1 Samuel 20:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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?"

NIV: "Never!" Jonathan said. "If I had the least inkling that my father was determined to harm you, wouldn’t I tell you?"

NASB: 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?'

CSB: "No!" Jonathan responded. "If I ever find out my father has evil intentions against you, wouldn’t I tell you about it?"

NLT: 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.'

KJV: 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?

NKJV: 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?”

First Samuel 20:4–11 presents David's case to Jonathan. He crafts a way to prove that Saul wants him dead and puts his life in Jonathan's hands. Jonathan promises to warn David if he's in danger. They go to a field where Jonathan vows his loyalty to David and begs for David's mercy on Jonathan and his family when David becomes king (1 Samuel 20:12–17).

In 1 Samuel 20, David flees Saul for good. David goes to Jonathan at Gibeah to ask why Saul is trying to kill him. Jonathan agrees to find out. The two swear oaths of commitment to each other and plan to learn Saul's intentions. At the feast of the new moon, Saul becomes enraged at David's absence, as well as Jonathan's misplaced loyalty, and Jonathan knows David is in danger. The next day, Jonathan signals to David that he must flee. They part with tears and affirmations of their sworn friendship to each other.

David knows Saul wants to kill him (1 Samuel 19), but Jonathan can't accept it. The two decide to prove the king's intent, and Jonathan finally admits David's right. They part, trusting in their oath of friendship. David flees to Nob, where he tricks the priest out of bread and Goliath's sword, and makes a short visit to Gath. Eventually, David goes to the wilderness where his brothers meet him—along with four hundred men and their families who are in dire straits: the beginning of David's army (1 Samuel 21:1—22:5).

First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.

Accessed 10/30/2025 1:55:46 PM