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-47.htm">Luke 22:47-48</a></span><br />While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-42.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-4.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/ruth/3-4.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/judges/16-22.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/genesis/19-25.htm">Shooting</a> <a href="/numbers/21-30.htm">Shot</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-7.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-6.htm">Target</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-16.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Third</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Three</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-21.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-36.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-28.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-36.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-36.htm">Shooting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-36.htm">Shot</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-21.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-16.htm">Target</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-24.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">Third</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">Three</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">David consults with Jonathan for his safety</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Jonathan's token to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>I will shoot three arrows</b><br>In the context of <a href="/1_samuel/20.htm">1 Samuel 20</a>, Jonathan devises a plan to communicate with David about King Saul's intentions. The use of "three arrows" is significant as it serves as a covert signal. In ancient warfare and hunting, arrows were common tools, and their use here symbolizes precision and intent. The number three often represents completeness or divine perfection in the Bible, seen in the Trinity and other scriptural instances.<p><b>to the side of it</b><br>Jonathan's plan involves shooting arrows to the side of a specific location, which is a prearranged signal for David. This indicates the need for secrecy and caution due to Saul's hostility. The phrase suggests a deliberate action to avoid direct confrontation, reflecting the wisdom and prudence required in dangerous situations. It also highlights the trust and understanding between Jonathan and David.<p><b>as if I were aiming at a target</b><br>This phrase implies a practice or skill in archery, a valued ability in ancient Israelite society. The act of aiming at a target suggests intentionality and focus, qualities that Jonathan exhibits in his loyalty to David. The metaphor of aiming at a target can also be seen as a reflection of God's guidance and purpose, as believers are called to aim their lives towards God's will, much like an archer aims at a target.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is the one who devises the plan involving the arrows to communicate with David.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, currently in hiding due to King Saul's jealousy and intent to kill him. He is the recipient of Jonathan's secret message.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly hostile towards David, perceiving him as a threat to his throne.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/field.htm">Field</a></b><br>The location where Jonathan and David meet to discuss their plan. It serves as a neutral ground for their secret communication.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/arrows.htm">Arrows</a></b><br>Used by Jonathan as a signal to communicate with David about Saul's intentions, without arousing suspicion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_true_friendship.htm">The Value of True Friendship</a></b><br>Jonathan and David's relationship exemplifies the biblical ideal of friendship, characterized by loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a></b><br>Jonathan's actions demonstrate courage and faithfulness, even when faced with potential danger from his own father, King Saul.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a></b><br>Despite Saul's intentions, God's plan for David's future kingship is protected through Jonathan's intervention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/communication_and_wisdom.htm">Communication and Wisdom</a></b><br>The use of the arrows as a covert signal highlights the importance of wisdom and discretion in communication, especially in times of danger.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_god's_anointed.htm">Faithfulness to God's Anointed</a></b><br>Jonathan's respect and support for David, despite his father's opposition, show a commitment to God's chosen leader.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_saul's_court_in_1_samuel_20.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence to confirm or question the function and setting of Saul's court described in 1 Samuel 20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_sam_20_5_with_ot_feasts.htm">How do we reconcile the timing of the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5 with other Old Testament passages referencing similar observances?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">I will shoot three arrows.</span>--The two friends agree on a sign. It was a very simple one, and seems to speak of very early primitive times. Jonathan slightly varies from his original purpose. In <a href="/1_samuel/20-12.htm" title="And Jonathan said to David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not to you, and show it you;">1Samuel 20:12</a> it seems as though he meant to have sent a special messenger had the news been good, but now the arrangement is that in either event he should come himself out from the city into the solitary valley where it was agreed David should remain in hiding by the stone "Ezel." Dean Payne Smith rather strangely conceives that the arrows of the "sign" were to be aimed at the stone Ezel, but the description points to the "mark" as situated on the side of "Ezel," in or behind which David was to be concealed.<p>The prince agreed that after the feast he would leave the city, as though about to practise shooting at a mark, and that he would bring with him a servant--probably-one of his young armour-bearers--when, at the spot agreed upon in the neighbourhood of David's place of concealment near Ezel, he would post his servant in his place as marker, and then would shoot. After shooting, he would call out to his attendant, "the arrows are on this side of thee" (that is, between the mark and Jonathan himself), then David would know all was well; but if he cried "the arrows are beyond thee," that is, on the further side of the mark, David would understand that all was over, and that he must fly. Jonathan evidently took these precautions not knowing whether or no he would be accompanied by friends of his father from the city, in which case the "sign" agreed upon would be sufficient to tell David what had happened at the feast. As it turned out, Jonathan was able to escape observation, and to go alone with his servant to the place of meeting. He used the sign to attract his friend's attention, and then followed the last sorrowful parting, told in <a href="/context/1_samuel/20-41.htm" title="And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.">1Samuel 20:41-42</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 20-23.</span> - The two friends now agree upon the sign. Jonathan was to shoot three arrows at this stone, Ezel, as his mark, and was then to send his servant to gather them up. When he bad gone some distance Jonathan was to shout to him, loud enough for David to hear. If Jonathan said that the arrows were on that side the mark, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> between it and Jonathan, David was to come forth boldly, as all was well. But if Jonathan said that the arrows were further on, then David must understand that he was to seek safety in flight. For <span class="cmt_word">there is peace to thee, and no hurt,</span> the Hebrew has "there is peace to thee, and it is nothing," a simpler and more idiomatic rendering. As touching the matter, etc. Rather, "As for the word that we have spoken, I and thou, behold, Jehovah is between me and thee forever." The <span class="accented">word</span> was the bond and covenant by which they had pledged their truth to one another. Though separated, their love was to continue, and Jehovah was to be their eternal centre of union, and the witness to their covenant. <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲנִ֕י</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will shoot</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹרֶ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·reh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">three</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">arrows</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחִצִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥiṣ·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2678.htm">Strong's 2678: </a> </span><span class="str2">An arrow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the side of it,</span><br /><span class="heb">צִדָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣid·dāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6654.htm">Strong's 6654: </a> </span><span class="str2">A side, an adversary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as if I were aiming</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשַֽׁלַּֽח־</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šal·laḥ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at a target.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַטָּרָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·maṭ·ṭā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4307.htm">Strong's 4307: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guard, ward, prison, target, mark</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-20.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:20 I will shoot three arrows on its (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:21" /></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>