1 Samuel 20:37
1 Samuel 20:37 in Multiple Translations
When the boy reached the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called to him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?”
And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?
And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?
And when the boy came to the place where the arrow was, Jonathan, crying out after the boy, said, Has it not gone past you?
When the boy got to the place where Jonathan's arrow had landed, Jonathan shouted to him, “Isn't the arrow farther past you?
And when the boy was come to the place where the arrowe was that Ionathan had shot, Ionathan cryed after the boy, and sayde, Is not the arrowe beyond thee?
And the youth cometh unto the place of the arrow which Jonathan hath shot, and Jonathan calleth after the youth, and saith, 'Is not the arrow beyond thee?'
When the boy had come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the boy, and said, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?”
And when the lad had come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?
The boy therefore came to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot: and Jonathan cried after the boy, and said: Behold the arrow is there further beyond thee.
When the boy ran to the place where the arrow hit the ground, Jonathan called out, “The arrow is further away!” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:37
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 20:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
הַ/נַּ֨עַר֙
עַד
מְק֣וֹם
הַ/חֵ֔צִי
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יָרָ֖ה
יְהוֹנָתָ֑ן
וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א
יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן
אַחֲרֵ֤י
הַ/נַּ֨עַר֙
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
הַ/חֵ֖צִי
מִמְּ/ךָ֥
וָ/הָֽלְאָה
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/נַּ֨עַר֙
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מְק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
הַ/חֵ֔צִי
chitstsîy
H2678
arrow
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יָרָ֖ה
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוֹנָתָ֑ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
אַחֲרֵ֤י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
הַ/נַּ֨עַר֙
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
הַ/חֵ֖צִי
chitstsîy
H2678
arrow
Art | N-ms
מִמְּ/ךָ֥
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וָ/הָֽלְאָה
hâlᵉʼâh
H1973
further
Conj | Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:37
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/נַּ֨עַר֙
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מְק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/חֵ֔צִי
chitstsîy
H2678
"arrow"
Art | N-ms
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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָרָ֖ה
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
יְהוֹנָתָ֑ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
אַחֲרֵ֤י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
הַ/נַּ֨עַר֙
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הַ/חֵ֖צִי
chitstsîy
H2678
"arrow"
Art | N-ms
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/ךָ֥
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/הָֽלְאָה
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan
35In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him.
36He said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” And as the boy ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
37When the boy reached the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called to him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?”
38Then Jonathan cried out, “Hurry! Make haste! Do not delay!” So the boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. 39But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 20:22 | 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. |
1 Samuel 20:37 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 20:37, Jonathan uses an arrow to send a secret message to his friend David, which shows how much he cares about him and wants to help him. This is similar to how God sends us messages of love and care through His Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105. Jonathan's actions demonstrate loyalty and friendship, values that are important for us to have in our own relationships, as Jesus teaches in John 15:13-15. By looking at Jonathan's example, we can learn how to be better friends and trust in God's sovereignty, just like David did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jonathan's arrow in 1 Samuel 20:37?
Jonathan's arrow is a signal to David, as previously arranged, to inform him of his father's intentions, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:35-39, similar to how God uses various means to communicate with us, like in Isaiah 55:10-11.
Why did Jonathan use a boy to retrieve the arrow in 1 Samuel 20:37?
Jonathan used the boy to retrieve the arrow to maintain secrecy and to avoid raising suspicion, as only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement, highlighting the importance of discretion, as emphasized in Proverbs 10:32.
What can we learn from Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 20:37 about loyalty and friendship?
Jonathan's actions demonstrate his loyalty and commitment to his friend David, despite the danger and difficulty, showcasing a Christ-like love and sacrifice, as seen in John 15:13-15, where Jesus teaches about the importance of laying down one's life for friends.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of 1 Samuel?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of David's rise to power and God's sovereignty in his life, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, where David is anointed by Samuel, and 1 Samuel 23:14, where David trusts in God's deliverance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be a loyal and supportive friend like Jonathan, even in difficult situations?
- How can I use everyday circumstances, like Jonathan used the arrow, to communicate God's message or love to others?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty, like David did, and how can I apply that trust in practical ways?
- In what ways can I use discretion and secrecy, like Jonathan, to maintain peace and avoid conflict in my relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:37
And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot,.... To the mark which he told him he should shoot at, and whereabout he might expect to find the arrow: Jonathan cried
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:37
And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:37
To the place, i.e. near to the place. Or, and the lad went, or was going on to the place; for the words following show the he was not yet come thither. The Hebrew verb bo, which properly signifies to come, sometimes signifies to go; as here, and .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:37
1 Samuel 20:37 And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, [Is] not the arrow beyond thee?Ver. 37. Is not the arrow beyond thee?] This was an item to David to be packing. See 1 Samuel 20:22.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:37
18–42. This section is the Haphtarah for the New Moon when it falls on the first day of the week.