King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 16:20 Mean?

1 Samuel 16:20 in the King James Version says “And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid , and sent them by David his son unto Saul.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid , and sent them by David his son unto Saul.”

1 Samuel 16:20 · KJV

Context

18

Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. matters: or, speech

19

Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.

20

And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid , and sent them by David his son unto Saul.

21

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer .

22

And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.

Read 1 Samuel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.

Jesse's gifts followed ancient Near Eastern protocol for approaching royalty - bread for sustenance, wine for celebration, a young goat for sacrifice or feasting. The donkey-load indicates substantial tribute appropriate for a king. Jesse's careful provision demonstrates both respect for royal authority and investment in his son's success. David's transition from shepherd's bag to courtly gifts marks his entry into a larger world.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tribute gifts (Hebrew minchah) were customary when approaching superiors. The combination of provisions - grain, drink, and meat - represented a complete meal of hospitality. Jesse's gift was generous but not extravagant, appropriate for a prosperous but not noble family.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do material gifts appropriately honor those in positions of authority?
  2. What does Jesse's careful preparation teach about supporting those entering new callings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 15

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

יִשַׁ֜י2 of 15

“And Jesse”

H3448

jishai, david's father

חֲמ֥וֹר3 of 15

“an ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

לֶ֙חֶם֙4 of 15

“laden with bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְנֹ֣אד5 of 15

“and a bottle”

H4997

a (skin or leather) bag (for fluids)

יַ֔יִן6 of 15

“of wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וּגְדִ֥י7 of 15

“kid”

H1423

a young goat (from browsing)

עִזִּ֖ים8 of 15
H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

אֶחָ֑ד9 of 15

“and a”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַיִּשְׁלַ֛ח10 of 15

“and sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּיַד11 of 15

“them by”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

דָּוִ֥ד12 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּנ֖וֹ13 of 15

“his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶל14 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁאֽוּל׃15 of 15

“unto Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 16:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 16:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:27Proverbs 18:161 Samuel 17:182 Samuel 16:1-21 Samuel 25:18Genesis 43:11

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 16 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes