King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:19 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:19 in the King James Version says “And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyse...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. quickly: or, diligently: Heb. greatly when the: Heb. in the day of the business Ezel: or, that sheweth the way”

1 Samuel 20:19 · KJV

Context

17

And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul. because: or, by his love toward him

18

Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. empty: Heb. missed

19

And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. quickly: or, diligently: Heb. greatly when the: Heb. in the day of the business Ezel: or, that sheweth the way

20

And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.

21

And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth. no hurt: Heb. not any thing

Read 1 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.

Jonathan's instructions reference 'the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand' - a familiar location from a previous crisis. The 'stone Ezel' (possibly meaning 'departure' or 'stone of parting') served as the agreed meeting point. The three-day waiting period allowed events to unfold fully. Jonathan's detailed planning shows that faith does not preclude careful preparation. The stone would witness their final farewell - landmarks often acquire significance from the events that occur there.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Landmarks like large stones served as meeting points before modern navigation. The name 'Ezel' may have commemorated earlier departure or carried significance now lost. Previous hiding locations provided tested security for dangerous meetings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What physical locations hold spiritual significance from important events in your life?
  2. How does careful planning complement trust in God's protection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙1 of 15

“And when thou hast stayed three days”

H8027

to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years)

תֵּרֵ֣ד2 of 15

“then thou shalt go down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מְאֹ֔ד3 of 15

“quickly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וּבָאתָ֙4 of 15

“and come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל5 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֔וֹם6 of 15

“to the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר7 of 15
H834

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

נִסְתַּ֥רְתָּ8 of 15

“where thou didst hide”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

שָּׁ֖ם9 of 15
H8033

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

בְּי֣וֹם10 of 15

“thyself when”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה11 of 15

“the business”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וְיָ֣שַׁבְתָּ֔12 of 15

“was in hand and shalt remain”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֵ֖צֶל13 of 15

“by”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

הָאֶ֥בֶן14 of 15

“the stone”

H68

a stone

הָאָֽזֶל׃15 of 15

“Ezel”

H237

ezel, a memorial stone in palestine

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 20:19 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 20:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 19:21 Samuel 20:5

Places in This Verse

EzelSpecial Place · Modern: Jaba · 31.86°N, 35.26°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in 1 Samuel 20 →

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