If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.

1 SAMUEL 20:6KJV
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1 Samuel 20:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:6 mean?

1 Samuel 20:6 records David’s instructions to Jonathan about what to say if King Saul notices David’s absence: Jonathan should tell Saul that David asked permission to go to Bethlehem for a yearly family sacrifice. This is part of David’s plan to avoid Saul, who he suspects wants to harm him.

In this verse, David is speaking to Jonathan, Saul’s son, as they work together to test Saul’s intentions toward David. The setting is tense, with David fearing for his life and needing Jonathan’s help to find out if Saul truly means him harm. The mention of a “yearly sacrifice” in Bethlehem shows David using a believable reason for his absence, rooted in family and religious tradition.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:6

  • The word for “miss” is פָּקַד (paqad), which can mean to notice someone’s absence or to pay attention. Here, it highlights the expectation that Saul will be aware of David’s absence at the royal table.
  • The word for “earnestly asked” is שָׁאַל (sha’al), which means to ask or request. The doubling of this word in the Hebrew (emphasized in the tags as “earnestly asked”) shows David’s supposed eagerness or urgency in seeking permission.
  • The word for “run” is רוּץ (ruts), which literally means to run or hurry. This adds a sense of urgency to David’s request, making his absence seem more pressing and believable.
  • The word for “sacrifice” is זֶבַח (zevach), which refers to an animal sacrifice, often part of a communal or family religious event. Mentioning this gives David’s excuse a religious and familial legitimacy.

Why 1 Samuel 20:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies the careful planning and trust between David and Jonathan as they try to navigate Saul’s unpredictable behavior.
  • The details in David’s instructions show how seriously he takes the threat from Saul and how much he relies on Jonathan’s loyalty.
  • Understanding the cultural importance of family sacrifices in ancient Israel helps explain why David’s excuse would be convincing to Saul and others at court.

Where else these words appear

“Bethlehem” Hebrew H1035 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
  • Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
  • 2 Samuel 23:24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

“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.