1 Samuel 20:37
And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?
Original Language Analysis
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
And when the lad
H5288
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
And when the lad
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
2 of 17
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מְק֣וֹם
to the place
H4725
מְק֣וֹם
to the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
4 of 17
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)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָרָ֖ה
had shot
H3384
יָרָ֖ה
had shot
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
וַיִּקְרָ֨א
cried
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֨א
cried
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 17
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אַֽחֲרֵ֤י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֤י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
And when the lad
H5288
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
And when the lad
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
12 of 17
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
הֲל֥וֹא
H3808
הֲל֥וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Shouted instructions during archery practice were completely normal. The distance between shooter and retriever required loud voice. Jonathan's question form ensured David could not miss the signal's meaning.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you received significant messages through indirect means?
- What emotions might David have experienced hearing Jonathan's coded message?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?
Jonathan's cry - 'Is not the arrow beyond thee?' - ostensibly addressed the servant but spoke to David hiding nearby. The question format emphasized the signal: beyond means danger, beyond means flee. David heard his friend's voice delivering news that would separate them for years. The rhetorical question demanded an answer the boy did not understand but David comprehended completely. Sometimes we must hear life-changing news in coded form, receiving destiny through indirect speech.