And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.

1 SAMUEL 20:35KJV
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1 Samuel 20:35 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:35 mean?

1 Samuel 20:35 describes Jonathan going out to the field in the morning at the agreed-upon time with David, bringing a young boy with him. This sets the stage for Jonathan to secretly communicate with David, who is hiding nearby, using a prearranged signal.

Jonathan is King Saul’s son, and David is his close friend who is in danger from Saul. Earlier, Jonathan and David made a plan to use arrows and a young boy as a way for Jonathan to safely deliver a message to David without arousing suspicion. This verse shows Jonathan keeping his promise and moving forward with their secret plan.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:35

  • בֹּקֶר (boqer, "morning"): This word marks the timing as the start of the day, highlighting Jonathan’s urgency and faithfulness to the plan.
  • מוֹעֵד (mo‘ed, "appointed [time]"): This word often refers to a set meeting or a designated time, showing that Jonathan and David had carefully arranged this secret meeting in advance.
  • נַעַר (na‘ar, "lad"): This word means a young boy or servant. The presence of the boy is important because he serves as part of the cover for Jonathan’s actions, making the meeting look ordinary to anyone watching.

Why 1 Samuel 20:35 matters

  • This verse shows Jonathan’s loyalty to David and his carefulness in protecting their friendship, even when it puts him at risk with his father, Saul.
  • The mention of the "appointed time" and the use of a young boy highlight how much planning and secrecy were needed for David’s safety.
  • This moment sets up the dramatic communication that follows, where Jonathan will signal to David whether it is safe or not to return, deepening the tension and trust between the two friends.

Where else these words appear

“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 20:28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:
  • 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!

“little” Hebrew H6996 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • 1 Samuel 15:17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 34:30 And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD.