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 20:37KJV
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1 Samuel 20:37 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:37 mean?

1 Samuel 20:37 describes the moment when Jonathan calls out to his servant boy after the boy reaches the spot where Jonathan’s arrow had landed, asking if the arrow is not beyond him. This 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, but the real message is meant for David, who is hiding nearby. The situation is tense: Saul, Jonathan’s father, wants to kill David, and Jonathan is helping David know if he is in danger. The words about the arrow are a pre-arranged code between Jonathan and David, not just a comment on the arrow’s location.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:37

  • "lad" (נַעַר, naʿar): This word refers to a young boy or servant, highlighting that Jonathan uses an innocent third party to deliver the secret message.
  • "arrow" (חֵץ, ḥēts): The arrow is not just a weapon here, but the key part of the signal system Jonathan and David set up.
  • "beyond" (הֲלוֹא, halō’): This word means "beyond" or "further than," and it is crucial for the code. If Jonathan says the arrow is beyond, it means danger for David.

Why 1 Samuel 20:37 matters

  • This verse shows how Jonathan and David used a clever, indirect way to communicate in a dangerous situation, protecting both the servant and themselves.
  • The use of a code emphasizes the deep trust and friendship between Jonathan and David, as well as the seriousness of the threat from Saul.
  • Understanding the context of the signal helps clarify that Jonathan’s words are not about archery, but about warning David, which is central to the story’s tension and emotion.

Where else these words appear

“arrow” Hebrew H2678 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Samuel 20:36 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 20:38 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.

“beyond” Hebrew H1973 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Numbers 32:19 For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.
  • Isaiah 18:7 In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion.

“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!

“shot” 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.