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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />David asked, &#8220Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then David asked, “How will I know whether or not your father is angry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you roughly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what <i>if</i> thy father answer thee roughly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me, or what <i>if</i> your father answers you roughly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will inform me if your father answers you harshly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, &#8220Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David asked Jonathan, &#8220Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me if perchance thy father answer thee roughly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"How will you do that?" David asked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me if perchance thy father answer thee roughly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then David asked, "Who will tell me whether or not your father gives you a harsh answer?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />David then asked, "Who will let me know if your father answers you angrily?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then David told Jonathan, "Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David asked Jonathan, ?Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />David said to Jonathan, "Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, "Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father shall answer thee roughly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you roughly?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And David says to Jonathan, “Who declares [it] to me? Or what [if] your father answers you sharply?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And David saith unto Jonathan, 'Who doth declare to me? or what if thy father doth answer thee sharply?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will say to Jonathan, Who shall announce to me? or what if thy father shall answer thee harshly?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And David answered Jonathan: Who shall bring me word, if thy father should answer thee harshly concerning me? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And David responded to Jonathan, “Who will repeat it to me, if your father may perhaps answer you harshly about me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />David then asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father gives you a harsh answer?” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then David said to Jonathan, Who shall report to me, if your father answers you roughly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David said to Jonathan: “Who will show me whether your father will answer you harshly?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then said David to Jonathan: 'Who shall tell me if perchance thy father answer thee roughly?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And David said to Jonathan, Who can tell me if thy father should answer roughly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=5922" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><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/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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.">asked</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/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: yag·gîḏ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">will tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. "></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/6030.htm" title="6030: ya·‘an·ḵā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To answer, respond.">answers</a> <a href="/hebrew/7186.htm" title="7186: qā·šāh (Adj-fs) -- Hard, severe. From qashah; severe.">you harshly?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>“Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49</a></span><br />It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50</a></span><br />If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-52.htm">Genesis 31:52</a></span><br />This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-20.htm">2 Samuel 14:20</a></span><br />Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-28.htm">2 Samuel 15:28</a></span><br />See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">2 Samuel 20:16-22</a></span><br />a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” / When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. / Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-12.htm">2 Kings 6:12</a></span><br />But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-14.htm">Psalm 25:14</a></span><br />The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-13.htm">Psalm 55:13-14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/101-6.htm">Psalm 101:6</a></span><br />My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Proverbs 27:9</a></span><br />Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/38-24.htm">Jeremiah 38:24-27</a></span><br />Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die. / If the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,’ / then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-25.htm">Matthew 26:25</a></span><br />Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if your father answer you roughly?</p><p class="hdg">answer thee</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">1 Samuel 20:30-34</a></b></br> Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious <i>woman</i>, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">1 Samuel 25:10,14,17</a></b></br> And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who <i>is</i> David? and who <i>is</i> the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-7.htm">Genesis 42:7,30</a></b></br> And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/4-25.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-6.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-9.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-6.htm">Harshly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-9.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-41.htm">Perchance</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-4.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/genesis/42-30.htm">Roughly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-15.htm">Sharply</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-9.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-22.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Harshly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Perchance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-14.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Roughly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">Sharply</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-39.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">David consults with Jonathan for his safety</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Jonathan's token to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Then David asked Jonathan</b><br>David, the anointed future king of Israel, is in a precarious situation due to King Saul's jealousy and hostility. His relationship with Jonathan, Saul's son, is a profound example of covenant friendship. This phrase highlights David's reliance on Jonathan for information and support, reflecting the deep trust between them. Their friendship is a model of loyalty and faithfulness, reminiscent of the covenantal relationships seen throughout Scripture, such as between God and His people.<p><b>“Who will tell me</b><br>David is seeking assurance and clarity regarding his safety. This question underscores the danger he faces and his need for a reliable source of information. It also reflects the communication challenges of the time, where direct and discreet communication was crucial for survival. This reliance on Jonathan for news is a testament to the trust and bond they share, which is a recurring theme in their interactions.<p><b>if your father answers you harshly?”</b><br>David is aware of Saul's volatile nature and the potential for a negative response. The word "harshly" indicates the severity of Saul's possible reaction, which could mean further attempts on David's life. This concern is rooted in the historical context of Saul's previous attempts to kill David, driven by jealousy and fear of losing his throne. The tension between David and Saul is a significant narrative in 1 Samuel, illustrating the conflict between God's anointed king and the current ruler. This situation foreshadows the trials and tribulations David will face before ascending to the throne, paralleling the sufferings of Christ before His exaltation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is caught between his loyalty to his father and his covenant friendship with David.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a></b><br>The location where David and Jonathan meet to discuss Saul's intentions and devise a plan to communicate Saul's response.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_covenant.htm">The Covenant</a></b><br>The solemn agreement between David and Jonathan, which underscores their loyalty and commitment to each other despite the political tension.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_godly_friendships.htm">The Value of Godly Friendships</a></b><br>True friendships are rooted in mutual respect, loyalty, and shared faith. David and Jonathan's relationship exemplifies how godly friendships can provide support and encouragement during trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_adversity.htm">Courage in the Face of Adversity</a></b><br>Both David and Jonathan demonstrate courage. David, in seeking the truth about Saul's intentions, and Jonathan, in standing up to his father for the sake of righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_communication.htm">The Importance of Communication</a></b><br>Open and honest communication is vital in relationships, especially when navigating difficult situations. David's question to Jonathan highlights the need for clarity and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the uncertainty and danger, David trusts in God's plan for his life. This trust is a model for believers facing their own uncertainties.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_covenants.htm">The Role of Covenants</a></b><br>Covenants are serious commitments that reflect God's covenantal relationship with His people. The covenant between David and Jonathan is a reflection of God's faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_david_contradict_his_promise.htm">Why does David's decision in 2 Samuel 19:29 seemingly contradict earlier promises of favor and land for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?</span>--The language in the original is here very abrupt and involved. Evidently the very words uttered in the memorable scene by the excited and sorrowful friends are remembered and reported.<p>The "if" supplied in the English Version probably is nearest the meaning intended to be conveyed by the broken, agitated words. Another rendering is, "If thy father shall answer thee harshly, who will declare it to me?"<p>"These questions of David were suggested by a correct estimate of the circumstances--namely, that Saul's suspicions would lead him to the conclusion that there was some understanding between Jonathan and David, and that he would take steps, in consequence, to prevent Jonathan from making David acquainted with the result of his conversation with Saul."--<span class= "ital">Keil.</span><p>In the next verse Jonathan leads David into a solitary spot--"the field"--where, before saying their last words together, they might agree upon some secret sign by means of which Saul's real mind towards David might be communicated, if necessary, by Jonathan to his friend.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Who shall tell me? or what if,</span> etc. The <span class="accented">if</span> is an insertion of the A.V. Really David's question is very involved and ungrammatical, as was natural in his excited state. It may be translated, "Who will tell me (or, how shall I know) what rough answer thy father will give thee?" But some Jewish authorities render, "Who will tell me if so be that thy father give thee a rough answer?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jonathan,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will tell</span><br /><span class="heb">יַגִּ֣יד</span> <span class="translit">(yag·gîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me if</span><br /><span class="heb">א֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, if</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your father</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבִ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answers</span><br /><span class="heb">יַּעַנְךָ֥</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘an·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you harshly?”</span><br /><span class="heb">קָשָֽׁה׃</span> <span class="translit">(qā·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7186.htm">Strong's 7186: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hard, severe</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-10.htm">1 Samuel 20:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-10.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:10 Then said David to Jonathan Who shall (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:11" /></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>