1 Samuel 20:35
New International Version
In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him,

New Living Translation
The next morning, as agreed, Jonathan went out into the field and took a young boy with him to gather his arrows.

English Standard Version
In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and with him a little boy.

Berean Standard Bible
In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him.

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him.

King James Bible
And 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.

New King James Version
And so it was, in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad was with him.

New American Standard Bible
Now it came about in the morning that Jonathan went out to the field at the time agreed upon with David, and a little boy was with him.

NASB 1995
Now it came about in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field for the appointment with David, and a little lad was with him.

NASB 1977
Now it came about in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field for the appointment with David, and a little lad was with him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field for the appointment with David, and a very young man was with him.

Amplified Bible
In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the meeting with David, and a young boy was with him.

Berean Annotated Bible
In the morning Jonathan (YHWH has given) went out to the field for the appointment with David (beloved), and a small boy was with him.

Christian Standard Bible
In the morning Jonathan went out to the countryside for the appointed meeting with David. A young servant was with him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointed meeting with David. A small young man was with him.

American Standard Version
And 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.

Contemporary English Version
In the morning, Jonathan went out to the field to meet David. He took a servant boy along

English Revised Version
And 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the morning Jonathan went out to the country to the place he and David had agreed on. Jonathan had a young boy with him.

Good News Translation
The following morning Jonathan went to the fields to meet David, as they had agreed. He took a young boy with him

International Standard Version
In the morning Jonathan, accompanied by a servant, went out to the field for the appointment with David.

NET Bible
The next morning Jonathan, along with a young servant, went out to the field to meet David.

New Heart English Bible
It happened in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little boy with him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And 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.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him.

World English Bible
In the morning, Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little boy with him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass in the morning, that Jonathan goes out into the field for the appointment with David, and a little youth [is] with him.

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him.

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass in the morning, that Jonathan goeth out into the field for the appointment with David, and a little youth is with him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be in the morning, and Jonathan will go forth to the field to the appointment, David and a small boy with him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the morning came, Jonathan went into the field, according to the appointment with David, and a little boy with him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the morning had begun to dawn, Jonathan went into the field according to the agreement with David, and a young boy was with him.

New American Bible
The next morning Jonathan, accompanied by a young boy, went out into the field for his appointment with David.

New Revised Standard Version
In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and with him was a little boy.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass in the morning, Jonathan went out into the field to meet David, and a little lad was with him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was dawn, and Jonathan went out to the field to meet David, and a young boy with him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And 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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And morning came, and Jonathan went out to the field, as he appointed to do for a signal to David, and a little boy was with him.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan
34Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger and did not eat any food that second day of the month, for he was grieved by his father’s shameful treatment of David. 35 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him. 36He said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” And as the boy ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.…

Cross References
In the morning

Joshua 6:12
Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of the LORD.

Exodus 34:4
So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals. He rose early in the morning, and taking the two stone tablets in his hands, he went up Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him.

Genesis 19:27
Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD.
Jonathan went out to the field

1 Samuel 19:2-3
so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there. / I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, so I can ask about you. And if I find out anything, I will tell you.”

Genesis 24:63-65
Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field to meditate, and looking up, he saw the camels approaching. / And when Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she got down from her camel / and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.

Ruth 2:3
So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.
for the appointment with David,

1 Samuel 23:16-18
And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

Genesis 31:44-49
Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” / So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, / and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. …

Exodus 19:10-11
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes / and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
and a small boy was with him.

Genesis 22:5
“Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants. “The boy and I will go over there to worship, and then we will return to you.”

John 6:9
“Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?”

Matthew 18:2-4
Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. / Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
1 Samuel 18:3-4
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. / And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

1 Samuel 19:1-2
Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, / so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.

2 Samuel 1:26
I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.

2 Kings 2:2
and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.


Treasury of Scripture

And 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.

at the time

1 Samuel 20:19
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.

2 Samuel 20:5
So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.

Jump to Previous
Agreed Appointed Appointment Boy David Jonathan Little Meeting Morning Small Time Youth
Jump to Next
Agreed Appointed Appointment Boy David Jonathan Little Meeting Morning Small Time Youth
1 Samuel 20
1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety
11. Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath
18. Jonathan's token to David
23. Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan
35. Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David












In the morning

Jonathan acted promptly after Saul’s hostility toward David had been confirmed. The new day brought the decisive moment when Jonathan would reveal whether David could safely remain near Saul’s court.

Jos 6:12 Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests…
Exo 34:4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals.…
Gen 19:27 Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned…

Jonathan went out to the field

He chose the agreed location outside the city, where David could remain hidden and Jonathan could communicate without attracting attention. Saul’s growing suspicion made secrecy necessary.

1Sa 19:2-3 My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on guard…
Gen 24:63-65 Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field…
Rut 2:3 So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned…

for the appointment with David,

Jonathan faithfully kept the arrangement he had made with David. Their meeting would determine David’s immediate future and test Jonathan’s willingness to protect his friend despite the danger from his father.

1Sa 23:16-18 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh…
Gen 31:44-49 Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I…
Exo 19:10-11 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people…

and a small boy was with him.

The boy provided a natural reason for Jonathan to go into the field and allowed him to use the arrows as a signal to David. Unaware of the danger surrounding them, the child helped conceal Jonathan’s actions from Saul’s servants.

Gen 22:5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants…
Jhn 6:9 Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish.…
Mat 18:2-4 Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Jonathan is known for his loyalty and covenant friendship with David, even in the face of his father Saul's hostility towards David.

2. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point in the account, David is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.

3. The Field
The location where Jonathan and David had arranged to meet. It serves as a neutral and secretive place for their communication, away from the prying eyes of Saul's court.

4. The Small Boy
An unnamed servant accompanying Jonathan. He is unaware of the true purpose of the meeting and serves as a cover for Jonathan's communication with David.

5. The Appointment
A pre-arranged meeting between Jonathan and David, where Jonathan would signal to David about Saul's intentions using arrows as a sign.
Teaching Points
Loyalty in Friendship
Jonathan's actions demonstrate the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in friendships, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

Courage to Stand for Righteousness
Jonathan's willingness to defy his father, King Saul, in order to protect David shows the courage required to stand for what is right, even against powerful opposition.

God's Sovereignty in Relationships
The friendship between Jonathan and David is a testament to God's providence in bringing people together for His purposes. It reminds us to value and nurture the relationships God places in our lives.

The Role of Discretion
Jonathan's use of a small boy and a field meeting illustrates the need for discretion and wisdom in handling sensitive situations.

Trust in God's Plan
Despite the danger, both Jonathan and David trust in God's plan for their lives, showing us the importance of faith in God's timing and purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:35?

2. How does Jonathan's action in 1 Samuel 20:35 demonstrate loyalty and friendship?

3. What can we learn about God's providence from Jonathan's plan in this verse?

4. How does Jonathan's behavior connect with Jesus' teachings on friendship and sacrifice?

5. How can we apply Jonathan's courage in 1 Samuel 20:35 to our lives today?

6. In what ways does Jonathan's faithfulness inspire us to support fellow believers?

7. What is the significance of Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 20:35?

8. How does 1 Samuel 20:35 reflect the theme of friendship in the Bible?

9. What historical context is important for understanding 1 Samuel 20:35?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20?


(35) At the time appointed with David.--This meeting between the friends is not described at any length; all was done as had been pre-arranged, and, alas! everything had come to pass as David in his sad foresight had expected.

Verses 35-38. - The next morning Jonathan went out into the field, not at the time, but "to the place" appointed, taking with him a little lad, as less likely to suspect a reason. Having shot at the mark, he sends him to pick up the arrows, and as he runs to do so he shoots one beyond him, and, calling aloud, gives David the sign that there was no hope. To keep the boy's attention engaged he gives him hurried commands - Make speed, haste, stay not. Instead of the arrows the written text has "Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrow," i.e. that one especially which Jonathan had shot beyond him, and to which his rapid commands referred.

1 Samuel 20:35 captures a quiet yet pivotal moment of covenant faithfulness. At first light Jonathan leaves royal comfort, steps into an open field, keeps his promised appointment, and wisely brings a young helper. Every detail underscores urgency, loyalty, humility, and discernment. The verse reminds us that God honors those who rise early to obey, risk status for righteousness, keep covenant commitments, and act with both wisdom and innocence.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In the morning
בַבֹּ֔קֶר (ḇab·bō·qer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

Jonathan
יְהוֹנָתָ֛ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

went out
וַיֵּצֵ֧א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to the field
הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה (haś·śā·ḏeh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

for the appointment
לְמוֹעֵ֣ד (lə·mō·w·‘êḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting

with David,
דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and a small
קָטֹ֖ן (qā·ṭōn)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

boy
וְנַ֥עַר (wə·na·‘ar)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

was with him.
עִמּֽוֹ׃ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with


Additonal Resources
1 Samuel 20:35 Blue Letter Bible
1 Samuel 20:35 Bible Gateway
1 Samuel 20:35 Bible.com

1 Samuel 20:35 NIV
1 Samuel 20:35 NLT
1 Samuel 20:35 ESV
1 Samuel 20:35 NASB
1 Samuel 20:35 KJV

1 Samuel 20:35 Study Bible
1 Samuel 20:35 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 20:35 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 20:35 French Bible
1 Samuel 20:35 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 20:35 It happened in the morning that Jonathan (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)

1 Samuel 20:34
Top of Page
Top of Page