King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 19:3 Mean?

1 Samuel 19:3 in the King James Version says “And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.

1 Samuel 19:3 · KJV


Context

1

And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.

2

But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

3

And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.

4

And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:

5

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.

Jonathan's plan demonstrates strategic wisdom: he would 'stand beside' ('amad 'etsel) his father, positioning himself to observe and influence while David remained safely hidden. The promise 'what I see, that I will tell thee' commits to complete transparency. Jonathan functioned as intelligence gatherer and advocate simultaneously. The field setting allowed private conversation away from court observers. Such careful planning shows that faith does not preclude prudent action - Jonathan trusted God while taking practical steps to protect his friend.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Private conversations in fields away from palace courts were common for sensitive matters. Standing beside someone indicated close access and influence. Jonathan's dual role as son and advocate gave him unique position to both discover and shape his father's intentions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance trusting God with taking practical steps for protection?
  2. What does Jonathan's strategic positioning teach about wise advocacy for others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַֽאֲנִ֨י1 of 18
H589

i

אֵצֵ֜א2 of 18

And I will go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְעָֽמַדְתִּ֣י3 of 18

and stand

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְיַד4 of 18

beside

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

אָבִ֑י5 of 18

my father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בַּשָּׂדֶה֙6 of 18

in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַתָּ֣ה8 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שָׁ֔ם9 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וַֽאֲנִ֕י10 of 18
H589

i

אֲדַבֵּ֥ר11 of 18

where thou art and I will commune

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּךָ֖12 of 18
H0
אֶל13 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָבִ֑י14 of 18

my father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְרָאִ֥יתִי15 of 18

I see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מָ֖ה16 of 18

of thee and what

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

וְהִגַּ֥דְתִּי17 of 18

that I will tell

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָֽךְ׃18 of 18
H0

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 19:3 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 19:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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