1 Samuel 20:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:28 mean?

1 Samuel 20:28 tells us that Jonathan explained to Saul that David had asked him for permission to go to Bethlehem. Jonathan is giving Saul a reason for David’s absence from the royal table, saying David requested leave to visit his hometown.

Jonathan is speaking directly to his father, King Saul, during a tense meal where David’s absence is being noticed. The situation is delicate because Saul is suspicious of David, and Jonathan is trying to protect his friend by giving a believable explanation. This verse is part of a larger story where Jonathan and David are testing Saul’s intentions toward David.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:28

• "Jonathan" (יוֹנָתָן, Yonatan): The name means "Yahweh has given." Jonathan is the one answering Saul, and his loyalty to David is a key part of this story.
• "answered" (עָנָה, ‘anah): This word often means to respond or reply, showing Jonathan is directly addressing Saul’s question or concern.
• "earnestly asked" / "asked" (שָׁאַל, sha’al): The same Hebrew root is used twice here, which can give a sense of emphasis—David really did request, or asked with insistence, to go to Bethlehem.
• "Bethlehem" (בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beit Lechem): The name means "house of bread." Mentioning Bethlehem grounds the story in a real place and reminds readers of David’s family roots.

Why 1 Samuel 20:28 matters

• This verse clarifies that Jonathan is actively protecting David by providing Saul with a plausible reason for David’s absence, showing the depth of Jonathan’s loyalty.
• The double use of the word "asked" in Hebrew highlights that David’s request was earnest, not casual, which strengthens Jonathan’s explanation to Saul.
• The mention of Bethlehem connects the story to David’s family background and sets up later events in David’s life, reminding readers of his humble origins.