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What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to kill me?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> David now fled from Naioth in Ramah and found Jonathan. “What have I done?” he exclaimed. “What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and went and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity, and what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and he came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said to Jonathan, &#8220What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> David fled from Naioth in Ramah and he came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? What is my sin before (against) your father, that he is seeking my life?” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What did I do wrong? How have I sinned against your father so that he wants to take my life? ” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came to Jonathan and asked, &#8220What have I done? What did I do wrong? How have I sinned against your father so that he wants to take my life?&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? <a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> David escaped from Prophets Village. Then he ran to see Jonathan and asked, "Why does your father Saul want to kill me? What have I done wrong?" <a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David fled from the pastures at Ramah, came to Jonathan, and asked, "What have I done? What crime am I guilty of? What sin have I committed against your father that he's trying to kill me?" <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and went to Jonathan. "What have I done?" he asked. "What crime have I committed? What wrong have I done to your father to make him want to kill me?" <a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and said, "What have I done? What is my crime, and how have I wronged your father so that he's determined to kill me? <a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, ?What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?? <a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a> David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, "What have I done? What is my offense? How have I sinned before your father? For he is seeking my life!" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then David fled from the dwellings at Ramah, and came before Jonathan and said, "What have I done? What is my iniquity? What is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?" <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is my iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? <a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a> David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? What is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David flees from Naioth in Ramah, and comes, and says before Jonathan, “What have I done? What [is] my iniquity? And what [is] my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David fleeth from Naioth in Ramah, and cometh, and saith before Jonathan, 'What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what my sin before thy father, that he is seeking my life?' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will flee from Naioth in Ramah, and he will come and say before Jonathan, What did I? and what mine iniquity? and what my sin before thy father that he seeks my soul?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But David fled from Najoth, which is in Ramatha, and came and said to Jonathan: What have I done? what is my iniquity, and what is my sin against thy father, that he seeketh my life? <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then David fled from Naioth, which is in Ramah, and he went and said before Jonathan: “What have I done? What is my iniquity, or what is my sin, against your father, so that he would seek my life?” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a> David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and went to Jonathan. “What have I done?” he asked him. “What crime or what offense does your father hold against me that he seeks my life?” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came before Jonathan and said, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin against your father that he is trying to take my life?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND David fled from Jonath, which is in Ramtha, and came and said to Jonathan, What have I done? And what is my offence? And what is my crime before your father that he seeks my life? <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David fled from Yonath that is in Ramtha and came and said before Jonathan: “What have I done and what is my crime, and what is my fault before your father who seeks my life?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan: 'What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David fled from Navath in Rama, and comes into the presence of Jonathan; and he said, What have I done, and what is my fault, and wherein have I sinned before thy father, that he seeks my life? <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=5805" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Jonathan Helps David</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Then David</a> <a href="/hebrew/1272.htm" title="1272: way·yiḇ·raḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go through, flee. A primitive root; to bolt, i.e. Figuratively, to flee suddenly.">fled</a> <a href="/hebrew/5121.htm" title="5121: min·nō·wi·wṯ (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- An abode of prophets. From navah; residence; Navith, a place in Palestine.">from Naioth</a> <a href="/hebrew/7414.htm" title="7414: bā·rā·māh (Prep-b, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Height, the name of several places in Isr. The same as ramah; Ramah, the name of four places in Palestine.">in Ramah.</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">He came</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and asked,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have I done?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What is</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ă·wō·nî (N-csc:: 1cs) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">my iniquity?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·meh- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">How</a> <a href="/hebrew/2403.htm" title="2403: ḥaṭ·ṭā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Or chattacth; from chata'; an offence, and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also an offender.">have I sinned</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">your father,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: mə·ḇaq·qêš (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">he wants to take</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">my life?”</a> 2“Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1-3</a> 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. / I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, so I can ask about you. And if I find out anything, I will tell you.” <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10-11</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">1 Samuel 19:10-11</a> 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!” <a href="/1_samuel/23-15.htm">1 Samuel 23:15-18</a> While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. / 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.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">1 Samuel 24:9-11</a> and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? / Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ / See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">1 Samuel 25:29</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18-20</a> And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? / Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ / So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">2 Samuel 9:1</a> Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14</a> And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Psalm 59:1-4</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. ... <a href="/psalms/11-1.htm">Psalm 11:1-3</a> For the choirmaster. Of David. In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain! / For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. / If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” <a href="/psalms/18-17.htm">Psalm 18:17-19</a> He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me. / They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support. / He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me. <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Psalm 54:1-3</a> For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might! / Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. / For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a> Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Matthew 10:22-23</a> You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. / When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is my iniquity? and what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?fled<a href="/1_samuel/19-19.htm">1 Samuel 19:19-24</a> And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah… <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">1 Samuel 23:26-28</a> And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them… <a href="/psalms/124-6.htm">Psalm 124:6-8</a> Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth… What have<a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3</a> Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.<a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">1 Samuel 24:11,17</a> Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it… <a href="/psalms/7-3.htm">Psalm 7:3-5</a> O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/20-12.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-22.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-7.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-23.htm">Naioth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-23.htm">Nai'oth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-23.htm">Ramah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-2.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-2.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-3.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">Wronged</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-3.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-23.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-18.htm">Naioth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-18.htm">Nai'oth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">Ramah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-23.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-23.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-23.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-16.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/esther/1-16.htm">Wronged</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 20</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">David consults with Jonathan for his safety</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath</a> 18. <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Jonathan's token to David</a> 23. <a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan</a> 35. <a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. David's flight from Naioth in Ramah marks a critical moment in his life, as he becomes a fugitive from King Saul. Naioth was a place associated with the prophets, where Samuel was leading a group of prophets. This setting highlights the spiritual environment from which David is fleeing, emphasizing the contrast between Saul's hostility and the prophetic community's peace. Ramah, Samuel's hometown, was a significant location in Israel's history, serving as a center for prophetic activity. David's departure from this place signifies a transition from safety to danger, as he leaves the protection of Samuel and the prophets.He came to Jonathan and asked, David's approach to Jonathan underscores the deep bond and covenantal friendship between them. Jonathan, Saul's son, is caught in a difficult position, torn between his loyalty to his father and his love for David. This meeting reflects the trust and reliance David places in Jonathan, seeking his counsel and support. Their friendship is a model of loyalty and faithfulness, often seen as a type of Christ's relationship with His followers, where love transcends familial and political ties.“What have I done? David's question reveals his innocence and confusion regarding Saul's hostility. It highlights the theme of unjust persecution, a recurring motif in the lives of biblical figures, including Jesus Christ, who was also persecuted without cause. David's inquiry is a plea for understanding and justice, reflecting the human desire to comprehend suffering and adversity.What is my iniquity? David's use of the term "iniquity" suggests a deeper introspection, as he examines his actions for any wrongdoing. This reflects the biblical principle of self-examination and repentance, where individuals are called to assess their lives in light of God's standards. David's question also points to the broader theme of sin and its consequences, a central tenet in Scripture.How have I sinned against your father, David's reference to Saul as "your father" acknowledges Jonathan's familial ties and the complexity of their situation. It underscores the tension between personal relationships and political dynamics. The question also highlights the biblical theme of familial conflict, reminiscent of other scriptural narratives where family members are at odds, such as Cain and Abel or Jacob and Esau.that he wants to take my life?” David's awareness of Saul's intent to kill him underscores the gravity of his situation. This phrase reflects the theme of life and death struggles found throughout the Bible, where God's chosen individuals often face mortal danger. It also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and protection that God provides to His anointed, paralleling the deliverance offered through Jesus Christ. David's plight is a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the assurance of God's sovereignty over life and death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The anointed future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul's wrath. David is a central figure in this account, representing faithfulness and righteousness amidst persecution. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Jonathan is known for his loyalty to David, even at the risk of his own relationship with his father. 3. <a href="/topical/n/naioth_in_ramah.htm">Naioth in Ramah</a> A place where David had been staying with the prophet Samuel. It is significant as a place of refuge and prophetic activity. 4. <a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a> The current king of Israel, who is increasingly hostile towards David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_david's_flight.htm">The Event of David's Flight</a> This event marks a critical moment in David's life, highlighting his vulnerability and the beginning of a period of intense trials and reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_persecution.htm">The Reality of Persecution</a> Believers may face unjust persecution despite their innocence. David's experience reminds us that righteousness can provoke opposition. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_godly_friendships.htm">The Value of Godly Friendships</a> Jonathan's loyalty to David exemplifies the importance of having godly friends who support us in times of trial. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_understanding_in_trials.htm">Seeking Understanding in Trials</a> David's questions to Jonathan reflect a natural desire to understand the reasons behind our suffering. It's important to bring our questions to God in prayer. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the danger, David's life is in God's hands. We can trust God's sovereignty and timing in our own lives, even when circumstances seem dire. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophetic_guidance.htm">The Role of Prophetic Guidance</a> David's time in Naioth with Samuel underscores the importance of seeking godly counsel and prophetic insight during challenging times.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_key_events_in_1_samuel.htm">What are the key events in 1 Samuel?</a> <a href="/q/is_jonathan's_covenant_with_david_inconsistent.htm">Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_high_priest_when_david_ate_bread.htm">Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20)</a> <a href="/q/why_is_saul's_rage_at_jonathan_so_extreme.htm">Why does Saul's sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30-33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan.--The strange course of events in the prophetic schools by Ramah, while warning David that even the home of his old master, the great seer, was no permanent sanctuary where he could safely rest, still gave him time to fly, and to take counsel with his loved friend, the king s son. It was, no doubt, by Samuel's advice that he once more betook himself to the city of Saul, but his return was evidently secret.Alone with his friend, he passionately asserts his entire innocence of the crimes laid to his charge by the unhappy, jealous Saul. His words here are found in substance in not a few of his Psalms, where, in touching language, he maintains how bitterly the world had wronged and persecuted a righteous, innocent man.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - David fled from Naioth. While Saul was under the influence of the prophetic enthusiasm David escaped; but it is evident that this visit to Samuel, and the extraordinary occurrences which attended it, were not without, a good influence for the time upon Saul's mind. Some sort of reconciliation must have been patched up, probably by the mediation of Samuel; for David assumed that at the new moon be would be expected to dine at the king's table (ver. 5), and that Saul would look for him as a matter of course (ver. 6). We find, moreover, that his place was made ready, not only on the new moon (ver. 25), but also on the following day (ver. 26). But whatever professions Saul may have made to Samuel, it is evident that no promise had been made personally to David, and taught by past experience that the intention of slaying him had grown more and more fixed in the king's mind, he feels that his position is full of danger, and takes counsel with Jonathan, with the view of learning whether he might venture once again to take his place as a member of Saul s family. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then David דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse fled וַיִּבְרַ֣ח (way·yiḇ·raḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1272.htm">Strong's 1272: </a> To bolt, to flee suddenly from Naioth מִנָּי֖וֹת (min·nā·yō·wṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5121.htm">Strong's 5121: </a> Naioth -- an abode of prophets in Ramah. בָּרָמָ֑ה (bā·rā·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7414.htm">Strong's 7414: </a> Ramah -- 'height', the name of several places in Israel He came וַיָּבֹ֞א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face Jonathan יְהוֹנָתָ֗ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites and asked, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “What מֶ֤ה (meh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have I done? עָשִׂ֙יתִי֙ (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make What [is] מֶֽה־ (meh-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what my iniquity? עֲוֺנִ֤י (‘ă·wō·nî) Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity How וּמֶֽה־ (ū·meh-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have I sinned חַטָּאתִי֙ (ḥaṭ·ṭā·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2403.htm">Strong's 2403: </a> An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender against לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face your father, אָבִ֔יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction he wants to take מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ (mə·ḇaq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after my life?” נַפְשִֽׁי׃ (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:1 David fled from Naioth in Ramah (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/19-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 19:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 19:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>