Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

1 SAMUEL 20:18KJV
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1 Samuel 20:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:18 mean?

1 Samuel 20:18 shows Jonathan warning David that his absence from the new moon gathering will be noticed. David’s empty place at the meal will make people aware that he has not come, making his absence part of the plan Jonathan and David are arranging.

Jonathan speaks to David about a gathering at King Saul’s table. The empty seat gives a visible sign of David’s absence, while the new moon marks the time when that absence will be noticed.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:18

  • “moon” — חֹדֶשׁ (ḥodesh): This word can refer to a new moon or a month. Here, it points to the start of a new month, marked by a gathering.
  • “missed” — פָּקַד (paqad): This word can carry the sense of noticing or taking account of someone. Here, David’s absence will come to people’s attention; “missed” does not necessarily mean they will feel affection for him.

Why 1 Samuel 20:18 matters

  • The verse sets up a way to learn Saul’s attitude toward David. Earlier, David proposes staying away so that Jonathan can observe Saul’s reaction (1 Samuel 20:5–7).
  • The gathering is more than a casual meal. Saul, Jonathan, and others have places at the table, so David’s place is noticeable when he is not there (1 Samuel 20:24–25).
  • David’s absence becomes a way for Jonathan to test the danger to him. Saul’s angry response later reveals his intention to have David killed (1 Samuel 20:30–33).

Where else these words appear

“seat” Hebrew H4186 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 10:30 And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east.
  • Leviticus 23:31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
  • Job 29:7 When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!

“morrow” Hebrew H4279 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Joshua 3:5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
  • 1 Samuel 28:19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

“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!