King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:25 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:25 in the King James Version says “And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Sa...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.”

1 Samuel 20:25 · KJV

Context

23

And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.

24

So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.

25

And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.

26

Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.

27

And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

Read 1 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.

The scene is carefully described: Saul in his customary seat by the wall (strategically positioned for security), Jonathan standing (perhaps nervous), Abner beside Saul, and David's place empty. The empty seat speaks loudly in a court where position mattered greatly. Every person present would notice the absence. The phrase 'as at other times' suggests normalcy punctuated by David's conspicuous absence. Sometimes what is missing reveals more than what is present.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Seating arrangements at royal tables reflected status and favor. Saul's wall seat provided protection from potential assassins. Abner as military commander held honored position. David's usual seat indicated his high standing at court.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'empty seats' in your community reveal about who is present and who is missing?
  2. How does the normalcy of routine heighten awareness of significant absences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב1 of 18

“sat”

H3427

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

הַ֠מֶּלֶךְ2 of 18

“And the king”

H4428

a king

עַל3 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מוֹשַׁב֙4 of 18

“even upon a seat”

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

בְּפַ֗עַם5 of 18

“as at other times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

בְּפַ֗עַם6 of 18

“as at other times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

אֶל7 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מוֹשַׁב֙8 of 18

“even upon a seat”

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

הַקִּ֔יר9 of 18

“by the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וַיָּ֙קָם֙10 of 18

“arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן11 of 18

“and Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב12 of 18

“sat”

H3427

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

אַבְנֵ֖ר13 of 18

“and Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

מִצַּ֣ד14 of 18

“side”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

שָׁא֑וּל15 of 18

“by Saul's”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיִּפָּקֵ֖ד16 of 18

“was empty”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

מְק֥וֹם17 of 18

“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)

דָּוִֽד׃18 of 18

“and David's”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

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 20:25 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 20:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 20:18Judges 16:20

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