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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 20:3 But David again vowed, "Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, 'Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.' As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/09_1Sa_20_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:3 - Jonathan Helps David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But David again vowed, Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, 'Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.' As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/20-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/20-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:2">◄</a> 1 Samuel 20:3 <a href="/1_samuel/20-4.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a> But David took an oath and said, &#8220Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said to himself, &#8216Jonathan must not know this or he will be grieved.&#8217 Yet as surely as the LORD lives and as you live, there is only a step between me and death.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then David took an oath before Jonathan and said, “Your father knows perfectly well about our friendship, so he has said to himself, ‘I won’t tell Jonathan—why should I hurt him?’ But I swear to you that I am only a step away from death! I swear it by the LORD and by your own soul!” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> But David vowed again, saying, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly, as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Then David took an oath again, and said, “Your father certainly knows that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly, as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Yet David vowed again, saying, “Your father is well aware that I have found favor in your sight, and he has said, ‘Jonathan is not to know this, otherwise he will be worried.’ But indeed as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is just a step between me and death.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Yet David vowed again, saying, &#8220Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight, and he has said, &#8216Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved.&#8217 But truly as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Yet David vowed again, saying, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight, and he has said, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Yet David swore again, saying, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight, and he has said, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly as Yahweh lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But David vowed again, saying “Your father certainly knows that I have found favor in your sight, and he has said, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be worried.’ But truly as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But David said, “Your father certainly knows that I have found favor with you. He has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or else he will be grieved.’ ” David also swore, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But David said, &#8220Your father certainly knows that you have come to look favorably on me. He has said, &#8216Jonathan must not know of this, or else he will be grieved.&#8217&#8221 David also swore, &#8220As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father knoweth well that I have found favor in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Jonathan, I swear it's true! But your father knows how much you like me, and he didn't want to break your heart. That's why he didn't tell you. I swear by the living LORD and by your own life that I'm only one step ahead of death." <a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father knoweth well that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But David took an oath, saying, "Your father certainly knows that you support me, so he said [to himself], 'Jonathan must not know about this. It will bring him distress.' But I solemnly swear, as the LORD and you live, I'm only one step away from death." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> But David answered, "Your father knows very well how much you like me, and he has decided not to let you know what he plans to do, because you would be deeply hurt. I swear to you by the living LORD that I am only a step away from death!" <a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> David again took an oath: "Your father certainly knows that I've found favor with you, and so he told himself, 'Jonathan must not know this so he won't be upset.' But as certainly as the LORD is alive and living, and as certainly as I'm alive and living, too, there is only a step between me and death." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But David again vowed, ?Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ?Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.? As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Taking an oath, David again said, "Your father is very much aware of the fact that I have found favor with you, and he has thought, 'Don't let Jonathan know about this, or he will be upset.' But as surely as the LORD lives and you live, there is about one step between me and death!" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And David answered and said, "Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes; and he says, 'Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved:' but truly as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David swore moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thy eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he should be grieved: But truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. <a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a> David swore moreover, and said, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes; and he says, ‘Don’t let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved;’ but truly as Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David swears again and says, “Your father has certainly known that I have found grace in your eyes, and he says, Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he is grieved; and yet, YHWH lives, and your soul lives, but—as a step between me and death.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David sweareth again, and saith, 'Thy father hath certainly known that I have found grace in thine eyes, and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved; and yet, Jehovah liveth, and thy soul liveth, but -- as a step between me and death.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will yet swear and say, Knowing, thy father knew that I found grace in thine eyes; and he will say, Jonathan shall not know this, lest he shall be grieved: but yet Jehovah lives and thy soul lives, for but a step between me and between death.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he swore again to David. And David said: Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, and he will say: Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved. But truly as the Lord liveth, and thy soul liveth, there is but one step (as I may say) between me and death. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he swore again to David. And David said: “Your father certainly knows that I have found favor in your sight, and so he will say, ‘Let Jonathan not know this, lest he be saddened.’ So truly, as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, there is only one step (if I may say it) separating me from death.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a> But David replied: “Your father is well aware that I am favored with your friendship, so he has decided, ‘Jonathan must not know about this or he will be grieved.’ Nevertheless, as the LORD lives and as you live, there is only a step between me and death.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But David also swore, “Your father knows well that you like me; and he thinks, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved.’ But truly, as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And David swore moreover, and said, It is because your father knows that I have found favor in your eyes; therefore he has said. Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved; but truly as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David swore to him and said: “Because your father knows that I have found love in your eyes, he said, ‘Let not Jonathan know about this, that it will not grieve him’, however living is LORD JEHOVAH and living is your soul, if there is not a pace between me and death!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David swore moreover, and said: 'Thy father knoweth well that I have found favour in thine eyes; and he saith: Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved; but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David answered Jonathan, and said, Thy father knows surely that I have found grace in thy sight, and he said, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he refuse his consent: but as the Lord lives and thy soul lives, as I said, the space is filled up between me and death. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-3.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=5834" 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> …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!” 3<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.">But David</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">again</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">vowed,</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."></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/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏō·a‘ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knows very well</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mā·ṣā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To attain to, find. ">I have found</a> <a href="/hebrew/2580.htm" title="2580: ḥên (N-ms) -- Favor, grace. From chanan; graciousness, i.e. Subjective or objective.">favor</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in your eyes,</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 he has said,</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/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yê·ḏa‘- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">of this,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/6087.htm" title="6087: yê·‘ā·ṣêḇ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to carve, i.e. Fabricate or fashion; hence to worry, pain or anger.">he will be grieved.’</a> <a href="/hebrew/199.htm" title="199: wə·’ū·lām (Conj) -- But, but indeed. Apparently a variation of 'uwlay; however or on the contrary.">As surely as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">lives</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·še·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">and as you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: wə·ḥê (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">yourself live,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6587.htm" title="6587: ḵə·p̄e·śa‘ (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A step. From pasa'; a stride.">there is but a step</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bê·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- An interval, space between. ">between me</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: ham·mā·weṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">death.”</a> 4Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you.”…<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/19-2.htm">1 Samuel 19:2</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17</a> 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/18-11.htm">1 Samuel 18:11</a> 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</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. <a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20</a> Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. <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="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">2 Samuel 15:21</a> But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2</a> and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/psalms/37-32.htm">Psalm 37:32</a> Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, <a href="/psalms/56-13.htm">Psalm 56:13</a> For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. <a href="/psalms/116-8.htm">Psalm 116:8</a> For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. <a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Proverbs 27:6</a> The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. <a href="/jeremiah/11-19.htm">Jeremiah 11:19</a> For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.” <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/matthew/26-38.htm">Matthew 26:38</a> Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David swore moreover, and said, Your father certainly knows that I have found grace in your eyes; and he said, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.sware<a href="/deuteronomy/6-13.htm">Deuteronomy 6:13</a> Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.<a href="/jeremiah/4-2.htm">Jeremiah 4:2</a> And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.<a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16</a> For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.but truly<a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26</a> Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal.<a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1</a> And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.<a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">2 Samuel 15:21</a> And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.as thy soul<a href="/1_samuel/1-26.htm">1 Samuel 1:26</a> And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.<a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">1 Samuel 17:55</a> And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.<a href="/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16</a> So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.but a step<a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1</a> And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.<a href="/deuteronomy/28-66.htm">Deuteronomy 28:66</a> And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:<a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Psalm 116:3</a> The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-26.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-37.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/judges/19-27.htm">Step</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-6.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-6.htm">Swore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-4.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-29.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-4.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-4.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-37.htm">Step</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-22.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-22.htm">Swore</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>But David again vowed David's vow signifies a solemn promise or declaration, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, vows were binding and often invoked the name of God to underscore their gravity. David's repeated vow indicates his earnestness and the urgency of his message to Jonathan.“Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes Saul, Jonathan's father, was aware of the close friendship between David and Jonathan. This relationship is significant because it represents a covenantal bond, which was a common practice in ancient times to ensure loyalty and mutual protection. Saul's awareness of this favor suggests his strategic thinking and his intent to isolate David from his allies.and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ Saul's decision to keep Jonathan uninformed highlights the tension within the royal family and Saul's increasing paranoia. The phrase reflects Saul's understanding of Jonathan's loyalty to David, which is a testament to their covenant. This secrecy also underscores the tragic conflict between familial loyalty and divine anointing, as Jonathan is torn between his father and his friend.As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live This phrase is a double oath, invoking both the living God and Jonathan's life. In biblical times, such oaths were powerful affirmations of truth and sincerity. The invocation of the LORD's name indicates David's reliance on divine witness and protection, while also appealing to Jonathan's personal integrity and their shared faith.there is but a step between me and death.” David's statement reflects the imminent danger he faces from Saul. The imagery of a single step suggests the precariousness of his situation, emphasizing the constant threat to his life. This phrase can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's own journey, where He too faced death for the sake of God's plan. David's trust in God's sovereignty, despite the danger, mirrors the faithfulness expected of believers in the face of trials.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> 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. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> 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. 3. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_oath.htm">The Oath</a> David swears an oath to Jonathan, emphasizing the seriousness of his situation and the imminent danger he faces. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant name of God, Yahweh, whom David invokes to affirm the truth of his perilous situation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_persecution.htm">The Reality of Persecution</a> David's experience reminds us that following God's will can lead to persecution and danger. Believers should be prepared for trials and trust in God's protection. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_godly_friendships.htm">The Value of Godly Friendships</a> The bond between David and Jonathan illustrates the importance of having godly friends who support and encourage us in our faith journey. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the threat to his life, David acknowledges God's control over his circumstances. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty, even when facing life's uncertainties. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_covenant_relationship.htm">The Power of a Covenant Relationship</a> The covenant between David and Jonathan is a powerful example of commitment and loyalty. Christians are encouraged to honor their commitments to God and others. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_an_eternal_perspective.htm">Living with an Eternal Perspective</a> David's awareness of the brevity of life ("there is but a step between me and death") challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters.<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/how_does_1_sam_19_align_with_divine_protection.htm">How does 1 Samuel 19 reconcile with accounts in other sections of the Bible where David is portrayed as protected by divine power rather than subterfuge?</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/how_did_david_sneak_into_saul's_camp.htm">How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12)</a> <a href="/q/does_2_sam_9_7-10_conflict_with_david's_claim.htm">Does the sudden bestowal of Saul's property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7-10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul's possessions?</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>(3) Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes.--David urges that his fall, and even his death, had been decided upon by Saul, who, knowing how Jonathan loved him, would shrink from confiding to his son his deadly plans respecting his loved friend. David, with his clear, bright intellect, looked deeper into Saul's heart than did the heroic, guileless son. He recognised only too vividly the intensity of the king's hatred of him; and we see in the next verse that the mournful earnestness of the son of Jesse had its effect upon the prince, who consented to make the public trial of Saul's real mind which his friend asked for.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 3, 4. - Thy father certainly knoweth, etc. Though Saul did not know the entireness of Jonathan's love for David, yet he was aware of the friendship that existed between them, and consequently might keep his purpose a secret from Jonathan, especially if he considered that his frankness in speaking openly to his son and servants on a previous occasion had led to David's escape. David, therefore, urges upon his friend a different course, to which he assents. But how are we to explain the entirely different views taken of Saul's conduct by the two. When David tells his fears Jonathan utters an exclamation of horror, and says, "Thou shalt not die." Yet he knew that his father had talked to him and his Officers about putting David to death; that he had tried to kill him with his own hand, and on his escape had set people to watch his house with orders to slay him; and on David's flight to the prophet had thrice sent emissaries to bring him away by force. The explanation probably lies in Saul s insanity. When he threw his javelin at David and during the subsequent proceed. ings he was out of his mind. The violent fit at Naioth had for the time cleared his reason, and he had come back sane. Jonathan regarded all that had taken place as the effect of a mind diseased, and concluded, therefore, that David might now return to his home and wife, and resume his duties and take his place at the royal table. Should the old craze come back about David being his rival and destined successor, Saul would be sure to talk about it, and then Jonathan would give him timely warning. But David was convinced that it was no craze, but that Saul, sane or insane, had determined upon his death. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But David דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse again ע֜וֹד (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more vowed, וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע (way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> To seven oneself, swear “Your father אָבִ֗יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father knows very well יָדֹ֨עַ (yā·ḏō·a‘) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I have found מָצָ֤אתִי (mā·ṣā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present favor חֵן֙ (ḥên) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2580.htm">Strong's 2580: </a> Graciousness, subjective, objective in your eyes, בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain and he has said, וַיֹּ֛אמֶר (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 ‘Jonathan יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן (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 must not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not know יֵֽדַע־ (yê·ḏa‘-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know of this, זֹ֥את (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, or פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest he will be grieved.’ יֵֽעָצֵ֑ב (yê·‘ā·ṣêḇ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6087.htm">Strong's 6087: </a> To carve, fabricate, fashion, to worry, pain, anger As surely as וְאוּלָ֗ם (wə·’ū·lām) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_199.htm">Strong's 199: </a> However, on the contrary the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel lives חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life and as you נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ (nap̄·še·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion yourself live, וְחֵ֣י (wə·ḥê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life there is but a step כְפֶ֔שַׂע (ḵə·p̄e·śa‘) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6587.htm">Strong's 6587: </a> A stride between me בֵּינִ֖י (bê·nî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between and וּבֵ֥ין (ū·ḇên) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between death.? הַמָּֽוֶת׃ (ham·mā·weṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-3.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:3 David swore moreover and said Your father (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:4" /></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>