What number verse is 1 Samuel 20:22 in the Bible?

1 Samuel 20:22 is the 7,753rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Samuel 20:22 sits at position 7,753.

Translation

King James Version

But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

But if I say ^H559 thus unto the young man ^H5958, Behold, the arrows ^H2671 are beyond ^H1973 thee; go thy way ^H3212: for the LORD ^H3068 hath sent thee away ^H7971.

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

But if I tell the boy, 'The arrows are out there, beyond you,' then get going, because ADONAI is sending you away.

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away.

Ask

American Standard Version

But if I say thus unto the boy, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way; for Jehovah hath sent thee away.

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

But if I say this to the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are beyond you;’ then go your way; for the LORD has sent you away.

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

But if I say thus vnto the boy, Behold, the arrowes are beyonde thee, goe thy way: for the Lord hath sent thee away.

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

And if thus I say to the young man, Lo, the arrows are beyond thee, --go, for Jehovah hath sent thee away;

Ask

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

This verse encapsulates the critical coded message from Jonathan to David, signaling the definitive end of David's safety at King Saul's court and the immediate necessity of his flight. Through a meticulously pre-arranged archery signal, Jonathan communicates that Saul's murderous intent is absolute and inescapable, compelling David to depart immediately. Crucially, Jonathan frames David's forced exile not merely as a human escape but as a divinely ordained "sending away," underscoring God's sovereign hand in protecting His anointed one and guiding his path even amidst profound persecution and separation.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: 1 Samuel 20:22 serves as the climax of a deeply emotional and strategic encounter between Jonathan and David, detailed in 1 Samuel 20. The preceding verses establish their covenant of friendship and Jonathan's solemn promise to ascertain Saul's true intentions towards David. They devise an elaborate plan involving David's absence from the new moon feast and Jonathan's subsequent archery practice with a young servant. The specific location of Jonathan's arrows and his verbal instructions to the servant would convey either safety ("on this side of you") or mortal danger ("beyond thee"). This verse delivers the latter, dire message, unequivocally confirming Saul's unwavering resolve to kill David. It immediately precedes the poignant and tearful farewell between the two friends, marking a profound turning point that initiates David's long and arduous period as a fugitive from Saul's relentless pursuit.
Historical & Cultural Context: The narrative unfolds during the tumultuous early years of Israel's monarchy, a period of transition from a decentralized tribal system to a centralized kingdom under Saul. Saul, chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23), views David, God's newly anointed successor (1 Samuel 16:13), as a direct threat to his insecure reign. The cultural backdrop emphasizes the sanctity of covenants, loyalty within friendships, and the profound implications of royal succession. Archery was a common military skill, making Jonathan's use of it for a covert signal both practical and believable. The concept of "sending away" (Hebrew: shalach) carried significant weight, often denoting a legal dismissal, a divorce, or even a divine commission or expulsion, which would have resonated deeply with the original audience as more than mere personal advice.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the extraordinary loyalty and sacrificial friendship between Jonathan and David, a bond that transcends familial and political loyalties, demonstrating a profound love that serves as a biblical paradigm for covenant friendship. Secondly, it underscores the theme of divine providence and protection, illustrating God's active hand in safeguarding His anointed one and orchestrating David's path, even through periods of hardship and forced displacement. Jonathan's declaration, "the LORD hath sent thee away," elevates David's flight from a desperate escape to a divinely sanctioned departure. Thirdly, it solidifies the theme of Saul's escalating paranoia and rejection by God, as his relentless pursuit of David confirms his complete departure from God's will. This verse initiates David's long and formative wilderness period, a time of refining and preparation for his eventual reign, illustrating how God uses adversity to shape His chosen leaders, as vividly portrayed in the broader narrative of David's fugitive life.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

"arrows" (Hebrew, chêts): This word (H2671) refers to a "piercer," specifically an arrow, dart, or shaft. In this context, the arrows are not merely projectiles but serve as symbolic instruments of communication. Their placement "beyond" David signifies the reach and inescapable nature of Saul's murderous intent, indicating that the danger has extended far past any point of safety or reconciliation.
"beyond" (Hebrew, hâlᵉʼâh): This adverb (H1973) denotes a position "to the distance," "far away," or "on the other side." In Jonathan's coded message, "the arrows are beyond thee" means they have landed too far, signifying that David must not approach. It metaphorically communicates that the threat from Saul is not merely close but has surpassed any boundary of safety, necessitating immediate and distant flight. It conveys an insurmountable distance of peril.
"LORD" (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh): This is the proper name of God (H3068), the self-Existent or Eternal One, often rendered "Jehovah" or "the Lord." Its inclusion in Jonathan's final statement, "for the LORD hath sent thee away," is profoundly significant. It attributes David's necessary departure not to human machinations or Saul's malice alone, but to the sovereign will and active involvement of the covenant God of Israel. This elevates David's flight to a divinely sanctioned act, providing theological weight and assurance amidst uncertainty.
"sent thee away" (Hebrew, shâlach): The verb (H7971) means "to send away, dismiss, let go." The Piel stem, used here, emphasizes a definitive, forceful, or purposeful sending or dismissal. When Jonathan states that "the LORD hath sent thee away," it implies a complete and irreversible expulsion or dispatch. This is not merely an escape but a divinely ordained relocation, indicating that God Himself is directing David's path, protecting him from Saul, and preparing him for his future role.

Verse Breakdown

"But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows [are] beyond thee;": This clause reveals the pre-arranged, life-or-death coded message. Jonathan's seemingly innocuous words to his attendant, overheard by David, serve as the unequivocal signal. The phrase "the arrows are beyond thee" is the critical indicator, signifying that the danger from King Saul is absolute, pervasive, and that David must under no circumstances return to the court. It confirms the full extent of Saul's murderous intent and the mortal peril David faces.
"go thy way:": This is the immediate, urgent, and direct command to David. It is an imperative, conveying the desperate necessity of flight. Given the context of confirmed mortal danger, "go thy way" is not a casual suggestion but a desperate plea for David to save his life by putting as much distance as possible between himself and Saul, initiating his period as a fugitive.
"for the LORD hath sent thee away.": This concluding phrase provides the profound theological justification and ultimate authority for David's flight. Jonathan attributes David's necessary departure not merely to Saul's hostility or even his own warning, but to God's sovereign will and active intervention. This declaration transforms David's desperate escape into a divinely sanctioned journey, assuring him that his path, though difficult, is part of God's purposeful plan to protect His anointed one and prepare him for his future leadership. It underscores that God is actively at work even in the midst of human malice and forced displacement.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Foreshadowing is prominent, as Jonathan's coded message explicitly predicts David's immediate future as a fugitive, setting the stage for the long and arduous period of his life on the run from Saul. The use of Symbolism is central, with the arrows representing not merely projectiles but the reach and severity of Saul's murderous intent; their landing "beyond" David symbolizes the insurmountable and pervasive nature of the danger. The entire exchange functions as a sophisticated Coded Language or Euphemism, allowing Jonathan to convey a life-or-death warning without directly implicating himself or alarming his father's servants, demonstrating his cunning, loyalty, and discretion. Furthermore, the phrase "the LORD hath sent thee away" serves as a powerful instance of Divine Commentary or Prophetic Insight, as Jonathan, speaking with spiritual discernment, articulates God's active hand in David's circumstances, imbuing David's flight with profound theological significance beyond mere human escape.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This pivotal verse underscores the profound theological truth that God's sovereign hand guides the paths of His chosen ones, even through periods of intense persecution and forced displacement. Jonathan's declaration, "the LORD hath sent thee away," transforms David's desperate flight into a divinely sanctioned journey, assuring David (and the reader) that his trials are not outside of God's control but are, in fact, part of His purposeful plan. This narrative highlights the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty, demonstrating how God works through human relationships, acts of loyalty, and even hostile circumstances to accomplish His ultimate will. It also powerfully illustrates the nature of true covenant loyalty, reflecting a deeper divine faithfulness that mirrors God's own unwavering commitment to His promises.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The story of David and Jonathan, culminating in this poignant moment of necessary separation, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate friendships rooted in genuine loyalty and self-sacrifice, where we are willing to speak hard truths or offer costly support for the well-being of others, even when it demands personal sacrifice. Jonathan's clear warning, delivered with divine insight, reminds us of the importance of heeding timely warnings, whether from trusted counsel, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, or discerning the signs of the times. More profoundly, David's forced departure, framed as God "sending him away," invites us to reframe our own experiences of hardship, displacement, or unexpected detours. When circumstances compel us down difficult or uncertain paths, we can find solace and strength in the belief that God is sovereign, and even in our "wilderness" experiences, He is actively working, protecting, and preparing us for His purposes. Our flight might indeed be His sending, a divinely orchestrated step towards a greater destiny, shaping us for the roles He has prepared.

Questions for Reflection

How does Jonathan's loyalty to David challenge your understanding of true friendship and self-sacrifice?
In what ways might God be "sending you away" or redirecting your path, even through difficult circumstances?
How can you cultivate discernment to recognize and respond to "arrows beyond you" – warnings or signals – in your own life?
How does the idea of God's sovereignty in David's flight bring comfort or challenge to your personal trials?

FAQ

What does "the LORD hath sent thee away" truly mean in this context?

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant because it elevates David's necessary departure from a mere human decision or a strategic retreat from Saul's murderous intent to an action sanctioned, permitted, or even orchestrated by God Himself. Jonathan, in his deep spiritual discernment, recognizes that David's flight is part of God's divine plan to protect His anointed one and prepare him for his future role as king. It assures David that God is actively involved in his life, even amidst persecution and uncertainty, underscoring God's sovereignty over human events, even those driven by malice. It suggests that David's path as a fugitive is not a random misfortune but a purposeful step in God's unfolding plan.

Why did Jonathan use such an elaborate signal with arrows instead of just telling David directly?

Answer: Jonathan resorted to this elaborate coded signal primarily for secrecy and safety. King Saul was consumed by paranoia and jealousy, and his court was likely filled with informers. Any direct, open communication between Jonathan and David about Saul's murderous intentions would have been extremely dangerous for both of them, potentially leading to Jonathan being implicated in treason or David being immediately apprehended. The archery practice provided a plausible, innocent cover for their communication, allowing Jonathan to convey a life-or-death message without arousing Saul's suspicion or endangering himself and his young servant. It was a clever and desperate measure to protect David's life while maintaining a semblance of normalcy.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The narrative of David's divinely sanctioned flight, initiated by Jonathan's warning in 1 Samuel 20:22, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "sending away" and subsequent return of the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ. Just as David was God's anointed King, rejected and pursued by a jealous earthly ruler, so too was Jesus, the true King of Israel, rejected by His own people and pursued by hostile authorities, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Yet, Jesus's "sending away" was not an escape from danger but a deliberate, redemptive journey to the cross, a divine imperative for the salvation of humanity. He was "sent" by the Father not to flee, but to accomplish redemption, as He Himself declared, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order to that the world might be saved through him" John 3:16-17. Furthermore, just as David's period of exile prepared him for his reign, Jesus's departure from earth through ascension was a necessary "sending away" that prepared the way for the sending of the Holy Spirit John 16:7 and His eventual glorious return to establish His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the promise of a King who would reign forever Luke 1:32-33. Thus, David's divinely sanctioned flight points to the deeper, redemptive purpose of Christ's mission and ultimate triumph over sin and death.

Copy as

Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 9–23

9 ¶ And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

10 Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?

11 And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;

13 The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:

15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.

17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

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

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.

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.

22 But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.

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

Here, I. Jonathan protests his fidelity to David in his distress. Notwithstanding the strong confidence David had in Jonathan, yet, because he might have some reason to fear that his father's influence, and his own interest, should make him warp, or grow cool towards him, Jonathan thought it requisite solemnly to renew the professions of his friendship to him (Sa1 20:9): "Far be it from thee to think that I suspect thee of any crime for which I should either slay thee myself or deliver thee to my father; no, if thou hast any jealousy of that, Come let us go into the field (Sa1 20:11), and talk it over more fully." He did not challenge him to the field to fight him for an affront, but to fix him in his friendship. He faithfully promised him that he would let him know how, upon trial, he found his father affected towards him, and would make the matter neither better nor worse than it was. "If there be good towards thee, I will show it thee, that thou mayest be easy (Sa1 20:12), if evil, I will send thee away, that thou mayest be safe" (Sa1 20:13); and thus he would help to deliver him from the evil if it were real and from the fear of evil if it were but imaginary. For the confirmation of his promise he appeals to God, 1. As a witness (Sa1 20:12): "O Lord God of Israel, thou knowest I mean sincerely, and think as I speak." The strength of his passion made the manner of his speaking concise and abrupt. 2. As a judge: "The Lord do so and much more to Jonathan (Sa1 20:13), if I speak deceitfully, or break my word with my friend." He expressed himself thus solemnly that David might be abundantly assured of his sincerity. And thus God has confirmed his promises to us, that we might have strong consolation, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. Jonathan adds to his protestations his hearty prayers: "The Lord be with thee, to protect and prosper thee, as he has been formerly with my father, though now he has withdrawn." Thus he imitates his belief that David would be in his father's place, and his good wishes that he might prosper in it better than his father now did.

II. He provides for the entail of the covenant of friendship with David upon his posterity, Sa1 20:14-16. He engages David to be a friend to his family when he was gone (Sa1 20:15): Thou shalt promise that thou wilt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever. This he spoke from a natural affection he had to his children, whom he desired it might go well with after his decease, and for whose future welfare he desired to improve his present interest. It also intimates his firm belief of David's advancement, and that it would be in the power of his hand to do a kindness or unkindness to his seed; for, in process of time, the Lord would cut off his enemies, Saul himself was not expected; then "Do not thou cut off thy kindness from my house, nor revenge my father's wrongs upon my children." The house of David must likewise be bound to the house of Jonathan from generation to generation; he made a covenant (Sa1 20:16) with the house of David. Note, True friends cannot but covet to transmit to theirs after them their mutual affections. Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. This kindness, 1. He calls the kindness of the Lord, because it is such kindness as God shows to those he takes into covenant with himself; for he is a God to them and to their seed; they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 2. He secures it by an imprecation (Sa1 20:16): The Lord require it at the hand of David's seed (for of David himself he had no suspicion) if they prove so far David's enemies as to deal wrongfully with the posterity of Jonathan, David's friend. He feared lest David, or some of his, should hereafter be tempted, for the clearing and confirming of their title to the throne, to do by his seed as Abimelech had done by the sons of Gideon (Jdg 9:5), and this he would effectually prevent; but the reason given (Sa1 20:17) why Jonathan was so earnest to have the friendship entailed is purely generous, and has nothing of self in it; it was because he loved him as he loved his own soul, and therefore desired that he and his might be beloved by him. David, though now in disgrace at court and in distress, was as amiable in the eyes of Jonathan as ever he had been, and he loved him never the less for his father's hating him, so pure were the principles on which his friendship was built. Having himself sworn to David, he caused David to swear to him, and (as we read it) to swear again, which David consented to (for he that bears an honest mind does not startle at assurances), to swear by his love to him, which he looked upon as a sacred thing. Jonathan's heart was so much upon it that, when they parted this time, he concluded with a solemn appeal to God: The Lord be between me and thee for ever (Sa1 20:23), that is, "God himself be judge between us and our families for ever, if on either side this league of friendship be violated." It was in remembrance of this covenant that David was kind to Mephibosheth, Sa2 9:7; Sa2 21:7. It will be a kindness to ourselves and ours to secure an interest in those whom God favours and to make his friends ours.

III. He settles the method of intelligence, and by what signs and tokens he would give him notice how his father stood affected towards him. David would be missed the first day, or at least the second day, of the new moon, and would be enquired after, Sa1 20:18. On the third day, by which time he would have returned from Bethlehem, he must be at such a place (Sa1 20:19), and Jonathan would come towards that place with his bow and arrows to shoot for diversion (Sa1 20:20), would send his lad to fetch his arrows, and, if they were shot short of the lad, David must take it for a signal of safety, and not be afraid to show his head (Sa1 20:21); but, if he shot beyond the lad, it was a signal of danger, and he must shift for his safety, Sa1 20:22. This expedient he fixed lest he should not have the opportunity, which yet it proved he had, of talking with David, and making the report by word of mouth.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–23. Public domain.

Copy as

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

Copy as

Continue studying 1 Samuel 20:22 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.