1 Samuel 19:3
And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.
Original Language Analysis
אֵצֵ֜א
And I will go out
H3318
אֵצֵ֜א
And I will go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 18
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְעָֽמַדְתִּ֣י
and stand
H5975
וְעָֽמַדְתִּ֣י
and stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
3 of 18
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְיַד
beside
H3027
לְיַד
beside
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 18
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אָבִ֑י
my father
H1
אָבִ֑י
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁ֔ם
H8033
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
where thou art and I will commune
H1696
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
where thou art and I will commune
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
11 of 18
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אָבִ֑י
my father
H1
אָבִ֑י
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
14 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְרָאִ֥יתִי
I see
H7200
וְרָאִ֥יתִי
I see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
15 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מָ֖ה
of thee and what
H4100
מָ֖ה
of thee and what
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Cross References
1 Samuel 20:13The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.1 Samuel 20:9And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?
Historical Context
Private conversations in fields away from palace courts were common for sensitive matters. Standing beside someone indicated close access and influence. Jonathan's dual role as son and advocate gave him unique position to both discover and shape his father's intentions.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance trusting God with taking practical steps for protection?
- What does Jonathan's strategic positioning teach about wise advocacy for others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.
Jonathan's plan demonstrates strategic wisdom: he would 'stand beside' ('amad 'etsel) his father, positioning himself to observe and influence while David remained safely hidden. The promise 'what I see, that I will tell thee' commits to complete transparency. Jonathan functioned as intelligence gatherer and advocate simultaneously. The field setting allowed private conversation away from court observers. Such careful planning shows that faith does not preclude prudent action - Jonathan trusted God while taking practical steps to protect his friend.