1 Samuel 20:37 Meaning and Explanation
“And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As the boy reaches the arrow, Jonathan calls out that it lies beyond him, confirming the danger signal for David.
What Does 1 Samuel 20:37 Mean?
When the boy nears the spot, Jonathan shouts the prearranged words: is not the arrow beyond thee? To the servant it is a simple direction; to David, hidden nearby, it is the unmistakable warning that he must flee for his life. The same words carry two meanings at once.
Jonathan speaks to the boy but his heart is aimed at David. The coded cry lets him deliver the verdict of exile while keeping his friend concealed. So a word of love can travel disguised, reaching the one for whom it is truly meant, even when watching eyes must be kept from the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 20:37
What does 1 Samuel 20:37 mean?
As the boy reaches the arrow, Jonathan calls out that it lies beyond him, confirming the danger signal for David.