1 Samuel 20:13

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.

The LORD {H3068} do {H6213} so {H3541} and much more {H3254} to Jonathan {H3083}: but if it please {H3190} my father {H1} to do thee evil {H7451}, then I will shew {H1540}{H241} it thee, and send thee away {H7971}, that thou mayest go {H1980} in peace {H7965}: and the LORD {H3068} be with thee, as he hath been with my father {H1}.

But if my father intends to do you harm, may ADONAI do as much and more to me if I don't let you know and send you away, so that you can go in peace. And may ADONAI be with you, just as he used to be with my father.

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.

Jehovah do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do thee evil, if I disclose it not unto thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and Jehovah be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

Commentary

Context

This verse is a pivotal moment in the deep friendship between Jonathan, King Saul's son, and David, the future king of Israel. It comes amidst King Saul's growing jealousy and murderous intent towards David, fueled by David's military successes and popularity. Jonathan, aware of his father's volatile nature, is making a solemn promise to David to protect him and ensure his safety. Jonathan has just made a covenant with David, recognizing that God's favor is with David, not his own father. This dialogue is part of their plan to ascertain Saul's true intentions towards David, using a signal system.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship: Jonathan demonstrates extraordinary faithfulness to David, even at great personal risk and against his own father's wishes. This bond is often cited as the epitome of true friendship in the Bible.
  • Divine Protection and Providence: Jonathan invokes the Lord's name, acknowledging God's active involvement in David's life. His prayer, "the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father," subtly highlights Saul's diminishing favor with God and David's rising favor, suggesting God's hand in David's future. This echoes the earlier observation that the Lord had departed from Saul and was with David.
  • Selfless Sacrifice: Jonathan is willing to forgo his own claim to the throne and risk his relationship with his father to ensure David's well-being and God's plan. This commitment is a hallmark of his character.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan" is a common form of oath or imprecation in Hebrew, indicating the solemnity and earnestness of Jonathan's promise. It's a way of calling upon God to punish him if he fails to uphold his word. The concluding blessing, "the LORD be with thee," is a traditional Hebrew farewell, but in this context, it carries profound spiritual weight, signifying Jonathan's desire for David to continue experiencing God's presence and guidance in his perilous journey, mirroring the divine favor that had once been upon King Saul.

Related Scriptures

This verse is a powerful illustration of the deep covenant of friendship between Jonathan and David, first established in 1 Samuel 18:3. Jonathan's commitment here sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, culminating in their poignant farewell in 1 Samuel 20:42, where they reaffirm their bond before David flees Saul's wrath permanently.

Practical Application

Jonathan's example in 1 Samuel 20:13 challenges us to consider the depth of our own loyalty and commitment in relationships, particularly in difficult circumstances. It highlights the importance of seeking peace ("that thou mayest go in peace") and acting with integrity, even when it means personal sacrifice. Furthermore, it reminds us that God's presence is our ultimate source of security and guidance, especially when facing opposition or uncertainty. We can trust that just as the Lord was with David, He is also with us, guiding us through life's challenges.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 1:5 (5 votes)

    There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

  • Ruth 1:17 (5 votes)

    Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part thee and me.

  • 1 Samuel 17:37 (5 votes)

    David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:11 (5 votes)

    Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:16 (5 votes)

    Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, [there is] no number. Arise [therefore], and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

  • 1 Samuel 3:17 (4 votes)

    And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.

  • 1 Samuel 11:6 (2 votes)

    And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.