1 Samuel 20:41

1 Samuel 20:41 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when the boy had gone, David came from his secret place by the hill, and falling to the earth went down on his face three times: and they gave one another a kiss, weeping together, till David's grief was the greater.

Free Bible Version FBV

After the boy had gone, David got up from beside the pile of stones, fell facedown to the ground, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and cried together as friends, though David cried the hardest.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Assoone as the boy was gone, Dauid arose out of a place that was towarde the South, and fel on his face to the ground, and bowed him selfe three times: and they kissed one another, and wept both twaine, till Dauid exceeded.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

The youth hath gone, and David hath risen from Ezel, at the south, and falleth on his face to the earth, and boweth himself three times, and they kiss one another, and they weep one with another, till David exerted himself;

World English Bible WEB

As soon as the boy was gone, David arose out of the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times. They kissed one another and wept with one another, and David wept the most.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place towards 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when the boy was gone, David rose out of his place, which was towards the south, and falling on his face to the ground, adored thrice: and kissing one another, they wept together, but David more.

Translation for Translators T4T

When the boy left, David came out from the south side of the pile of stones behind which he had been hiding. He went to Jonathan and bowed in front of Jonathan three times, with his face touching the ground. Then David and Jonathan kissed each other on the cheek/neck, and they cried together. But David cried more than Jonathan.

Plain English Version PEV

David came out from behind a rock. He got down on his knees and put his face near the ground 3 times to show respect to Jonathan. They kissed each other and cried for each other. But David cried more than Jonathan.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:41

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 20:41 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הַ/נַּעַר֮ בָּא֒ וְ/דָוִ֗ד קָ֚ם מֵ/אֵ֣צֶל הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב וַ/יִּפֹּ֨ל לְ/אַפָּ֥י/ו אַ֛רְצָ/ה וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ שָׁלֹ֣שׁ פְּעָמִ֑ים וַֽ/יִּשְּׁק֣וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶת רֵעֵ֗/הוּ וַ/יִּבְכּוּ֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֶת רֵעֵ֔/הוּ עַד דָּוִ֖ד הִגְדִּֽיל

הַ/נַּעַר֮ naʻar H5288 youth Art | N-ms

בָּא֒ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וְ/דָוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 David Conj | N-proper

קָ֚ם qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Qal-Perf-3ms

מֵ/אֵ֣צֶל ʼêtsel H681 beside Prep | Prep

הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב negeb H5045 Negeb Art | N-ms

וַ/יִּפֹּ֨ל nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לְ/אַפָּ֥י/ו ʼaph H639 face Prep | N-md | Suff

אַ֛רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff

וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ shâchâh H7812 to bow Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁלֹ֣שׁ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

פְּעָמִ֑ים paʻam H6471 beat N-fp

וַֽ/יִּשְּׁק֣וּ nâshaq H5401 to kiss Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

רֵעֵ֗/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 neighbor N-ms | Suff

וַ/יִּבְכּוּ֙ bâkâh H1058 to weep Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

רֵעֵ֔/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 neighbor N-ms | Suff

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

דָּוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

הִגְדִּֽיל gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:41

הַ/נַּעַר֮ 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.

בָּא֒ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-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.

וְ/דָוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 "David" Conj | 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.

קָ֚ם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

מֵ/אֵ֣צֶל ʼêtsel H681 "beside" Prep | Prep

Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.

Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.

הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב negeb H5045 "Negeb" Art | N-ms

The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.

Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country

Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.

וַ/יִּפֹּ֨ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

לְ/אַפָּ֥י/ו ʼaph H639 "face" Prep | N-md | Suff

This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.

Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger

Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.

אַ֛רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ shâchâh H7812 "to bow" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.

Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel

Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.

שָׁלֹ֣שׁ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

פְּעָמִ֑ים paʻam H6471 "beat" N-fp

This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.

Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.

וַֽ/יִּשְּׁק֣וּ nâshaq H5401 "to kiss" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To kiss or touch, also to equip with weapons, as seen in armed men or rulers. It appears in various forms, including a romantic kiss or a mode of attachment. In the Bible, it is used to describe intimate touch.

Definition: 1) to put together, kiss 1a) (Qal) to kiss 1b) (Piel) to kiss 1c) (Hiphil) to touch gently

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: armed (men), rule, kiss, that touched. See also: Genesis 27:26; 2 Samuel 14:33; Psalms 2:12.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

רֵעֵ֗/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 "neighbor" N-ms | Suff

A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.

Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)

Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.

וַ/יִּבְכּוּ֙ bâkâh H1058 "to weep" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.

Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

רֵעֵ֔/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 "neighbor" N-ms | Suff

A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.

Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)

Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.

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.

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.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

הִגְדִּֽיל gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.

Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:41

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Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 20:41 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:41
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:41
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Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:41

Context — Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan

39But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement. 40Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the boy and said, “Go, take it back to the city.”

41When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more.

42And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 29:11	Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud.
2	1 Samuel 18:3	Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
3	2 Samuel 9:6	And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.
4	2 Samuel 19:39	So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.
5	Acts 20:37	They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him.
6	Genesis 29:13	When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened.
7	2 Samuel 1:26	I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.
8	Genesis 45:15	Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him.
9	1 Samuel 10:1	Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?
10	1 Samuel 25:23	When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him.

1 Samuel 20:41 Summary

[In 1 Samuel 20:41, we see a beautiful picture of deep friendship and love between David and Jonathan, as they show affection and respect for each other. This is similar to what Jesus teaches about loving one another in John 13:34-35. David and Jonathan's friendship was built on trust, loyalty, and mutual support, and it's an example for us to follow in our own relationships. As we see in Proverbs 27:17, friendships like this can help us grow and become better people, and they can be a source of strength and comfort in times of need.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David and Jonathan kiss each other in 1 Samuel 20:41?

In Biblical times, a kiss was a common way to show affection, respect, and greeting, as seen in Genesis 27:26-27 and Luke 15:20, so David and Jonathan's kiss was a symbol of their deep friendship and love for each other.

What is the significance of David bowing three times in 1 Samuel 20:41?

David's action of bowing three times was a sign of great respect and humility, similar to what we see in Genesis 33:3 and 2 Samuel 9:6, and it showed his deep appreciation for Jonathan's loyalty and friendship.

Why did David weep more than Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:41?

David wept more because he was deeply sorrowful about having to leave Jonathan and the danger that Jonathan was putting himself in by helping David, as we see in 1 Samuel 20:30-34, and this emotional response is similar to what we see in Psalm 42:3 and Acts 20:37-38.

What can we learn from the friendship between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:41?

We can learn about the importance of loyal and selfless friendships, as seen in Proverbs 17:17 and 27:17, and how they can be a source of strength and comfort in times of need, as David and Jonathan's friendship was for each other.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that you can show deep affection and respect to your friends, like David and Jonathan did in 1 Samuel 20:41?
How can you be a loyal and supportive friend to those around you, even in difficult circumstances?
What are some things that you can learn from David's humility and respect in 1 Samuel 20:41, and how can you apply them to your own life?
In what ways can you prioritize and nurture your friendships, like David and Jonathan did, and what role can prayer and mutual support play in this?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:41

[And] as soon as the lad was gone,.... Which David could observe from his lurking place: David arose out of [a place] toward the south; to the south of the field in which he was hid, or to the south

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:41

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41

Toward the south; in respect of the stone where David by appointment hid himself. Until David exceeded; as well he might, because he was driven away, not only from his dear friend Jonathan, but also from his wife, and all his relations, and from the commonwealth of israel, and from the service of God; as he complains below, .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41

1 Samuel 20:41 [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.Ver. 41. David arose out of a place.] When now they saw the coast was clear, these two famous friends met and melted one over another. Until David exceeded.] Aγαθοιδαριδακρυεςανδρες - “ Et faciles motus mens generosa capit. ” The better any one is, the more apt to weep. But David indeed had the greater reason in many regards.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41

(41) David arose out of a place toward the south.—If the text be correct here, which is very doubtful, we must understand these words as signifying that as soon as David perceived that Jonathan was alone (as soon as the lad was gone), he rose from the south side of the rock, where he had been lying concealed. [The “arrow” sign would have been enough to have warned David; and had he not seen that Jonathan was alone and waiting for him, David would, from his place of hiding, have made his escape unseen.] The Chaldee here reads, “from the stone of the sign (or the stone Atha) which is on the south;” the LXX. (Vat. MS.), “from the Argab;” Alex. MS., “from sleep.” The different versions, more or less, have repeated the statement in 1 Samuel 20:19, failing altogether to understand the two Hebrew words mêêtzel hannegev, translated in our English Version, “out of a place toward the south.” And fell on his face.—Josephus’ words, in his traditional account of the event, explain David’s reason for this. “He did obeisance, and called him the saviour of his life.” Until David exceeded.—The expression is a strange one, and apparently signifies either simply that while Jonathan wept bitterly at the parting, David wept still more, or else that “David broke down,” that is, “was completely mastered by his grief.”—Dean Payne Smith. The LXX. translators here are quite unintelligible in their rendering, which represents David as weeping “until a (or the) great consummation.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41

Verse 41. Until David exceeded.] David's distress must, in the nature of things, be the greatest. Besides his friend Jonathan, whom he was now about to lose for ever, he lost his wife, relatives, country; and, what was most afflictive, the altars of his God, and the ordinances of religion. Saul saw David's growing popularity, and was convinced of his own maladministration. He did not humble himself before God, and therefore became a prey to envy, pride, jealousy, cruelty, and every other malevolent temper. From him David had every thing to fear, and therefore he thought it was safer to yield to the storm, than attempt to brave it; though he could have even raised a very powerful party in Israel, had he used the means which were so much in his power. But as he neither sought not affected the kingdom, he left it to the providence of God to bring him in by such means, at such a way, and in such a time, as was most suited to his godly wisdom. He that believeth shall not make haste: God's way and time are ever the best; and he who, even in God's way, runs before he is sent, runs at random; runs without light, and without Divine strength. Feeble, therefore, must be his own might, his own counsel, and his own wisdom: though he encompass himself with his own sparks yet this hath he at the Lord's hand - he shalt lie down in sorrow.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:41

41. out of a place toward the south] Lit. “from the side of the south,” i.e. from a hiding-place to the south of the stone Ezel. But the expression is anomalous, and it is best to adopt the Sept. reading, “from beside the heap of stones,” as in 1 Samuel 20:19. fell on his face, &c.] As a token of reverence and loyalty to the king’s son. Cp. Genesis 33:3; Genesis 42:6. An Oriental when he meets a superior, kneels down and touches the ground with his forehead.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:41

A place toward the south - An unintelligible description; one expects a repetition of the description of David’s hiding-place in 1 Samuel 20:19.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:41

41. Out of a place toward the south — Or, more literally, from the side of the south; that is, southwards from where Jonathan was standing.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:41

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 29:11-14 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and his journey to his uncle Laban's house. Jacob had a lonely trip, traveling through difficult terrain and facing variou
	The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 4 by Dr. D. Vaughan Rees	Dr. D. Vaughan Rees preaches about the remarkable incidents from the life of the Ye-Su Chia-ting, showcasing the power of faith, honesty, and transformation through encounters with
	Provision of the Covenant - Part 2 by Bill Stafford	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's covenant with His people. He explains that through the covenant, believers become one with Christ and
	(The Book of Acts) Session 11 by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the need for Christians to take action and make a difference in their country through prayer, witness, and distributing literature. The Holy S
	Book of Acts Series - Part 35 \| Your Potential by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential within ourselves and within the body of Christ. He highlights the love and unity among the early
	Homily 45 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of showing compassion, hospitality, and generosity to others, emphasizing the significance of serving Christ through serving those in nee
	God's Everlasting, Unchanging Love by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes God's everlasting and unchanging love, as declared in Jeremiah 31:3, highlighting that this profound love is extended even in the face of human rebellio