1 Samuel 20:27
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?”

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?”

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?"

Majority 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??

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?

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 Version
And 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?”

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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 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
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.

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 19:10-11
Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. / 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!”

1 Samuel 19:17
And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away, and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’”

1 Samuel 19:24
Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

1 Samuel 21:6
So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence, which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away.

1 Samuel 22:8
Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”

1 Samuel 25:10
But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.

2 Samuel 6:20
When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.”

2 Samuel 12:16-17
David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. / The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them.

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.

Psalm 42:3
My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?”

Psalm 69:10
I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.

Matthew 12:1-2
At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. / When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

Matthew 15:2-3
“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.” / Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?


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: …

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David's Empty Jesse Jonathan Meat Month Moon Morrow New Saul Second Today Wherefore Yesterday
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David's Empty Jesse Jonathan Meat Month Moon Morrow New Saul Second Today Wherefore Yesterday
1 Samuel 20
1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety
11. 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,
David's absence is significant, as he was a key figure in Saul's court and a close friend of Jonathan. His empty place at the table symbolizes the growing tension and estrangement between David and Saul. This absence foreshadows David's eventual separation from Saul's household and his rise to kingship, as God had anointed him through Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).

and Saul asked his son Jonathan,
Saul's inquiry to Jonathan underscores the close relationship between Jonathan and David. Jonathan's loyalty to David is a central theme in this narrative, contrasting with Saul's growing animosity. This interaction sets the stage for Jonathan's role as a mediator and protector of David, reflecting the covenantal friendship they shared (1 Samuel 18:3).

“Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal
Referring to David as "the son of Jesse" rather than by name may indicate Saul's attempt to distance himself emotionally from David. This phrase also highlights David's humble origins, as Jesse was a Bethlehemite, emphasizing the theme of God choosing the unlikely and lowly to fulfill His purposes (1 Samuel 16:1).

either yesterday or today?”
Saul's concern over David's absence for two consecutive days suggests his growing suspicion and paranoia. This question reveals Saul's awareness of David's importance and his potential threat to Saul's throne. The repeated absence heightens the tension and foreshadows the impending conflict between Saul and David, as Saul's jealousy and fear continue to escalate (1 Samuel 18:8-9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Anointed 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 Loyalty
Jonathan'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.(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
But
וַיְהִ֗י (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


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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:27 It happened on the next day after (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 20:26
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