Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He said, ‘Let me go, because our family is observing a sacrifice in the town and my brother has ordered me to be there. If I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away to see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” New Living Translation He said, ‘Please let me go, for we are having a family sacrifice. My brother demanded that I be there. So please let me get away to see my brothers.’ That’s why he isn’t here at the king’s table.” English Standard Version He said, ‘Let me go, for our clan holds a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away and see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king’s table.” Berean Standard Bible saying, ‘Please let me go, because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” Berean Literal Bible and he said, ‘Let me go, please, for our clan has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother himself has commanded to me. And if I have found favor in your eyes, may I go away, please, and see my brothers.’ Upon thus he has not come to the table of the king.” King James Bible And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table. New King James Version And he said, ‘Please let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. And now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me get away and see my brothers.’ Therefore he has not come to the king’s table.” New American Standard Bible He said, ‘Please let me go, because our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has ordered me to attend. So now, if I have found favor in your sight, please let me slip away so that I may see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king’s table.” NASB 1995 for he said, ‘Please let me go, since our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to attend. And now, if I have found favor in your sight, please let me get away that I may see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king’s table.” NASB 1977 for he said, ‘Please let me go, since our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to attend. And now, if I have found favor in your sight, please let me get away that I may see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king’s table.” Legacy Standard Bible and he said, ‘Please send me on my way, since our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to attend. So now, if I have found favor in your sight, please let me get away that I may see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king’s table.” Amplified Bible He said, ‘Please let me go because our family is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to attend. Now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me slip away so that I may see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” Berean Annotated Bible saying, ‘Please let me go, because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers. That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” Christian Standard Bible He said, ‘Please let me go because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the town, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor with you, let me go so I can see my brothers.’ That’s why he didn’t come to the king’s table.” Holman Christian Standard Bible He said, ‘Please let me go because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the town, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if you are pleased with me, let me go so I can see my brothers.’ That’s why he didn’t come to the king’s table.” American Standard Version and he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favor in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he is not come unto the king's table. English Revised Version and he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he is not come unto the king's table. GOD'S WORD® Translation David said to me 'Please let me go. Our relatives will offer a sacrifice in the city, and my brother ordered me to be there. If you will permit it, please let me go to see my brothers.' This is why he hasn't come to your banquet." Good News Translation 'Please let me go,' he said, 'because our family is celebrating the sacrificial feast in town, and my brother ordered me to be there. So then, if you are my friend, let me go and see my relatives.' That is why he isn't in his place at your table." International Standard Version He said, 'Please let me go because our family has a sacrifice in the town, and my brother has ordered me to come. Now, if it's acceptable to you, please let me get away so I can see my brothers.' That's the reason he didn't come to the king's table." NET Bible He said, 'Permit me to go, for we are having a family sacrifice in the city, and my brother urged me to be there. So now, if I have found favor with you, let me go to see my brothers.' For that reason he has not come to the king's table." New Heart English Bible He said, 'Please let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city. And as for me, my brothers have ordered me to be there. Now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go away and see my brothers.' Therefore he has not come to the king's table." Webster's Bible Translation And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother he hath commanded me to be there: and now if I have found favor in thy eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not to the king's table. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblesaying, ‘Please let me go, because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” World English Bible He said, ‘Please let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city. My brother has commanded me to be there. Now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go away and see my brothers.’ Therefore he has not come to the king’s table.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he says, Please send me away, for we have a family sacrifice in the city, and my brother has given command to me himself, and now, if I have found grace in your eyes, please let me go away and see my brothers; therefore he has not come to the table of the king.” Berean Literal Bible and he said, ‘Let me go, please, for our clan has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother himself has commanded to me. And if I have found favor in your eyes, may I go away, please, and see my brothers.’ Upon thus he has not come to the table of the king.” Young's Literal Translation and he saith, Send me away, I pray thee, for a family sacrifice we have in the city, and my brother himself hath given command to me, and now, if I have found grace in thine eyes, let me go away, I pray thee, and see my brethren; therefore he hath not come unto the table of the king.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will say, Send me away now, for a sacrifice of the family to us in the city; and my brother he commanded me: and now if I found grace in thine eyes, I will slip away now and see my brethren. For this he came not to the table of the king. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said: Let me go, for there is a solemn sacrifice in the city, one of my brethren hath sent for me: and now if I have found favour in thy eyes, I will go quickly, and see my brethren. For this cause he came not to the king's table. Catholic Public Domain Version and he said: ‘Permit me. For there is a solemn sacrifice in the city. One of my brothers has summoned me. Now therefore, if I have found favor in your eyes, I will go quickly, and I will see my brothers.’ For this reason, he has not come to the table of the king.” New American Bible ‘Please let me go,’ he begged, ‘for we are having a clan sacrifice in our city, and my brothers insist on my presence. Now then, if you think well of me, give me leave to visit my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” New Revised Standard Version he said, ‘Let me go; for our family is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your sight, let me get away, and see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king’s table.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said, Let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city; and my brother has commanded me to be there; and now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away and see my brothers. That is the reason he has not come to the king's table. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said: “‘Let me go, because there is a family sacrifice for us in the city, and ‘My brother commanded me and he said to me, ‘If I found love in your eyes’ I shall go and I shall see my brothers; because of this, he did not come to the table of the King” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and he said: Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me; and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he is not come unto the king's table.' Brenton Septuagint Translation and he said, Let me go, I pray thee, for we have a family sacrifice in the city, and my brethren have sent for me; and now, if I have found grace in thine eyes, I will even go over and see my brethren: therefore he is not present at the table of the king. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant…28Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem, 29saying, ‘Please let me go, because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he did not come to the king’s table.” Cross References Please let me go, Exodus 4:18 Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied. 1 Kings 19:20 So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, 1 Samuel 9:12-13 “Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. / As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.” 1 Samuel 16:5 “In peace,” he replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. and my brother has told me to be there. 1 Samuel 17:17-18 One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. / Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them. 1 Samuel 17:22 Then David left his supplies in the care of the quartermaster and ran to the battle line. When he arrived, he asked his brothers how they were doing. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, Genesis 18:3 “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. Exodus 33:13 Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people.” please let me go and see my brothers.’ Genesis 37:13-14 Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied. / Then Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem, Genesis 45:4-5 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” 2 Samuel 9:7 “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” 2 Samuel 9:10 You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 2 Samuel 19:28 For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?” 1 Samuel 16:2 “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ 1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 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. Treasury of Scripture And he said, Let me go, I pray you; for our family has a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he has commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away, I pray you, and see my brothers. Therefore he comes not to the king's table. my brother's 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. Jump to Previous City Commanded Eyes King's Please Sacrifice TableJump to Next City Commanded Eyes King's Please Sacrifice Table1 Samuel 20 1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety11. 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 saying, ‘Please let me go, This phrase reflects the cultural practice of seeking permission from authority figures, which was common in ancient Israel. It shows respect and adherence to social hierarchies. In the context of 1 Samuel, David is speaking to Jonathan, Saul's son, and is seeking permission to leave the king's presence. This request is part of a larger plan to discern King Saul's intentions towards David. because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul's wrath. He is the one who asks Jonathan to convey this message to Saul. 2. Jonathan The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He acts as an intermediary between David and Saul. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, who is increasingly hostile towards David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 4. The Clan Refers to David's family, who are supposedly holding a sacrifice in Bethlehem, David's hometown. 5. The City Bethlehem, the place where David's family is said to be holding the sacrifice. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly FriendshipsJonathan and David's relationship exemplifies loyalty and trust. In our lives, we should seek friendships that encourage us in our faith and support us in times of need. Honoring Family Obligations David's request to attend a family sacrifice highlights the importance of honoring family commitments. We should strive to balance our responsibilities to God, family, and others. Wisdom in Communication Jonathan's role as a mediator shows the importance of wise and careful communication, especially in tense situations. We should seek to be peacemakers and use our words to build bridges, not walls. Courage in the Face of Adversity David's situation reminds us that following God's path may lead to difficult circumstances. We are called to trust in God's plan and remain steadfast, even when facing challenges. The Role of Sacrifice in Worship The mention of a family sacrifice underscores the significance of worship and sacrifice in the life of a believer. We should regularly engage in worship and offer our lives as living sacrifices to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:29?2. How does 1 Samuel 20:29 illustrate the importance of honoring family commitments today? 3. What does Jonathan's request reveal about his loyalty to David and God? 4. How can we apply Jonathan's courage in defending truth in our lives? 5. In what ways does 1 Samuel 20:29 connect to Jesus' teachings on friendship? 6. How does Jonathan's action in 1 Samuel 20:29 inspire us to trust God? 7. What is the significance of David's request in 1 Samuel 20:29? 8. How does 1 Samuel 20:29 reflect the friendship between David and Jonathan? 9. Why does David mention a family sacrifice in 1 Samuel 20:29? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20? 11. Did David or Elhanan kill Goliath? 12. 1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath? 13. How do we reconcile the timing of the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5 with other Old Testament passages referencing similar observances? 14. What extra-biblical sources, if any, corroborate or challenge the events and political dynamics described in 1 Samuel 29? What Does 1 Samuel 20:29 Mean Setting within the narrative1 Samuel 20 records Jonathan and David agreeing on a plan to discern Saul’s intentions toward David. The quoted words are part of David’s pre-arranged explanation for his absence at Saul’s New Moon feast (1 Samuel 20:5–6). This request is not a deception aimed at manipulating God’s plan but a strategic step to preserve David’s life while still honoring covenant loyalty with Jonathan (Proverbs 12:5; Psalm 37:28). “Please let me go” — Seeking permission • David communicates deference to Saul’s royal authority through Jonathan, mirroring the biblical pattern of respectfully appealing to rulers (Genesis 32:4–5; Esther 5:4). • Asking to “go” underscores David’s willingness to submit rather than revolt, trusting the LORD to vindicate him in due time (1 Peter 2:13–17). “Our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city” — A covenantal family obligation • Clan sacrifices were common gatherings to renew fellowship before God (Deuteronomy 12:5–7). • By citing the sacrifice, David underscores his commitment to worship and family, echoing Joshua 24:15—“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” • Such gatherings strengthened tribal unity, foreshadowing the church’s later call to assemble (Hebrews 10:24–25). “My brother has told me to be there” — Obedience to family authority • The mention of the brother invokes the command to honor parents and family hierarchy (Exodus 20:12). • David, though anointed to be king (1 Samuel 16:13), still acknowledges familial obligations, displaying humility akin to Jesus’ submission in Luke 2:51. “If I have found favor in your eyes” — Respect for God-ordained leadership • Favor language appears throughout Scripture when petitioners appeal to higher authority (Nehemiah 2:5; Ruth 2:10). • David’s tone models Romans 13:1—recognizing Saul’s God-given position even as Saul plots harm. • The request highlights that righteous living involves both truth and tact (Proverbs 15:2). “Let me go and see my brothers” — Honoring relationships • Personal presence at a family sacrifice was a tangible way to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). • David’s desire to “see” his brothers mirrors Joseph’s concern for family welfare in Genesis 37:14. • Scripture consistently ties love for God to visible love for people (1 John 4:20–21). “That is why he has not come to the king’s table” — The immediate outcome • Jonathan will use these words to test Saul’s heart (1 Samuel 20:30–33). Saul’s furious reaction exposes murderous intent, validating David’s concerns. • The empty seat at Saul’s table foreshadows David’s eventual departure from court life until God installs him as king (Psalm 27:13–14). • God’s sovereignty works through ordinary decisions—like attending a family feast—to protect His servant (Psalm 121:7–8). Lessons for today • Respect for authority and family can coexist with prudent avoidance of danger. • Strategic action is compatible with unwavering faith; believers wisely navigate hostile environments (Matthew 10:16). • Integrity involves telling the truth while discerning how much to reveal (Proverbs 25:11). summary 1 Samuel 20:29 records David’s courteous, worship-centered request—relayed by Jonathan—to miss Saul’s feast for a clan sacrifice. Each phrase underscores reverence for God, respect for authority, and commitment to family. The statement provides Jonathan the test that unmasks Saul’s hostility, safeguards David’s life, and advances God’s unfolding plan to seat David on Israel’s throne. (29) Our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me.--Jonathan answers the king's question in the way previously agreed upon between him and David. He quotes the excuse in David's own words.The LXX., instead of "my brother," has "my brothers." It thus alters the original, not understanding the singular "brother," Jesse, their father, being still alive. The brothers collectively might, the LXX. seemed to think, have bidden David to the family sacrificial feast. Dean Payne Smith suggests that as the ceremony was not a private family gathering, but one shared in by the district, the "brother" (probably the eldest), likely enough, was the convener of the absent member of the house of Jesse. Hebrew saying,וַיֹּ֡אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Please נָ֡א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' let me go שַׁלְּחֵ֣נִי (šal·lə·ḥê·nî) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction our clan מִשְׁפָּחָ֨ה (miš·pā·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people is holding a sacrifice זֶבַח֩ (ze·ḇaḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2077: A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice in the city, בָּעִ֗יר (bā·‘îr) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement and my brother אָחִ֔י (’ā·ḥî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) has told צִוָּֽה־ (ṣiw·wāh-) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order me to be there. לִי֙ (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew So now, וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time if אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not I have found מָצָ֤אתִי (mā·ṣā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present favor חֵן֙ (ḥên) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective in your eyes, בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain please נָּ֖א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' let me go אִמָּ֥לְטָה (’im·mā·lə·ṭāh) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks and see וְאֶרְאֶ֣ה (wə·’er·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular Strong's 7200: To see my brothers.’ אֶחָ֑י (’e·ḥāy) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) That is why עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against he did not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no come בָ֔א (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 king’s הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king table.” שֻׁלְחַ֖ן (šul·ḥan) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7979: A table, a meal Links 1 Samuel 20:29 NIV1 Samuel 20:29 NLT 1 Samuel 20:29 ESV 1 Samuel 20:29 NASB 1 Samuel 20:29 KJV 1 Samuel 20:29 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 20:29 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 20:29 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 20:29 French Bible 1 Samuel 20:29 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 20:29 And he said Please let me go (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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