Old Testament
1 Samuel 20:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He told the boy, "Run and find the arrows I shoot." As the boy ran, Jonathan shot an arrow past him.
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And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.
What 1 Samuel 20:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Jonathan is communicating with a young boy, giving him a task that seems simple but carries deep significance. He asks the boy to run and find the arrows he shoots, which is a coded message. As the boy runs, Jonathan shoots an arrow beyond him, indicating that danger is present. This act is not just about arrows; it symbolizes the need for caution and the importance of understanding unspoken messages. Jonathan is protecting his friend David by using this method to convey a warning without alerting others. The boy, unaware of the true meaning, is simply following orders. This scene highlights the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. It also shows how communication can take many forms, sometimes requiring us to read between the lines. The tension in this moment reminds us that sometimes, we must act decisively to safeguard those we care about, even when the situation is fraught with danger and uncertainty. Jonathan's actions reflect a deep bond and a commitment to protect.
How to apply 1 Samuel 20:36 to your life
In your relationships, consider how you communicate with others. Sometimes, the most important messages are not spoken directly. Pay attention to the actions and signals of those around you. Be willing to protect and support your friends, even in difficult situations. Understanding unspoken words can strengthen your connections with others and enhance trust in your relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: Jonathan's Arrows (1 Samuel 20:1–42)
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David
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying 1 Samuel 20:36
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 20:36 mean?
1 Samuel 20:36 describes a covert communication between Jonathan and a young boy. Jonathan asks the boy to retrieve arrows he shoots, which serves as a warning to David about impending danger.
What is the significance of the arrows in 1 Samuel 20:36?
The arrows in 1 Samuel 20:36 symbolize Jonathan's method of conveying a warning to David without alerting others. Shooting the arrow beyond the boy indicates that David should flee for his safety.
How does 1 Samuel 20:36 relate to friendship?
In 1 Samuel 20:36, Jonathan's actions demonstrate his loyalty and commitment to David's safety. The verse shows how true friends will go to great lengths to protect each other, even in dangerous situations.
What can we learn from 1 Samuel 20:36 about communication?
1 Samuel 20:36 teaches us that important messages can be conveyed through actions rather than words. It encourages us to pay attention to non-verbal cues and understand the deeper meanings behind them.
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