1 Samuel 20:27
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?
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 23
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִֽמָּחֳרַ֤ת
And it came to pass on the morrow
H4283
מִֽמָּחֳרַ֤ת
And it came to pass on the morrow
Strong's:
H4283
Word #:
2 of 23
the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
which was the second
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
which was the second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
וַיִּפָּקֵ֖ד
was empty
H6485
וַיִּפָּקֵ֖ד
was empty
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
5 of 23
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
מְק֣וֹם
place
H4725
מְק֣וֹם
place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
6 of 23
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
בֶן
his son
H1121
בֶן
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מַדּ֜וּעַ
H4069
מַדּ֜וּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
13 of 23
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בָ֧א
Wherefore cometh
H935
בָ֧א
Wherefore cometh
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
15 of 23
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֶן
his son
H1121
בֶן
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
16 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
תְּמ֥וֹל
neither yesterday
H8543
תְּמ֥וֹל
neither yesterday
Strong's:
H8543
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Historical Context
Referring to someone by patronymic ('son of Jesse') rather than personal name could indicate distance or disdain. The two-day absence exceeded ceremonial uncleanness excuses. Saul's question marked the turning point where his hidden agenda began emerging.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the language people use to describe others reveal about their true feelings?
- How does time pressure often force hidden agendas to surface?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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?
The second day's empty seat forced Saul to speak. His reference to 'the son of Jesse' rather than 'David' deliberately distanced and diminished - reducing David to his father's offspring rather than acknowledging him by name or relationship. The question 'neither yesterday, nor to day' revealed growing agitation. Saul's inability to maintain silence exposed what he had tried to hide from Jonathan. The test was working; Saul's concern about David's whereabouts betrayed his sinister interest.