King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:27 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:27 in the King James Version says “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 un... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

1 Samuel 20:27 · KJV


Context

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?

28

And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:

29

And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

The second day's empty seat forced Saul to speak. His reference to 'the son of Jesse' rather than 'David' deliberately distanced and diminished - reducing David to his father's offspring rather than acknowledging him by name or relationship. The question 'neither yesterday, nor to day' revealed growing agitation. Saul's inability to maintain silence exposed what he had tried to hide from Jonathan. The test was working; Saul's concern about David's whereabouts betrayed his sinister interest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Referring to someone by patronymic ('son of Jesse') rather than personal name could indicate distance or disdain. The two-day absence exceeded ceremonial uncleanness excuses. Saul's question marked the turning point where his hidden agenda began emerging.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the language people use to describe others reveal about their true feelings?
  2. How does time pressure often force hidden agendas to surface?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִֽמָּחֳרַ֤ת2 of 23

And it came to pass on the morrow

H4283

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

הַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙3 of 23

day of the month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשֵּׁנִ֔י4 of 23

which was the second

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וַיִּפָּקֵ֖ד5 of 23

was empty

H6485

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

מְק֣וֹם6 of 23

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)

דָּוִ֑ד7 of 23

that David's

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר8 of 23

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁאוּל֙9 of 23

and Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶל10 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֣ן11 of 23

unto Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

בֶן12 of 23

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

מַדּ֜וּעַ13 of 23
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

לֹא14 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בָ֧א15 of 23

Wherefore cometh

H935

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

בֶן16 of 23

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

יִשַׁ֛י17 of 23

of Jesse

H3448

jishai, david's father

גַּם18 of 23
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

תְּמ֥וֹל19 of 23

neither yesterday

H8543

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

גַּם20 of 23
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הַיּ֖וֹם21 of 23

nor to day

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

אֶל22 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַלָּֽחֶם׃23 of 23

to meat

H3899

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


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 20:27 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 20:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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