And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.

1 SAMUEL 20:29KJV
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1 Samuel 20:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:29 mean?

1 Samuel 20:29 records the message Jonathan gives to Saul as David’s excuse for missing the king’s meal: David has supposedly gone to his hometown for a family sacrifice, because his brother requested his presence. Jonathan asks Saul to accept this reason for David’s absence, saying David wanted to see his family if Saul approved.

Jonathan is speaking to his father Saul, explaining why David is not at the royal table. The situation is tense—David is hiding because Saul wants to kill him, and Jonathan is covering for his friend. The verse shows Jonathan using a believable reason (a family sacrifice in the city) to protect David, highlighting the danger David is in and the loyalty between the two friends.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:29

  • "sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach): This word refers to an animal offering, usually part of a communal or family religious event. Mentioning a family sacrifice makes David’s absence sound both urgent and respectable.
  • "found favour" (מָצָא חֵן, matsa chen): This phrase means to find grace or approval in someone’s eyes. Jonathan uses it to politely ask Saul to accept David’s absence, softening the request.
  • "commanded" (צָוָה, tsavah): This word means to order or direct. Jonathan says David’s brother "commanded" him to come, making the request seem like a family obligation David could not refuse.

Why 1 Samuel 20:29 matters

  • The verse clarifies that David’s absence is not accidental or disrespectful; it is presented as a necessary family duty, which would be a strong social reason in ancient Israel.
  • This verse is key in the story’s tension, as it tests Saul’s reaction and reveals whether he truly intends harm toward David.
  • The wording shows Jonathan’s careful diplomacy, using respectful language and plausible details to protect his friend while addressing his father the king.