1 Samuel 20:18
New International Version
Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon feast. You will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

New Living Translation
Then Jonathan said, “Tomorrow we celebrate the new moon festival. You will be missed when your place at the table is empty.

English Standard Version
Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

King James Bible
Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

New King James Version
Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon; and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

New American Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed since your seat will be empty.

NASB 1995
Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty.

NASB 1977
Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be missing.

Amplified Bible
Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon [festival], and you will be missed because your seat will be empty.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the New Moon; you’ll be missed because your seat will be empty.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the New Moon; you’ll be missed because your seat will be empty.

American Standard Version
Then Jonathan said unto him, To-morrow is the new moon: and thou wilt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

Contemporary English Version
After this Jonathan said: Tomorrow is the New Moon Festival, and people will wonder where you are, because your place at the table will be empty.

English Revised Version
Then Jonathan said unto him, Tomorrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Tomorrow is the New Moon Festival," Jonathan told him, "and you will be missed when your seat is empty.

Good News Translation
Then Jonathan said to him, "Since tomorrow is the New Moon Festival, your absence will be noticed if you aren't at the meal.

International Standard Version
Jonathan told him, "Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed because your seat is empty.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to David, ?Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

NET Bible
Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, for your seat will be empty.

New Heart English Bible
Then Jonathan said, "Tomorrow is the new moon: and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Jonathan said to David, To-morrow is the new-moon: and thou wilt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

World English Bible
Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jonathan says to him, “Tomorrow [is] the new moon, and you have been looked after, for your seat is looked after;

Young's Literal Translation
And Jonathan saith to him, 'To-morrow is new moon, and thou hast been looked after, for thy seat is looked after;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jonathan will say to him, To-morrow the new moon: and thou wert reviewed, for thy seat will be reviewed.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jonathan said to him: To morrow is the new moon, and thou wilt be missed:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Jonathan said to him: “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be sought.

New American Bible
Jonathan then said to him: “Tomorrow is the new moon; you will be missed, since your place will be vacant.

New Revised Standard Version
Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon; you will be missed, because your place will be empty.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Jonathan said to him. Tomorrow is the new moon; and you shall be missed, because your seat will be empty.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jonathan said to him: “Tomorrow is the beginning of the month, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jonathan said unto him: 'To-morrow is the new moon; and thou wilt be missed, thy seat will be empty.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jonathan said, To-morrow is the new moon, and thou wilt be enquired for, because thy seat will be observed as vacant.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
17And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. 18Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed if your seat is empty. 19When you have stayed three days, hurry down to the place you hid on the day this trouble began, and remain beside the stone Ezel.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 19:2
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 18:3
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

1 Samuel 19:11
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 23:16-18
And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

1 Samuel 25:29
And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling.

2 Samuel 9:1
Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”

2 Samuel 15:27-28
The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan. / See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.”

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 55:13-14
But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

Matthew 26:18
He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’”

Matthew 26:47-50
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Mark 14:12-16
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, / and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ ...

Luke 22:7-13
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. / Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” / “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and you shall be missed, because your seat will be empty.

new moon (See on verse

1 Samuel 20:5
And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even.

1 Samuel 20:18
Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

empty [heb] missed

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David Empty Jonathan Missed Moon Morrow New New-Moon Present Seat Tomorrow To-Morrow Wilt
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David Empty Jonathan Missed Moon Morrow New New-Moon Present Seat Tomorrow To-Morrow Wilt
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














Then Jonathan said to David
This phrase introduces a moment of deep friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is speaking to David, who is anointed to be the next king of Israel. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often conveys not just the act of speaking but also the intention and emotion behind the words. Jonathan's words are filled with concern and care, highlighting the covenantal bond between the two men. This relationship is a profound example of godly friendship, characterized by selflessness and mutual respect, which is a model for Christian relationships today.

Tomorrow is the New Moon
The "New Moon" refers to the beginning of the lunar month in the Hebrew calendar, a time marked by special sacrifices and feasting (Numbers 28:11-15). The Hebrew word for "New Moon" is חֹדֶשׁ (chodesh), which also means "month." This was a significant time for the Israelites, both religiously and socially. The New Moon festival was a time of renewal and reflection, reminding the people of God's creation and His provision. In the context of this verse, it sets the stage for the unfolding events, as David's absence from the king's table would be conspicuous.

and you will be missed
The phrase "you will be missed" underscores the anticipated absence of David at the royal table. The Hebrew root פָּקַד (paqad) can mean to miss, to visit, or to appoint, indicating a sense of expectation and significance. David's absence would not go unnoticed, highlighting his importance in the royal court and the tension between him and King Saul. This phrase also reflects the emotional weight of the situation, as Jonathan and David navigate the dangers posed by Saul's jealousy.

if your seat is empty
The "seat" here refers to David's place at the king's table, a position of honor and recognition. The Hebrew word מָקוֹם (maqom) means "place" or "seat," signifying not just a physical location but also a role or status. An empty seat would be a silent testimony to David's absence and the strained relationship with Saul. In a broader sense, this phrase can symbolize the void left by the absence of righteous leadership or fellowship, reminding believers of the importance of presence and participation in community and worship.

(18) Thou shalt be missed.--Well then, resumes Jonathan--after the passionate conclusion of the solemn covenant betwixt the friends--the last trial shall be as you propose. At the State banquet of my father tomorrow your seat, as agreed upon, will be empty, then you and I--when King Saul misses you--will know the worst.

Verses 18, 19. - Jonathan now arranges his plan for communicating the result to David. For when thou hast stayed three days, at which all the versions stumble, a slight alteration gives the right sense: "And on the third day." David on the third day was to go down quickly - Hebrew, "greatly, i.e. he was to go a long way down into the valley. The rendering quickly is taken from the Vulgate, but makes no sense. It did not matter whether David went fast or slow, as he was to hide there for some time, but it was important that David should be far away, so that no prying eye might chance to catch sight of him. When the business was in hand. Literally, "the day of the business," probably that narrated in 1 Samuel 19:2-7. The Septuagint, Vulgate, and Chaldee all understand "a working day," in opposition to a feast day; but "where thou didst hide thyself on a week day" gives no intelligible meaning. By the stone Ezel. As the name Ezel is formed from a verb signifying to go, some understand by it a road stone, a stone to mark the way.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Jonathan
יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

said
וַיֹּֽאמֶר־ (way·yō·mer-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to David,
ל֥וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

“Tomorrow
מָחָ֣ר (mā·ḥār)
Adverb
Strong's 4279: Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafter

is the New Moon,
חֹ֑דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

and you will be missed
וְנִפְקַ֕דְתָּ (wə·nip̄·qaḏ·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

if
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

your seat
מוֹשָׁבֶֽךָ׃ (mō·wō·šā·ḇe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4186: A seat, assembly, dwelling place, dwelling, dwellers

is empty.
יִפָּקֵ֖ד (yip·pā·qêḏ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit


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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:18 Then Jonathan said to him Tomorrow (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 20:17
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