1 Samuel 20:24
1 Samuel 20:24 in Multiple Translations
So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat.
¶ So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.
So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat food.
So David went to a secret place in the country: and when the new moon came, the king took his place at the feast.
So David hid himself in the field. When the New Moon festival arrived, the king sat down to eat.
So Dauid hid him selfe in the field: and when the first day of the moneth came, the King sate to eate meate.
And David is hidden in the field, and it is the new moon, and the king sitteth down by the food to eat,
So David hid himself in the field. When the new moon had come, the king sat himself down to eat food.
So David hid himself in the field: and when the new-moon had come, the king sat down to eat food.
So David was hid in the field, and the new moon came, and the king sat down to eat bread.
So David went and hid in the field. When the Festival of the New Moon started, the king sat down to eat.
So David went to hide in the garden. The next day, lots of people came together at Saul’s place for the new moon ceremony. Saul sat down in his chair to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:24
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 20:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּסָּתֵ֥ר
דָּוִ֖ד
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
וַ/יְהִ֣י
הַ/חֹ֔דֶשׁ
וַ/יֵּ֧שֶׁב
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
על
אֶל
הַ/לֶּ֖חֶם
לֶ/אֱכֽוֹל
וַ/יִּסָּתֵ֥ר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/חֹ֔דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
month
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֵּ֧שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
על
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/לֶּ֖חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
Art | N-cs
לֶ/אֱכֽוֹל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:24
וַ/יִּסָּתֵ֥ר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/חֹ֔דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
וַ/יֵּ֧שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
על
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/לֶּ֖חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
Art | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
לֶ/אֱכֽוֹל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:24
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:24
Context — Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
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.
25He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty. 26Saul said nothing that day because he thought, “Something has happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:17 | For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. |
| 2 | Isaiah 1:11–15 | “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you— this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me— your New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations. I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. I hate your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:3 | To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:17 | Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred. |
| 5 | Proverbs 17:1 | Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife. |
| 6 | Psalms 50:16–21 | To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips? For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you. When you see a thief, you befriend him, and throw in your lot with adulterers. You unleash your mouth for evil and unharness your tongue for deceit. You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. |
| 7 | John 18:28 | Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:27 | The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with ill intent! |
| 9 | Zechariah 7:6 | And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves? |
1 Samuel 20:24 Summary
In 1 Samuel 20:24, David hides in a field because he is trying to avoid King Saul, who is becoming increasingly angry with him. This shows that David is trying to protect himself, but also that he trusts in God's plan and timing, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. The fact that the king sits down to eat on the New Moon, a special time for the king and his family, highlights David's absence and sets the stage for the events that will unfold. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God is always with us, even in difficult or uncertain times, and that He has a plan to prosper us and give us hope, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David hide in the field in 1 Samuel 20:24?
David hid in the field because he was trying to avoid King Saul, who had become increasingly hostile towards him, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:8-11 and 1 Samuel 19:10.
What is the significance of the New Moon in 1 Samuel 20:24?
The New Moon was a special time for the king and his family to come together and eat, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 20:5 and Numbers 28:11-15, and David's absence would be noticeable.
How did King Saul react to David's absence in 1 Samuel 20:24-26?
King Saul initially said nothing, thinking that David might be unclean, but this shows that he was already suspicious of David and looking for reasons to be angry with him, similar to his behavior in 1 Samuel 22:7-8.
What can we learn about friendship and loyalty from Jonathan and David's relationship in 1 Samuel 20:24?
Jonathan and David's friendship is an example of loyalty and trust, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 1 Samuel 20:14-17, and reminds us of the importance of standing by our friends, even in difficult times, as encouraged in Proverbs 17:17 and Proverbs 27:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to hide or avoid someone, and how did I feel during those times?
- How can I, like Jonathan, be a loyal friend to those around me, even when it is difficult or unpopular?
- What are some ways that I can, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when things seem uncertain or scary?
- How can I balance my desire for safety and self-preservation with my need to be obedient to God and take risks for Him, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:24 and Matthew 16:24-26?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:24
So David hid himself in the field,.... Not directly, but at the time appointed; for he went to Bethlehem, and returned from thence before that time: and when the new moon was come; the first clay of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:24
So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. The king sat him down to eat meat , [ lechem (H3899)] - food, bread.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24
David hid himself, to wit, at the time appointed; for it seems probable that he went first to Bethlehem, as he bade Jonathan tell his father, , and thence returned to the field, when the occasion required; else we must charge him with a downright lie, which ought not to be imagined (without any apparent cause) concerning so good a man, especially in so distressed and dangerous a condition. And why should he hide himself there so long before the time when Jonathan was to come thither to inform him? Nor were there any need of appointing a certain time to meet, if David were there all the while.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24
1 Samuel 20:24 So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.Ver. 24. The king sat him down to eat meat.] At the feast of the new moon, which Saul, as bad as he was, yet was careful to keep, and to have his chief princes keep it with him.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24
(24) Sat him down.—The LXX. paraphrases here, “came to the table.”
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:24
24–34. Saul’s intention tested by Jonathan 24. meat] Lit. bread. “Meat” in the E. V. signifies food in general, and is nowhere limited to the modem meaning flesh. This usage survives in some provincial dialects.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
David Protected by the Priest by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David and his interactions with Saul and Jonathan. David is hiding from Saul, who is seeking to kill him, and seeks refuge |
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Is This That? by Vance Havner | In this sermon, Dr. Crouch addresses the state of the church and its lack of spiritual concern for the world. He compares the average church membership to a malfunctioning electric |
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A Holy Remnant (Clip) by David Wilkerson | God is quietly preparing a powerful army of dedicated Christians, more devoted than any before, to do exploits and shake hell. This remnant will be made up of ordinary believers wh |
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Is This That (Alternate) by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of breaking up the ground before expecting a harvest. He compares the process of growing a crop to the work of spreading the w |
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An Acceptable Sacrifice by Bob Phillips | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the kindness, forbearance, and patience of God. He explains that these attributes of God shou |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.5:5 - 8:13 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four spirits of heaven mentioned in Revelation 7. These spirits are sent forth by God to execute tasks of judgment. The preacher emphasiz |
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Power of True Religion: Power Over Us by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of true religion and the power it holds. He discusses the three ways in which the power of true religion manifests itself: the |