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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 20:14 And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD's loving devotion, that I may not die,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/09_1Sa_20_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:14 - Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD's loving devotion, that I may not die," /><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/20-14.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/20-14.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 14</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="/ad14.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/20-13.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:13">◄</a> 1 Samuel 20:14 <a href="/1_samuel/20-15.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:15">►</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"><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 />But show me unfailing kindness like the LORD&#8217s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And may you treat me with the faithful love of the LORD as long as I live. But if I die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the LORD, that I may not die;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And you shall not only show me the kindness of the LORD while I still live, that I may not die;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if I am still alive, will you not show me the faithfulness of the LORD, so that I do not die?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD, that I may not die?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And if I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD, that I may not die?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And if I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness of Yahweh, that I may not die?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness <i>and</i> faithfulness of the LORD, so that I will not die?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I continue to live, show me kindness from the LORD, but if I die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I continue to live, treat me with the LORD&#8217s faithful love, but if I die, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And thou shalt not only while yet I live show me the lovingkindness of Jehovah, that I die not;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But as long as I live, [promise me that you will] show me kindness because of the LORD. And even when I die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And if I remain alive, please keep your sacred promise and be loyal to me; but if I die, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If I remain alive, don't fail to show me the LORD's gracious love so that I don't die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD?s loving devotion, that I may not die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />While I am still alive, extend to me the loyalty of the LORD, or else I will die!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And if I am still alive, deal loyally with me. But if I die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And thou shalt, not only while yet I live, show me the kindness of the LORD, that I may not die:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You shall not only show me the loving kindness of Yahweh while I still live, that I not die; <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 not only while I am alive do you do the kindness of YHWH with me, and I do not die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and not only while I am alive dost thou do with me the kindness of Jehovah, and I die not,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And not only while yet I live and wilt thou not do the mercy of Jehovah with me, and I shall not die.<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 if I live, thou shalt shew me the kindness of the Lord: but if I die, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And if I live, you shall show the mercy of the Lord to me. Yet truly, if I die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Only this: if I am still alive, may you show me the kindness of the LORD. But if I die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If I am still alive, show me the faithful love of the LORD; but if I die,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And if only you will show me the kindness of God while I live, before I die;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And, oh, that as I live, perform with me the grace of God before I shall die!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And thou shalt not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if indeed I continue to live, then shalt thou deal mercifully with me; and if I indeed die,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-14.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=5966" 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">13</span>But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">And</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">as long as</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·w·ḏen·nî (Adv:: 1cs) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥāy (Adj-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">I live,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ṯa·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">treat</a> <a href="/hebrew/5978.htm" title="5978: ‘im·mā·ḏî (Prep:: 1cs) -- Along with, against, by, from">me</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.">with the LORD’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥe·seḏ (N-msc) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">loving devotion,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">that I may not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ’ā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">die,</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”…<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="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a></span><br />Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">1 Samuel 23:16-18</a></span><br />And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">2 Samuel 9:1-7</a></span><br />Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” / And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. / So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">2 Samuel 21:7</a></span><br />Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-21.htm">1 Samuel 24:21-22</a></span><br />So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.” / So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">1 Samuel 25:28-31</a></span><br />Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. / 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. / When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-26.htm">2 Samuel 1:26</a></span><br />I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Proverbs 17:17</a></span><br />A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Proverbs 18:24</a></span><br />A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/1-8.htm">Ruth 1:8</a></span><br />Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23</a></span><br />Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-49.htm">Genesis 24:49</a></span><br />Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; but if not, let me know, so that I may go elsewhere.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">Genesis 47:29</a></span><br />When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a></span><br />In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And you shall not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:</p><p class="hdg">the kindness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/9-3.htm">2 Samuel 9:3</a></b></br> And the king said, <i>Is</i> there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, <i>which is</i> lame on <i>his</i> feet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">Ephesians 5:1,2</a></b></br> Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-8.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-8.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-2.htm">Live</a> <a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">Loyal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Show</a> <a href="/exodus/15-13.htm">Unfailing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-22.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-5.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-15.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">Live</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-26.htm">Loyal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-6.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-51.htm">Unfailing</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>And as long as I live</b><br>This phrase reflects Jonathan's awareness of the precariousness of his situation due to his father Saul's animosity towards David. It underscores the temporal nature of human life and the need for divine protection and favor. In the broader biblical narrative, life is often depicted as fleeting, as seen in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which compares life to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<p><b>treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion</b><br>Jonathan appeals to the covenantal love, or "chesed," of the LORD, which is a central theme in the Old Testament. This loving devotion is not merely an emotional affection but a steadfast, loyal love that is rooted in covenantal faithfulness. It is the same kind of love that God shows to His people Israel, as seen in <a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-7</a>. Jonathan's request for this kind of treatment from David highlights the deep bond and covenant they share, which mirrors the divine covenant between God and His people.<p><b>that I may not die</b><br>Jonathan's plea is both literal and prophetic. Literally, he seeks protection from the potential wrath of his father, Saul. Prophetically, it foreshadows the ultimate deliverance from death that is found in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of eternal life and deliverance from death for those who believe in Him (<a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a>). Jonathan's request can be seen as a type of the salvation and eternal life offered through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is the speaker in this verse, expressing his desire for David's continued loyalty and kindness.<br><br>2. <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. He is the recipient of Jonathan's request for loving devotion.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel and Jonathan's father, who becomes increasingly hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>The solemn agreement between Jonathan and David, which is central to this chapter. It is a commitment of mutual loyalty and protection.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/loving_devotion.htm">Loving Devotion (Hebrew: "chesed")</a></b><br>A key theme in this verse, referring to steadfast love, kindness, and loyalty, often used to describe God's covenantal love.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_covenant_loyalty.htm">The Importance of Covenant Loyalty</a></b><br>Just as Jonathan and David made a covenant, we are called to be faithful in our commitments to others, reflecting God's faithfulness to us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_loving_devotion.htm">Reflecting God's Loving Devotion</a></b><br>"Chesed" is a model for our relationships. We should strive to show steadfast love and kindness, mirroring the divine love we receive.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_protection.htm">Trusting in God's Protection</a></b><br>Jonathan's request for loving devotion is rooted in trust. We, too, can trust in God's protection and provision, even in uncertain times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/friendship_and_sacrifice.htm">Friendship and Sacrifice</a></b><br>Jonathan's willingness to protect David, even at personal risk, teaches us about the sacrificial nature of true friendship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faithfulness.htm">Legacy of Faithfulness</a></b><br>Our actions, like David's later kindness to Mephibosheth, can leave a lasting legacy of faithfulness and love for future generations.<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>(14) <span class= "bld">And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the Lord, that I die not.</span>--The Hebrew of this and the next verse is again very confused, abrupt, and ungrammatical, but this is evidently to be attributed to the violent emotion of the speaker. We have, doubtless (as above suggested). David's own report of what took place, and the words of his dead friend had, no doubt, impressed themselves with a sad accuracy on his heart.<p>The Syriac and Arabic renderings have been followed by Maurer, Ewald, Keil, Lange, and others, who change <span class= "ital">v'lo </span>("and not") in the first two clauses of <a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm" title="And you shall not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:">1Samuel 20:14</a>, into the interjection <span class= "ital">v'lu </span>(and "O that," or "would that"). They render them, "And mayest thou, if I still live, show to me the favour of the Lord, and if I die, not withdraw thy favour from my house for ever, not even when Jehovah shall cut off the enemies of David, every one from the face of the earth."<p>The last words, "when Jehovah shall cut off," tells us with striking clearness how thoroughly convinced was Jonathan that in the end David's cause, as the cause of their God, would surely triumph. Mournfully he looked on to his father's downfall and his own (Jonathan's) premature death; and in full view of this he bespoke the interest of his friend--though his friend would probably in a few hours become an exile and outlaw--on behalf of his own (Jonathan's) children, who would, he foresaw, before many years had expired, be landless, homeless orphans.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 14, 15.</span> - The construction of this passage is very difficult if we retain the three negatives of the Masoretic text; but most commentators, following the reading of the Syriac as regards at least one of them, consider that the Masorites have been mistaken in the vowels which they have attached to the consonants (see on 1 Samuel 1:7). Read with other vowels, two of these negatives become interjections of desire - <span class="accented">O</span> <span class="accented">that</span>; and the whole may be translated, "And O that, while I still live, yea, O that thou wouldst show me the kindness of Jehovah, - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> great unfailing kindness, such as was that of Jehovah to Israel, - that I die not, nor shalt thou cut off thy kindness from my house forever." It was the sanguinary custom in the East on a change of dynasty to put all the seed royal to death (<a href="/1_kings/15-29.htm">1 Kings 15:29</a>; <a href="/1_kings/16-11.htm">1 Kings 16:11</a>, etc., and comp. <a href="/2_samuel/19-28.htm">2 Samuel 19:28</a>). As then Jonathan foresaw that it was Jehovah's will to transfer the kingdom to David, he binds him by the memory of his own true love to him to show mercy to his race. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-14.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">And</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as long as</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I live,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">treat</span><br /><span class="heb">תַעֲשֶׂ֧ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṯa·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמָּדִ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mā·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5978.htm">Strong's 5978: </a> </span><span class="str2">Against, by, from, me, mine, of, that I take, unto, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">with the LORD’s</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">loving devotion</span><br /><span class="heb">חֶ֥סֶד</span> <span class="translit">(ḥe·seḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that I may not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">die,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמֽוּת׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:14 You shall not only while yet (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:15" /></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>