And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.

1 SAMUEL 20:19KJV
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1 Samuel 20:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:19 mean?

1 Samuel 20:19 gives David instructions to hide by a specific stone called Ezel after staying away for three days. Jonathan tells David to return secretly to the same hiding place they used before, so they can carry out a plan to communicate safely about Saul’s intentions.

In this verse, Jonathan is speaking to David during a tense time when David’s life is in danger from King Saul. Jonathan and David are arranging a secret meeting spot, using the stone Ezel as a landmark, so Jonathan can safely pass information to David about whether it is safe for him to return to Saul’s court. This careful planning shows the danger David faced and the trust between the two friends.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:19

  • "Hide" (סָתַר, satar): This word means to conceal oneself or to be hidden. Jonathan is not just telling David to leave, but to actively find a place where he will not be discovered, highlighting the seriousness of the threat.
  • "Stone" (אֶבֶן, even) and "Ezel" (אֵצֶל, etzel): The stone called Ezel is a specific landmark. The name "Ezel" likely means "departure" or "going away," which fits the context of David hiding and possibly having to flee.
  • "Business" (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma’aseh): This word refers to an important matter or event. Jonathan is reminding David of a previous time when he had to hide because of urgent, dangerous circumstances, connecting their current plan to past experiences.

Why 1 Samuel 20:19 matters

  • This verse shows the careful planning and trust between Jonathan and David, making clear how dangerous the situation was for David.
  • The mention of the stone Ezel as a landmark helps the reader picture the real, physical setting and the secretive nature of their meeting.
  • Understanding the original words for "hide" and "business" highlights just how serious and life-threatening David’s situation was, not just a casual hiding but a matter of survival.

Where else these words appear

“days” Hebrew H8027 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Deuteronomy 19:3 Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

“by” Hebrew H681 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
  • 1 Kings 10:19 The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.
  • Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

“hide” Hebrew H5641 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.