And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

1 SAMUEL 20:11KJV
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1 Samuel 20:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:11 mean?

1 Samuel 20:11 marks a change of setting in a tense conversation. Jonathan invites David away from where they have been speaking, and both go into the field. The move prepares for Jonathan to speak with David about the danger David faces from Saul.

A field is an open area outside the immediate setting of their conversation. After David asks how he will learn Saul’s response in verse 10, Jonathan leads him there before continuing his answer. The verse presents Jonathan’s invitation and David’s agreement without recording any other action during the move.

Why 1 Samuel 20:11 matters

  • The invitation is Jonathan’s initiative. The words “Come, and let us go out” show him taking the lead as the conversation turns to what he will do for David.
  • Going together sets up a direct conversation between the two men. Jonathan begins speaking to David again in verse 12, addressing the question David has raised about Saul.
  • The setting belongs to a larger plan for David’s safety. Later in the passage, Jonathan describes how he will use arrows to signal what David should do (1 Samuel 20:18–22).

Where else these words appear

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3083 · used in 73 verses

  • Judges 18:30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.
  • 1 Samuel 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
  • 2 Samuel 9:6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!