1 Samuel 20:22
1 Samuel 20:22 in Multiple Translations
But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away.
But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.
But if I say thus unto the boy, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way; for Jehovah hath sent thee away.
But if I say to the boy, See, the arrow has gone past you: then go on your way, for the Lord has sent you away.
But if I tell the boy, ‘Look, the arrows are way past you,’ then you'll have to leave, for the Lord wants you to go away.
But if I say thus vnto the boy, Behold, the arrowes are beyonde thee, goe thy way: for the Lord hath sent thee away.
And if thus I say to the young man, Lo, the arrows [are] beyond thee, — go, for Jehovah hath sent thee away;
But if I say this to the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are beyond you,’ then go your way, for the LORD has sent you away.
But if I say thus to the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.
If I shall say to the boy: Behold the arrows are on this side of thee, take them up: come thou to me, because, there is peace to thee, and there is no evil, as the Lord liveth. But if I shall speak thus to the boy: Behold the arrows are beyond thee: go in peace, for the Lord hath sent thee away.
But if I tell him, ‘The arrows are farther away’, you will know that you must leave immediately, because Yahweh wants you to run away.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 20:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
כֹּ֤ה
אֹמַר֙
לָ/עֶ֔לֶם
הִנֵּ֥ה
הַ/חִצִּ֖ים
מִמְּ/ךָ֣
וָ/הָ֑לְאָה
לֵ֕ךְ
כִּ֥י
שִֽׁלַּחֲ/ךָ֖
יְהוָֽה
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אֹמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לָ/עֶ֔לֶם
ʻelem
H5958
youth
Prep | N-ms
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
הַ/חִצִּ֖ים
chitstsîy
H2678
arrow
Art | N-mp
מִמְּ/ךָ֣
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וָ/הָ֑לְאָה
hâlᵉʼâh
H1973
further
Conj | Adv
לֵ֕ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שִֽׁלַּחֲ/ךָ֖
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:22
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אֹמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/עֶ֔לֶם
ʻelem
H5958
"youth"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a young man, often in his teens or early twenties. It describes someone who is still growing and developing. In the Bible, it is used to describe young men like David and Solomon.
Definition: young man
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: young man, stripling. See also: 1 Samuel 17:56; 1 Samuel 20:22.
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
הַ/חִצִּ֖ים
chitstsîy
H2678
"arrow"
Art | N-mp
An arrow is a sharp projectile shot from a bow. The Bible mentions arrows as weapons used in battles and wars, like in the stories of David and Goliath.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: arrow. See also: 1 Samuel 20:20; 1 Samuel 20:38; Isaiah 7:24.
מִמְּ/ךָ֣
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וָ/הָ֑לְאָה
hâlᵉʼâh
H1973
"further"
Conj | Adv
This Hebrew word means going further or to a distance, like moving beyond a place or time. It appears in the Bible to show progression or movement. In Genesis, it's used to describe God's people moving forward.
Definition: 1) out there, onwards, further 1a) yonder, beyond (of place) 1b) onwards (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: back, beyond, (hence,-) forward, hitherto, thence, forth, yonder. See also: Genesis 19:9; 1 Samuel 20:22; Isaiah 18:2.
לֵ֕ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שִֽׁלַּחֲ/ךָ֖
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:22
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:22
Context — Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
20I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as if I were aiming at a target.
21Then 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.
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.
23And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.” 24So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 20:37 | When the boy reached the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called to him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” |
1 Samuel 20:22 Summary
[This verse is about a secret signal between Jonathan and David, where Jonathan tells David to leave if the arrows are beyond him, because it means the Lord has sent David away. This shows that they trusted in God's guidance and sovereignty, even in uncertain times. As we see in Psalm 32:8, God promises to guide us with His eye upon us, and we can trust in His goodness and love. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence in our decisions, just like Jonathan and David did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the arrows in this verse?
The arrows represent a secret signal between Jonathan and David, indicating whether it is safe for David to remain or if he must flee, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:21, and this method is similar to the way God communicates with His people, as in Jeremiah 4:19-22.
Why did Jonathan tell David to leave if the arrows were beyond him?
Jonathan told David to leave if the arrows were beyond him because it meant that the Lord had sent David away, indicating that it was not safe for him to stay, and this decision was guided by Jonathan's commitment to the Lord, as expressed in 1 Samuel 20:23.
How does this verse relate to trust in God's sovereignty?
This verse shows that Jonathan and David trusted in God's sovereignty, believing that the Lord was guiding their actions and decisions, even in uncertain circumstances, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
What can we learn from Jonathan's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Jonathan's actions that loyalty, trust, and obedience to God are essential in our relationships and decision-making, as seen in John 15:13-14, where Jesus teaches us to love one another as He has loved us.
Reflection Questions
- What secret signals or signs has God given you to guide your decisions, and how have you responded to them?
- How do you discern when God is sending you away from a particular situation or relationship, and what role does trust play in this process?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, to your own life and decisions?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of loyalty and trust in friendships, and how can you cultivate these qualities in your own relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:22
But if I say thus unto the young man, behold, the arrows [are] beyond thee,.... Being shot to a greater distance than where the young man was: go thy way, for the Lord hath sent thee away; then he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:22
And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:22
Take this for an intimation of God’ s providence, that thou shouldst keep away from the court.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:22
1 Samuel 20:22 But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows [are] beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.Ver. 22. Go thy way.] Fuge, fuge, cito, citius, citissime, flee, flee, quickly, more quickly, most quickly, shift for thyself, and so serve God’ s providence in such a way as he shall direct thee.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:22
22. the young man] The stripling, as in 1 Samuel 17:56. the Lord hath sent thee away] Bids thee depart. Jonathan is prepared to recognise the Divine Will in the banishment of David from Saul’s court. God had another school in which the future king must be trained.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:22
22. Go thy way — Jonathan thus provides for informing David of Saul’s designs without making a personal interview between them necessary.