Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But the next day, the second day of the month, David’s place was empty again. Then Saul said to his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” New Living Translation But when David’s place was empty again the next day, Saul asked Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse been here for the meal either yesterday or today?” English Standard Version But on the second day, the day after the new moon, David’s place was empty. And Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has not the son of Jesse come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” Berean Standard Bible But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass on the next day, the second of the New Moon, that the place of David was found empty. And Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has not the son of Jesse come either yesterday or today to eat?” King James Bible And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day? New King James Version And it happened the next day, the second day of the month, that David’s place was empty. And Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to eat, either yesterday or today?” New American Standard Bible But it came about the next day, the second day of the new moon, that David’s place was empty again; so Saul said to his son Jonathan, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” NASB 1995 It came about the next day, the second day of the new moon, that David’s place was empty; so Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” NASB 1977 And it came about the next day, the second day of the new moon, that David’s place was empty; so Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened the next day, the second day of the new moon, that David’s place was missing; so Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” Amplified Bible But on the next day, the second day of the new moon, David’s place was empty [again]; and Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” Berean Annotated Bible But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s (beloved) place was still empty, and Saul (desired) asked his son Jonathan (YHWH has given), “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse (I possess) come to the meal either yesterday or today? Christian Standard Bible However, the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why didn’t Jesse’s son come to the meal either yesterday or today? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible However, the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why didn’t Jesse’s son come to the meal either yesterday or today?” American Standard Version And it came to pass on the morrow after the new moon, which was the second day, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to-day? Contemporary English Version The day after the New Moon Festival, when David's place was still empty, Saul asked Jonathan, "Why hasn't that son of Jesse come to eat with us? He wasn't here yesterday, and he still isn't here today!" English Revised Version And it came to pass on the morrow after the new moon, which was the second day, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor today? GOD'S WORD® Translation But on the second day of the month, David's place was still empty. Saul asked his son Jonathan, "Why hasn't Jesse's son come to the meal either yesterday or today?" Good News Translation On the following day, the day after the New Moon Festival, David's place was still empty, and Saul asked Jonathan, "Why didn't David come to the meal either yesterday or today?" International Standard Version But the next day, on the second day of the New Moon, David's place was empty, and so Saul told his son Jonathan, "Why didn't Jesse's son come to the festival, either yesterday or today?" NET Bible But the next morning, the second day of the new moon, David's place was still vacant. So Saul said to his son Jonathan, "Why has Jesse's son not come to the meal yesterday or today?" New Heart English Bible It happened on the next day after the new moon, the second day, that David's place was empty. Saul said to Jonathan his son, "Why hasn't the son of Jesse come to the table, either yesterday or today?" Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why cometh not the son of Jesse to eat, neither yesterday, nor to-day? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” World English Bible On the next day after the new moon, the second day, David’s place was empty. Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why didn’t the son of Jesse come to eat, either yesterday, or today?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass on the second day of the new moon, that David’s place is looked after, and Saul says to his son Jonathan, “Why has the son of Jesse not come in, either yesterday or today, to the food?” Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass on the next day, the second of the New Moon, that the place of David was found empty. And Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has not the son of Jesse come either yesterday or today to eat?” Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass on the second morrow of the new moon, that David's place is looked after, and Saul saith unto Jonathan his son, 'Wherefore hath the son of Jesse not come in, either yesterday or to-day, unto the food?' Smith's Literal Translation And on the morrow, of the month the second, and David's place will be reviewed: and Saul will say to Jonathan his son, Wherefore came not the son of Jesse also yesterday, also this day to the bread? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the second day after the new moon was come, David's place appeared empty again. And Saul said to Jonathan his son: Why cometh not the son of Isai to meat neither yesterday nor to day? Catholic Public Domain Version And when the second day after the new moon had begun to dawn, David’s place again appeared empty. And Saul said to Jonathan, his son, “Why has the son of Jesse not arrived to eat, neither yesterday, nor today?” New American Bible On the next day, the second day of the month, David’s place was still vacant. So Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to table yesterday or today?” New Revised Standard Version But on the second day, the day after the new moon, David’s place was empty. And Saul said to his son Jonathan, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to the feast, either yesterday or today?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it came to pass on the morrow, the second day of the new moon, David's place was still empty; and Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why has not the son of Jesse come to eat, either yesterday or today? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And it was the next day of the first of the month, and the place of David was empty, and Shaul said to Jonathan his son: “Why did the son of Iyshay not come yesterday or today for food?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass on the morrow after the new moon, which was the second day, that David's place was empty; and Saul said unto Jonathan his son: 'Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to the meal, neither yesterday, nor to-day?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass on the morrow, on the second day of the month, that the place of David was empty; and Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why has not the son of Jessae attended both yesterday and today at the table? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant…26Saul said nothing that day because he thought, “Something has happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.” 27But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” 28Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem,… Cross References But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, 2 Kings 4:23 “Why would you go to him today?” he replied. “It is not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” “Everything is all right,” she said. Numbers 28:11-15 At the beginning of every month, you are to present to the LORD a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished, / along with three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each bull, two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with the ram, / and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each lamb. This is a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD. … Psalm 81:3 Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast. David’s place was still empty, 1 Samuel 19:11-17 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. … Luke 14:16-24 But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. / When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ / But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ … Matthew 22:1-5 Once again, Jesus spoke to them in parables: / “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. … and Saul asked his son Jonathan, 1 Samuel 14:43-45 “Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?” / And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!” / But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die. 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. 1 Samuel 19:4-6 Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. / He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” / Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.” “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal 1 Samuel 25:10-11 But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. / Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” 2 Samuel 20:1 Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” 1 Kings 12:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, either yesterday or today?” Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation! Job 8:9 For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. 1 Samuel 18:10-11 The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why comes not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day? Wherefore 1 Samuel 18:11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. 1 Samuel 19:9,10,15 And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand… the son 1 Samuel 22:7-9,13,14 Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds; … 1 Samuel 25:10 And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Isaiah 11:1,2 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: … Jump to Previous David's Empty Jesse Jonathan Meat Month Moon Morrow New Saul Second Today Wherefore YesterdayJump to Next David's Empty Jesse Jonathan Meat Month Moon Morrow New Saul Second Today Wherefore Yesterday1 Samuel 20 1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety11. 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 But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, The New Moon was a significant time in the Hebrew calendar, marking the beginning of a new month. It was often observed with special sacrifices and feasts (Numbers 10:10, 28:11-15). The mention of the "second day" indicates the continuation of the New Moon festival, which could last multiple days. This context highlights the importance of the occasion and the expectation for David's presence, as he was a member of Saul's court. David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidAnointed by God to be the future king of Israel, David is currently in hiding due to King Saul's jealousy and intent to kill him. 2. Saul The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. 3. Jonathan Saul's son and David's close friend, who is caught between his loyalty to his father and his covenant friendship with David. 4. New Moon Festival A significant religious observance in ancient Israel, marking the beginning of the month with sacrifices and communal meals. 5. Jesse David's father, often referred to by Saul as a way to diminish David's status. Teaching Points The Cost of LoyaltyJonathan's loyalty to David, despite his father's hostility, teaches us about the cost and value of true friendship and loyalty. In our lives, we may face situations where our loyalty to God or others is tested. God's Sovereignty in Adversity David's absence from the feast and Saul's reaction remind us that God is sovereign even in difficult circumstances. We can trust that God is working behind the scenes for our good and His glory. The Importance of Discernment Jonathan's role in this account highlights the need for discernment in relationships and situations. We must seek God's wisdom to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Faithfulness in Relationships The covenant between Jonathan and David is a model of faithfulness. In our relationships, we are called to be faithful and uphold our commitments, reflecting God's faithfulness to us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:27?2. Why did Saul question Jonathan about David's absence in 1 Samuel 20:27? 3. How does Jonathan's response reflect his loyalty to David and God? 4. What does Saul's reaction reveal about his character and spiritual state? 5. How can we demonstrate loyalty to God's anointed in our daily lives? 6. What other biblical examples show loyalty amidst adversity, like Jonathan's in 1 Samuel 20? 7. Why did Saul question Jonathan about David's absence in 1 Samuel 20:27? 8. What does Saul's reaction reveal about his character in 1 Samuel 20:27? 9. How does 1 Samuel 20:27 illustrate the tension between Saul and David? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20? 11. What does 'How the mighty have fallen' mean? 12. Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18? 13. How do we reconcile the timing of the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5 with other Old Testament passages referencing similar observances? 14. Why does Saul's sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30-33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized? What Does 1 Samuel 20:27 Mean But on the day after the New Moon, the second day• The narrative pauses on the festival calendar God had commanded (Numbers 28:11–15). New Moon gatherings were sacred and communal, reminding Israel that every month began with worship. • “The second day” underscores that this feast customarily lasted two days in Saul’s court (cf. 1 Samuel 20:24–26). God’s Word records the timing carefully so we notice the prolonged test of David’s absence. • Cross reference: 2 Chronicles 8:13 shows Solomon later honoring New Moon observances, confirming their continued importance. David’s place was still empty • Saul’s table symbolized covenant fellowship between king and subjects (2 Samuel 19:28). An empty seat at such an event was conspicuous. • David’s continued absence highlights his obedience to Jonathan’s warning (1 Samuel 20:19). It also exposes the rupture Saul’s sin has caused in Israel’s leadership. • Cross reference: Psalm 101:6 sets the ideal—faithful men dwelling with the king. David’s missing chair pictures how Saul has driven out the very kind of servant he should prize. Saul asked his son Jonathan • Jonathan, heir to the throne, has already bound himself to David in covenant love (1 Samuel 18:3–4). Saul’s question forces Jonathan to choose allegiance. • The text spotlights the strain between Saul’s authority and Jonathan’s loyalty to God’s chosen future king. • Cross reference: Matthew 10:37 reminds us that devotion to God sometimes conflicts with family expectations. “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” • Saul’s phrase “son of Jesse” pointedly avoids David’s name, hinting at disdain (cf. 1 Samuel 22:7–8). • By noting “yesterday or today,” Saul signals that grace has run out; suspicion hardens into accusation. • This question sets up Jonathan’s defense and Saul’s violent reaction (1 Samuel 20:28–34), revealing Saul’s increasing rebellion against God’s plan. • Cross reference: John 15:18–25—Jesus forewarns His followers that hostility toward God-appointed leadership stems from hatred of God Himself. summary 1 Samuel 20:27 records the moment Saul’s growing hostility can no longer be masked. The New Moon feast, meant for worship and unity, exposes division: David absent for safety, Jonathan caught between love and duty, Saul driven by jealousy. The verse invites us to trust God’s timing, honor covenant loyalty, and recognize that rejecting God’s chosen servant ultimately reveals a heart resisting God Himself. (27) On the morrow.--David's continued absence on the second day of the feast awoke Saul's suspicion, and he asked his son, who was sitting by him, what was the reason of his friend's absence, aware that no accident connected with ceremonial defilement would keep him away two following days.Verses 27-29. - On the morrow, which was the second day of the month. Hebrew, "on the morrow of the new moon, the second day." David's absence on the second day made Saul aware that it was no accident, and he demands of Jonathan the reason; whereupon he gives the excuse previously arranged, adding that it was David's brother who had required his attendance. The Septuagint has brothers, being offended at the singular, because Jesse was still alive. But as the festival was not confined to Jesse's household, his brother might very properly be the convener, without usurping his father's place. Let me get away. Literally, "let me escape," "let me get off," a light, half jocose way of speaking adopted by Jonathan, as if the matter were a mere trifle.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Butוַיְהִ֗י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be on the day after מִֽמָּחֳרַ֤ת (mim·mā·ḥo·raṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4283: The morrow, tomorrow the New Moon, הַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ (ha·ḥō·ḏeš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month the second [day], הַשֵּׁנִ֔י (haš·šê·nî) Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number) David’s דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse place מְק֣וֹם (mə·qō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition was still empty, וַיִּפָּקֵ֖ד (way·yip·pā·qêḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit and Saul שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites asked וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say his son בְּנ֔וֹ (bə·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son Jonathan, יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites “Why מַדּ֜וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘) Interrogative Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason? hasn't לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no the son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Jesse יִשַׁ֛י (yi·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3448: Jesse -- father of David come בָ֧א (ḇā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the meal הַלָּֽחֶם׃ (hal·lā·ḥem) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain either גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and yesterday תְּמ֥וֹל (tə·mō·wl) Adverb Strong's 8543: Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterday or today?” גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and Links 1 Samuel 20:27 NIV1 Samuel 20:27 NLT 1 Samuel 20:27 ESV 1 Samuel 20:27 NASB 1 Samuel 20:27 KJV 1 Samuel 20:27 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 20:27 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 20:27 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 20:27 French Bible 1 Samuel 20:27 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 20:27 It happened on the next day after (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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