And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

1 SAMUEL 20:27KJV
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1 Samuel 20:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:27 mean?

1 Samuel 20:27 describes how, on the second day of a festival meal, King Saul noticed that David was absent again and questioned his son Jonathan about why David, referred to as "the son of Jesse," had not come to eat either the previous day or that day. Saul’s question shows his growing suspicion and concern over David’s absence.

This scene takes place during a multi-day feast at Saul’s court, where attendance was expected of important officials like David. Saul is speaking directly to Jonathan, his own son and David’s close friend. The verse highlights the tension in the royal family and sets up the confrontation that follows, as Saul’s inquiry is not just about a missing guest but about deeper issues of loyalty and fear.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:27

  • "second" — שֵׁנִי (sheni): This word marks that it is the second day of the month, which in the Hebrew calendar often meant a special festival or new moon celebration, making David’s absence more noticeable.
  • "empty" — פָּקַד (paqad): Here, this word is used to mean "missing" or "absent," emphasizing that David’s place at the table was expected and his absence was significant.
  • "meat" — לֶחֶם (lechem): This word literally means "bread" but is often used for a meal in general. Saul is asking why David has not come to share in the communal meal, which was a sign of fellowship and loyalty.

Why 1 Samuel 20:27 matters

  • This verse shows how David’s absence was not just a casual matter but a public and dangerous statement, given the expectations of Saul’s court.
  • Saul’s use of "the son of Jesse" instead of David’s name hints at his growing hostility and emotional distance from David.
  • The question sets up the dramatic events that follow, as Jonathan must now answer his father and protect David, deepening the conflict between Saul and those loyal to David.

Where else these words appear

“yesterday” Hebrew H8543 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Exodus 21:36 Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
  • Ruth 2:11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

“morrow” Hebrew H4283 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 19:34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
  • Numbers 11:32 And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.
  • 1 Samuel 5:4 And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

“Jesse” Hebrew H3448 · used in 39 verses

  • Ruth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
  • 1 Samuel 16:22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
  • 2 Samuel 20:1 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

“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!