And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

1 SAMUEL 20:36KJV
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1 Samuel 20:36 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:36 mean?

1 Samuel 20:36 describes Jonathan telling his young servant to run and find the arrows he is about to shoot, and as the servant runs, Jonathan shoots an arrow beyond him. This action is part of a secret signal between Jonathan and David to communicate whether it is safe for David to return or if he must flee.

Jonathan is speaking to his servant (called a "lad" in the text) during a tense moment where he is helping his friend David avoid danger from King Saul. The shooting of the arrow beyond the servant is not just about retrieving arrows; it is a prearranged sign for David, who is hiding nearby, about the outcome of Jonathan’s conversation with Saul.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:36

  • "lad" (נַעַר, naʿar): This word refers to a young boy or servant. The use of "naʿar" highlights that Jonathan is using someone who would not understand the secret message, keeping the plan hidden from others.
  • "Run" (רוץ, ruts): Jonathan commands the servant to "run," emphasizing urgency and action, which fits the tense and secretive nature of the situation.
  • "beyond" (עָבַר, avar): The word means "to pass over" or "beyond." Jonathan shooting the arrow "beyond" the servant is the crucial part of the signal to David, indicating danger.

Why 1 Samuel 20:36 matters

  • This verse is key to understanding the secret communication between Jonathan and David, showing how they used an innocent activity (retrieving arrows) to hide their true intentions from others.
  • The detail that Jonathan shoots the arrow "beyond" the servant is not random; it is the agreed-upon sign that David should not return, revealing the depth of trust and planning between the two friends.
  • The verse sets the stage for the emotional farewell between Jonathan and David, highlighting the risks they both take to protect each other in a dangerous situation.

Where else these words appear

“arrow” Hebrew H2678 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Samuel 20:37 And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?
  • 1 Samuel 20:38 And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.
  • 2 Kings 9:24 And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.

“arrows” Hebrew H2671 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 49:23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:
  • Job 6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.
  • Proverbs 25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

“shoot” Hebrew H3384 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;
  • 1 Kings 8:36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

“Run” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.