TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
KJV (with Strong's)
And Jonathan H3083 said H559 unto David H1732, O LORD H3068 God H430 of Israel H3478, when I have sounded H2713 my father H1 about to morrow H4279 any time H6256, or the third H7992 day, and, behold, if there be good H2895 toward David H1732, and I then send H7971 not unto thee, and shew H1540 H241 it thee;
Complete Jewish Bible
Y'honatan said to David, "ADONAI, the God of Isra'el [is witness]: after I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, then, if things look good for David, I will send and let you know.
Berean Standard Bible
and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?
American Standard Version
And Jonathan said unto David, Jehovah, the God of Israel, be witness: when I have sounded my father about this time to-morrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee?
World English Bible Messianic
Jonathan said to David, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good toward David, shall I not then send to you, and disclose it to you?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Ionathan sayde to Dauid, O Lord God of Israel, when I haue groped my fathers minde to morow at this time, or within this three dayes, and if it be well with Dauid, and I then send not vnto thee, and shewe it thee,
Young's Literal Translation
And Jonathan saith unto David, `Jehovah, God of Israel--when I search my father, about this time to-morrow or the third day , and lo, good is towards David, and I do not then send unto thee, and have uncovered thine ear--
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 9–23
9 ¶ 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?
10 Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?
11 And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.
12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
13 The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:
15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.
17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
18 Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.
19 And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.
21 And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.
22 But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.
23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
Here, I. Jonathan protests his fidelity to David in his distress. Notwithstanding the strong confidence David had in Jonathan, yet, because he might have some reason to fear that his father's influence, and his own interest, should make him warp, or grow cool towards him, Jonathan thought it requisite solemnly to renew the professions of his friendship to him (Sa1 20:9): "Far be it from thee to think that I suspect thee of any crime for which I should either slay thee myself or deliver thee to my father; no, if thou hast any jealousy of that, Come let us go into the field (Sa1 20:11), and talk it over more fully." He did not challenge him to the field to fight him for an affront, but to fix him in his friendship. He faithfully promised him that he would let him know how, upon trial, he found his father affected towards him, and would make the matter neither better nor worse than it was. "If there be good towards thee, I will show it thee, that thou mayest be easy (Sa1 20:12), if evil, I will send thee away, that thou mayest be safe" (Sa1 20:13); and thus he would help to deliver him from the evil if it were real and from the fear of evil if it were but imaginary. For the confirmation of his promise he appeals to God, 1. As a witness (Sa1 20:12): "O Lord God of Israel, thou knowest I mean sincerely, and think as I speak." The strength of his passion made the manner of his speaking concise and abrupt. 2. As a judge: "The Lord do so and much more to Jonathan (Sa1 20:13), if I speak deceitfully, or break my word with my friend." He expressed himself thus solemnly that David might be abundantly assured of his sincerity. And thus God has confirmed his promises to us, that we might have strong consolation, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. Jonathan adds to his protestations his hearty prayers: "The Lord be with thee, to protect and prosper thee, as he has been formerly with my father, though now he has withdrawn." Thus he imitates his belief that David would be in his father's place, and his good wishes that he might prosper in it better than his father now did.
II. He provides for the entail of the covenant of friendship with David upon his posterity, Sa1 20:14-16. He engages David to be a friend to his family when he was gone (Sa1 20:15): Thou shalt promise that thou wilt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever. This he spoke from a natural affection he had to his children, whom he desired it might go well with after his decease, and for whose future welfare he desired to improve his present interest. It also intimates his firm belief of David's advancement, and that it would be in the power of his hand to do a kindness or unkindness to his seed; for, in process of time, the Lord would cut off his enemies, Saul himself was not expected; then "Do not thou cut off thy kindness from my house, nor revenge my father's wrongs upon my children." The house of David must likewise be bound to the house of Jonathan from generation to generation; he made a covenant (Sa1 20:16) with the house of David. Note, True friends cannot but covet to transmit to theirs after them their mutual affections. Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. This kindness, 1. He calls the kindness of the Lord, because it is such kindness as God shows to those he takes into covenant with himself; for he is a God to them and to their seed; they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 2. He secures it by an imprecation (Sa1 20:16): The Lord require it at the hand of David's seed (for of David himself he had no suspicion) if they prove so far David's enemies as to deal wrongfully with the posterity of Jonathan, David's friend. He feared lest David, or some of his, should hereafter be tempted, for the clearing and confirming of their title to the throne, to do by his seed as Abimelech had done by the sons of Gideon (Jdg 9:5), and this he would effectually prevent; but the reason given (Sa1 20:17) why Jonathan was so earnest to have the friendship entailed is purely generous, and has nothing of self in it; it was because he loved him as he loved his own soul, and therefore desired that he and his might be beloved by him. David, though now in disgrace at court and in distress, was as amiable in the eyes of Jonathan as ever he had been, and he loved him never the less for his father's hating him, so pure were the principles on which his friendship was built. Having himself sworn to David, he caused David to swear to him, and (as we read it) to swear again, which David consented to (for he that bears an honest mind does not startle at assurances), to swear by his love to him, which he looked upon as a sacred thing. Jonathan's heart was so much upon it that, when they parted this time, he concluded with a solemn appeal to God: The Lord be between me and thee for ever (Sa1 20:23), that is, "God himself be judge between us and our families for ever, if on either side this league of friendship be violated." It was in remembrance of this covenant that David was kind to Mephibosheth, Sa2 9:7; Sa2 21:7. It will be a kindness to ourselves and ours to secure an interest in those whom God favours and to make his friends ours.
III. He settles the method of intelligence, and by what signs and tokens he would give him notice how his father stood affected towards him. David would be missed the first day, or at least the second day, of the new moon, and would be enquired after, Sa1 20:18. On the third day, by which time he would have returned from Bethlehem, he must be at such a place (Sa1 20:19), and Jonathan would come towards that place with his bow and arrows to shoot for diversion (Sa1 20:20), would send his lad to fetch his arrows, and, if they were shot short of the lad, David must take it for a signal of safety, and not be afraid to show his head (Sa1 20:21); but, if he shot beyond the lad, it was a signal of danger, and he must shift for his safety, Sa1 20:22. This expedient he fixed lest he should not have the opportunity, which yet it proved he had, of talking with David, and making the report by word of mouth.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–23. Public domain.
Copy as
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On the Duties of the Clergy 1.32.167
But good will also goes together with generosity, for generosity really starts from it, seeing that the habit of giving comes after the desire to give. But generosity may be distinguished from good will. For where generosity is lacking, there good may abide—the parent, as it were, of all in common, uniting and binding friendships together. It is faithful in counsel, joyful in times of prosperity, and in times of sorrow sad. So it happens that any one trusts himself to the counsels of a man of good will rather than to those of a wise one, as David did. For he, though he was the more farseeing, agreed to the counsels of Jonathan, who was the younger.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 1 Samuel 20:12 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:12 captures a pivotal moment in the profound covenant friendship between Jonathan, King Saul's son, and David, the divinely anointed future king. In this verse, Jonathan invokes the "LORD God of Israel" as he outlines his discreet plan to ascertain his father's true intentions toward David over the next one to two days. He solemnly pledges to communicate Saul's disposition to David, thereby providing crucial information about whether Saul intends "good" or harm, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and strategic foresight in the face of imminent danger.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. The most prominent is Oath/Covenant Formula, evident in Jonathan's invocation of "O LORD God of Israel." This solemn declaration elevates his promise to David to a sacred, divinely witnessed covenant, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the unbreakable nature of their bond. There is also clear Foreshadowing, as Jonathan's careful plan to "sound" his father hints at the dangerous and unpredictable nature of Saul's future actions, building suspense for the revelation of Saul's true intentions and the subsequent dramatic events. Finally, a subtle Dramatic Irony is present: Jonathan, the rightful heir to the throne, is actively working to protect David, the one destined by God to replace his father, a reality known to the reader but not fully grasped by Saul. This irony highlights the tragic conflict between Saul's personal ambition and God's divine plan, and Jonathan's unique position caught between them.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:12 is a powerful testament to the themes of loyalty, divine providence, and covenant faithfulness. Jonathan's unwavering commitment to David, even at the risk of his own life and throne, mirrors the steadfastness of God's covenant love for His people. By invoking the "LORD God of Israel," Jonathan acknowledges God's overarching sovereignty and His witness to their sacred bond, reinforcing the biblical understanding that true covenants are made before God and reflect His own faithfulness. This act of self-sacrificial friendship, driven by a recognition of God's anointing on David, serves as a theological bridge, demonstrating how human relationships, when lived out in integrity and faith, can reflect divine principles. It highlights God's protective hand over His chosen ones, even amidst intense human hostility and political intrigue.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 20:12 offer profound lessons for contemporary life, particularly concerning the nature of true friendship and courageous discernment. His willingness to risk personal safety and familial loyalty for the sake of his friend David exemplifies a selfless love that prioritizes another's well-being above one's own comfort or advancement. In a world often characterized by self-interest and transactional relationships, Jonathan's example calls us to cultivate friendships marked by unwavering commitment, active protection, and genuine concern, embodying the biblical call to "love your neighbor as yourself." Furthermore, his strategic approach to "sound" his father, rather than acting impulsively, teaches us the importance of wisdom, discernment, and careful planning when navigating difficult or dangerous situations, encouraging us to seek understanding before action. By invoking the "LORD God of Israel," Jonathan also models a profound reliance on divine oversight, reminding us that even in our most challenging circumstances, we can call upon God as our witness and guide, trusting in His providence to reveal truth and provide protection. This verse challenges us to consider what kind of friend we are called to be and how we might courageously stand for what is right, even when it demands significant personal sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jonathan invoke "LORD God of Israel" in this private conversation with David?
Answer: Jonathan's invocation of "LORD God of Israel" was not a casual utterance but a deeply significant act that underscored the solemnity and sacredness of the oath he was making to David. In ancient Israel, calling upon the name of God in an oath meant that God Himself was being called as a witness to the promise. This elevated the covenant between Jonathan and David beyond a mere human agreement to one witnessed and sanctioned by the Almighty. It demonstrated Jonathan's profound sincerity, his recognition of God's active involvement in their lives and the destiny of Israel, and his commitment to fulfill his promise, knowing he was accountable to God. It also served to reassure David of the absolute seriousness and divine backing of Jonathan's pledge to protect him, a pledge that would ultimately cost Jonathan his life, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:26.
What does "sounded my father" mean in this context?
Answer: The phrase "sounded my father" (from the Hebrew chaqar) means to carefully and discreetly investigate, probe, or examine his father's true intentions and disposition towards David. Jonathan was not planning a direct confrontation or an open inquiry that might alert Saul to David's whereabouts or Jonathan's involvement. Instead, he intended to subtly observe Saul's mood, listen to his words, and perhaps engage him in conversations that would reveal his underlying feelings about David. This method highlights Jonathan's prudence and strategic thinking in navigating a highly dangerous and unpredictable situation with his volatile father, whose murderous intent is evident in passages like 1 Samuel 19:9-10. He sought to gather intelligence without exposing himself or David to immediate risk.
Why didn't Jonathan just confront Saul directly about his intentions toward David?
Answer: Direct confrontation with King Saul would have been extremely perilous and likely counterproductive. Saul was known for his volatile temper, paranoia, and murderous rages, especially concerning David, as detailed throughout 1 Samuel 18-20. A direct challenge from Jonathan, his own son, regarding David's safety would likely have confirmed Saul's suspicions, enraged him further, and potentially endangered both Jonathan and David. Jonathan's goal was to ascertain Saul's true intentions without provoking him or revealing David's location. His indirect, strategic approach was a testament to his wisdom and his understanding of his father's unpredictable nature, prioritizing David's safety above a futile confrontation that could have led to immediate harm for both of them, as demonstrated by Saul's later attempt to kill Jonathan himself in 1 Samuel 20:33.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's self-sacrificial loyalty and unwavering commitment to David in 1 Samuel 20:12 beautifully foreshadow the ultimate friendship and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the son of the reigning king, willingly sets aside his own claim to the throne and risks his life for David, the one God has chosen to be king. This mirrors Christ, the true Son of God, who willingly "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7), not for a friend who was already righteous, but for humanity caught in the peril of sin and death. Just as Jonathan acted as an intercessor and protector for David, so Christ, our ultimate advocate, perpetually intercedes for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Jonathan's oath, sealed before the "LORD God of Israel," points to the new covenant established in Christ's blood, a covenant of eternal friendship and reconciliation where God Himself guarantees our safety and well-being, as described in Hebrews 8:6. Jonathan's love for David, which David famously lamented "surpassed the love of women" (2 Samuel 1:26), finds its supreme fulfillment in the love of Jesus, who declared, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), securing our eternal safety from the ultimate peril of sin and death through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection.