King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:11 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:11 in the King James Version says “And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

1 Samuel 20:11 · KJV


Context

9

And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

10

Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?

11

And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

12

And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; sounded: Heb. searched shew: Heb. uncover thine ear

13

The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father. shew: Heb. uncover thine ear


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

Jonathan's invitation - 'Come, and let us go out into the field' - moved their conversation to a place of privacy. The field provided space away from palace observers and listeners. The phrase 'both of them' emphasizes their unity of purpose as they walked together into open ground. This field would become the location for their signal system and their final private farewell. Important conversations often require intentional removal from normal settings. Sometimes we must create space for vulnerability and commitment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fields outside cities offered privacy unavailable in palace courts. Ancient monarchies employed many servants who might overhear and report conversations. Jonathan's choice of location showed awareness of security concerns.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spaces do you create for private, vulnerable conversations with close friends?
  2. How does the setting affect the depth and honesty of significant discussions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 10

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙2 of 10

And Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

אֶל3 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֔ד4 of 10

unto David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְכָ֖ה5 of 10
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיֵּֽצְא֥וּ6 of 10

And they went out

H3318

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

הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃7 of 10

into the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

וַיֵּֽצְא֥וּ8 of 10

And they went out

H3318

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

שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם9 of 10

both

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃10 of 10

into the field

H7704

a field (as flat)


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 20:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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