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1 Samuel 20:36

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 20:36 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he said unto his lad, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he said unto his lad, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
1 Samuel 20:36 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
33And Saul cast his spear at him to smite him; whereby Jonathan knew that is was determined of his father to put David to death.
34So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no food the second day of the month; for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
35And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.
36And he said unto his lad, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
37And 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?
38And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan`s lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.
39But the lad knew not anything: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
← 1 Samuel 20:351 Samuel 20:37 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he said unto his lad, run, find out now the arrows which I shoot, etc.] He no doubt told him the mark which he should shoot at, the stone Ezel, and bid him look out about that for them: [and] as the lad ran; before he had got to the mark: he shot an arrow beyond him: or it; beyond the lad, or beyond the mark he shot at; purposely shooting with great strength, that he might exceed, and thereby give notice to David how things stood, which was the sign agreed on.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot--The direction given aloud to the attendant was the signal preconcerted with David. It implied danger.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Run: Sa1 20:20, Sa1 20:21 beyond him: Heb. to pass over him, Sa1 20:21, Sa1 20:22 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 20:38”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Samuel 20 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification