1 Samuel 20:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Jonathan said to David, "Come, let us go out into the field." So they both went out into the field.

NIV: "Come," Jonathan said, "let’s go out into the field." So they went there together.

NASB: Jonathan said to David, 'Come, and let’s go out to the field.' So both of them went out to the field.

CSB: He answered David, "Come on, let’s go out to the countryside." So both of them went out to the countryside.

NLT: Come out to the field with me,' Jonathan replied. And they went out there together.

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

NKJV: And Jonathan said to David, “Come, let us go out into the field.” So both of them went out into the field.

First Samuel 20:4–11 presents David's case to Jonathan. He crafts a way to prove that Saul wants him dead and puts his life in Jonathan's hands. Jonathan promises to warn David if he's in danger. They go to a field where Jonathan vows his loyalty to David and begs for David's mercy on Jonathan and his family when David becomes king (1 Samuel 20:12–17).

In 1 Samuel 20, David flees Saul for good. David goes to Jonathan at Gibeah to ask why Saul is trying to kill him. Jonathan agrees to find out. The two swear oaths of commitment to each other and plan to learn Saul's intentions. At the feast of the new moon, Saul becomes enraged at David's absence, as well as Jonathan's misplaced loyalty, and Jonathan knows David is in danger. The next day, Jonathan signals to David that he must flee. They part with tears and affirmations of their sworn friendship to each other.

David knows Saul wants to kill him (1 Samuel 19), but Jonathan can't accept it. The two decide to prove the king's intent, and Jonathan finally admits David's right. They part, trusting in their oath of friendship. David flees to Nob, where he tricks the priest out of bread and Goliath's sword, and makes a short visit to Gath. Eventually, David goes to the wilderness where his brothers meet him—along with four hundred men and their families who are in dire straits: the beginning of David's army (1 Samuel 21:1—22:5).

First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.

Accessed 9/15/2025 5:49:11 AM