CINXE.COM

<!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 20:9 "Never!" Jonathan replied. "If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/09_1Sa_20_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:9 - Jonathan Helps David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Never! Jonathan replied. If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?" /><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/20-9.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/20-9.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 9</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="/ad9.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/20-8.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:8">◄</a> 1 Samuel 20:9 <a href="/1_samuel/20-10.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:10">►</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 />&#8220Never!&#8221 Jonathan said. &#8220If I had the least inkling that my father was determined to harm you, wouldn&#8217t I tell you?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Never!” Jonathan exclaimed. “You know that if I had the slightest notion my father was planning to kill you, I would tell you at once.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! If I knew that it was determined by my father that harm should come to you, would I not tell you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! For if I knew certainly that evil was determined by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! For if I in fact learn that my father has decided to inflict harm on you, would I not inform you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Jonathan said, &#8220Far be it from you! For if I should indeed learn that evil has been decided by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you about it?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! For if I should indeed learn that evil has been decided by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you about it?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! For if I should indeed come to know that evil has been decided by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you about it?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan said, “Far be it from [happening to] you! In fact, if I indeed learn that my father has decided to harm you, would I not tell you about it?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“No! ” Jonathan responded. “If I ever find out my father has evil intentions against you, wouldn’t I tell you about it? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220No!&#8221 Jonathan responded. &#8220If I ever find out my father has evil intentions against you, wouldn&#8217t I tell you about it?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Don't worry," Jonathan said. "If I find out that my father wants to kill you, I'll certainly let you know." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jonathan answered, "That's unthinkable! If I knew for sure that my father had decided to harm you, I would have told you about it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Don't even think such a thing!" Jonathan answered. "If I knew for sure that my father was determined to harm you, wouldn't I tell you?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Nonsense!" Jonathan replied. "If I actually knew that my father intended evil against you, wouldn't I tell you about it?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Never!? Jonathan replied. ?If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan said, "Far be it from you to suggest this! If I were at all aware that my father had decided to harm you, wouldn't I tell you about it?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan said, "Far be it from you; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come on you, then wouldn't I tell you that?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil is determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan said, “Far be it from you; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come on you, then wouldn’t I tell you that?” <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 Jonathan says, “Far be it from you! For I certainly do not know that the evil has been determined by my father to come on you, and I do not declare it to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jonathan saith, 'Far be it from thee! for I certainly do not know that the evil hath been determined by my father to come upon thee, and I do not declare it to thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jonathan will say, Far be it to thee: that if knowing, I shall know that evil was finished with my father to come upon thee, shall I not announce it to thee?<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 Jonathan said: Far be this from thee: for if I should certainly know that evil is determined by my father against thee, I could do no otherwise than tell thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Jonathan said: “May this be far from you. For certainly, if I ever realized that any wickedness was determined by my father against you, I would not be able to do anything other than report it to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Jonathan answered: “Not I! If ever I find out that my father is determined to harm you, I will certainly let you know.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! If I knew that it was decided by my father that evil should come upon you, would I not tell you?”<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 Jonathan said, God forbid; for if I knew of a certainty that evil were determined by my father to come upon you, then I would come to you and tell you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Jonathan said: “God forbid it to you, because if I will know that evil is determined from the presence of my father, I shall come to you and I shall show you!”<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 Jonathan said: 'Far be it from thee; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jonathan said, That be far from thee: for if I surely know that evil is determined by my father to come upon thee, although it should not be against thy cities, I will tell thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-9.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=5911" 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 Helps David</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Therefore deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2486.htm" title="2486: ḥā·lî·lāh (Interjection:: 3fs) -- Far be it! Or chalilah; a directive from chalal; literal for a profaned thing; used Far be it!">“Never!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If</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.">I ever found out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: ’ê·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- 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/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">my father</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: lā·ḇō·w (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: hā·rā·‘āh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">had evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: mê·‘im (Prep-m) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3615.htm" title="3615: ḵā·lə·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent. A primitive root; to end, whether intransitive or transitived.">intentions</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against you,</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.">would I not</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯāh (DirObjM:: 3fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: ’ag·gîḏ (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To be conspicuous. ">tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">you?”</a> </span><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 18:3-4</a></span><br />Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. / And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1-2</a></span><br />Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, / so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.<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</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?”<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/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16-17</a></span><br />But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a></span><br />Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13-15</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a></span><br />A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a></span><br />Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a></span><br />Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jonathan said, Far be it from you: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come on you, then would not I tell it you?</p><p class="hdg">then would</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-38.htm">1 Samuel 20:38,42</a></b></br> And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-2.htm">1 Samuel 19:2</a></b></br> But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret <i>place</i>, and hide thyself:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/23-13.htm">Certainty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">Decided</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-21.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Designing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">Determined</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-3.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-9.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-23.htm">Certainty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">Decided</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-10.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">Designing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">Determined</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-10.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-3.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-26.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-10.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">Wouldn't</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>Never!</b><br>Jonathan's emphatic response underscores his loyalty and commitment to David. This strong denial reflects the covenantal bond between Jonathan and David, which is a central theme in their relationship. The use of "Never!" indicates Jonathan's determination to protect David, even against his own father, King Saul. This loyalty can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate loyalty and sacrifice demonstrated by Jesus Christ for humanity.<p><b>Jonathan replied.</b><br>Jonathan's role as the son of King Saul and heir to the throne places him in a complex position. His reply signifies his willingness to prioritize his friendship with David over his familial duties. This act of selflessness is reminiscent of the biblical principle of putting others before oneself, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>. Jonathan's actions serve as a model of true friendship and integrity.<p><b>If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you,</b><br>This phrase highlights the tension between Jonathan's loyalty to David and his relationship with his father, Saul. The historical context reveals Saul's growing jealousy and paranoia towards David, which is documented throughout 1 Samuel. Jonathan's awareness of his father's potential for evil intentions is significant, as it shows his discernment and understanding of the situation. This also reflects the biblical theme of the struggle between good and evil intentions, as seen in <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>.<p><b>would I not tell you?</b><br>Jonathan's rhetorical question emphasizes his commitment to transparency and honesty with David. This assurance of communication is crucial in their covenant, as it provides David with the necessary information to protect himself from Saul's wrath. The trust between Jonathan and David is a powerful example of covenantal faithfulness, akin to the faithfulness God shows to His people. This phrase also echoes the biblical principle of being a faithful witness, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/14-5.htm">Proverbs 14:5</a>.<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. Known for his loyalty and integrity, Jonathan plays a crucial role in protecting David from Saul's wrath.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point in the account, David is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, perceiving him as a threat to his reign.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a></b><br>The setting for the secret meeting between Jonathan and David, where they discuss Saul's intentions and Jonathan's plan to protect David.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>The bond of friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David, which is central to this chapter. Their covenant is a commitment to protect and support each other despite the political tensions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_in_friendship.htm">Loyalty in Friendship</a></b><br>Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David, even in the face of his father's anger, teaches us the importance of standing by our friends, especially in times of adversity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_to_do_right.htm">Courage to Do Right</a></b><br>Jonathan's courage to confront his father and protect David demonstrates the need for moral courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_covenants.htm">The Power of Covenants</a></b><br>The covenant between Jonathan and David shows the strength and commitment that can be found in godly relationships, encouraging us to honor our commitments to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_and_wisdom.htm">Discernment and Wisdom</a></b><br>Jonathan's careful approach to understanding his father's intentions highlights the importance of discernment and seeking wisdom in complex situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite Saul's intentions, God's plan for David's future kingship is not thwarted, reminding us of God's ultimate control over our lives and circumstances.<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_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/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/who_is_mephibosheth_in_the_bible.htm">Who is Mephibosheth in the Bible?</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>(9) <span class= "bld">Far be it from thee.</span>--Vulg., <span class= "ital">absit hoc a te. </span>This strong expression bears emphatic testimony to Jonathan's implicit belief in his loved friend's stainless loyalty. He indignantly refuses to take his life, or even to allow that life to be touched by his father. The sentences here are broken ones; the next one following is left, in the Hebrew, incomplete. They betoken the agitation and deep feeling of the chivalrous, indignant speaker.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Far be it,</span> the word rendered <span class="accented">God forbid</span> in ver. 2. It indignantly rejects the idea of David having committed any crime. The rest of the verse is an incomplete sentence: "If I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, and did not tell thee -" These broken sentences have great force in the original, as signs of intense feeling (comp. <a href="/luke/19-42.htm">Luke 19:42</a>). We must complete the sentence mentally in some such way as the Syriac: "then Jehovah do so to me, and more also." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-9.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">“Never!”</span><br /><span class="heb">חָלִ֣ילָה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·lî·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2486.htm">Strong's 2486: </a> </span><span class="str2">For, a profaned thing, far be it!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jonathan</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן</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">replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥אמֶר</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">“If</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 ever found out</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדֹ֣עַ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my father</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common 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">has evil</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָעָ֜ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">intentions</span><br /><span class="heb">כָלְתָ֨ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḵā·lə·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3615.htm">Strong's 3615: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against you,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלֶ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would I 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">tell you?”</span><br /><span class="heb">אַגִּ֥יד</span> <span class="translit">(’ag·gîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-9.htm">1 Samuel 20:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-9.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:9 Jonathan said Far be it from you (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:10" /></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>