1 Samuel 20:14

KJV

And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt not only while yet {H518} I live {H2416} shew {H6213} me the kindness {H2617} of the LORD {H3068}, that I die {H4191} not:

Complete Jewish Bible

However, you are to show me ADONAI's kindness not only while I am alive, so that I do not die;

Berean Standard Bible

And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die,

American Standard Version

And thou shalt not only while yet I live show me the lovingkindness of Jehovah, that I die not;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:14 captures a profound moment in the covenantal friendship between David and Jonathan, where Jonathan, acutely aware of God's sovereign plan for David to become Israel's king, pleads for a lasting demonstration of loyal, steadfast love—the "kindness of the LORD." This urgent request, made amidst King Saul's relentless attempts on David's life, extends beyond Jonathan's immediate safety to secure the future well-being of his descendants, asking David to show the same unwavering faithfulness that God Himself exemplifies in His covenant with His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the dramatic and emotionally charged narrative of David's flight from King Saul, who, consumed by jealousy and paranoia, relentlessly seeks to kill him. Chapter 20 specifically details Jonathan's final, desperate attempts to mediate between his father and David, and upon realizing Saul's unyielding murderous intent, to secure David's safety and a future for his own lineage. The chapter opens with David confronting Jonathan about Saul's murderous designs, leading to Jonathan's carefully orchestrated plan to ascertain his father's true intentions. Jonathan's heartfelt plea in this verse is not an isolated request but a deepening of the sacred covenant established earlier between the two friends in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - The Covenant Between David and Jonathan"). The immediate narrative underscores Jonathan's extraordinary selflessness, as he willingly risks his own life and implicitly forfeits his claim to the throne for the sake of his friend and, more profoundly, for the fulfillment of God's divine will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly within monarchical successions, it was a brutal but common practice for a new king to eliminate all potential rivals from the previous dynasty. This often included the former king's sons and their families, a practice known as dynastic purge, designed to secure the new ruler's reign and prevent future insurrections. This harsh reality provides the chilling backdrop for Jonathan's request, highlighting its gravity and foresight. By asking David to "shew me the kindness of the LORD," Jonathan is invoking a covenantal obligation that transcends mere human agreement, elevating it to a divine standard. This was a desperate plea for protection and provision for his family, specifically for his descendants, against the expected and often ruthless custom of dynastic extermination. The concept of *chesed* (loyal love, kindness, steadfast mercy) was deeply ingrained in Israelite culture, representing a committed, enduring faithfulness within a relationship, often mirroring God's own unwavering covenantal faithfulness to His people, as seen in His promises to Abraham or Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is **Covenant Loyalty (Chesed)**. Jonathan's request for "the kindness of the LORD" (Hebrew: *chesed Yahweh*) is a profound appeal for steadfast, loyal love rooted in their solemn covenant. *Chesed* is a rich theological term signifying unwavering devotion, mercy, and covenant faithfulness, reflecting God's own character, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Psalm 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalm 136:1 - God's Enduring Mercy"). Jonathan desires David to extend this divine quality—a love that is active, enduring, and faithful—to him and his family. This verse also highlights **Profound Friendship**, showcasing Jonathan's extraordinary selflessness and deep devotion to David, prioritizing God's will and his friend's destiny over his own royal inheritance. Furthermore, it speaks to **Future Security and Divine Providence**. Jonathan's remarkable foresight in securing a promise for his descendants demonstrates his clear understanding of the volatile nature of succession and his implicit acknowledgment that God is sovereignly orchestrating events, with David unequivocally destined for kingship, a truth explicitly stated by Jonathan himself in [1 Samuel 23:17](/1_samuel/23-17 "1 Samuel 23:17 - Jonathan Encourages David and Acknowledges His Future Kingship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd_):** This highly significant theological term, *chêçêd* (H2617), is the very heart of Jonathan's plea. Often translated as "loving-kindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love," *chêçêd* denotes a loyal, active, and enduring love that is rooted in a covenant or established relationship. It is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound commitment to act faithfully on behalf of another, especially within a bond of mutual obligation. By asking for "the kindness of the LORD," Jonathan is not requesting generic benevolence but a divine quality of unwavering, covenantal faithfulness to be extended to him and his descendants, mirroring God's own immutable character of loyal love (e.g., [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The Lord, a God Merciful and Gracious")).
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** The inclusion of "of the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) elevates Jonathan's request from a mere human promise to one imbued with divine authority and sanctity. *Yᵉhôvâh* is the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His self-existent and eternal nature. Its presence here implies that the *chêçêd* David is asked to show should be of the same quality, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment as God's own *chêçêd*. This suggests that their covenant is not just a human agreement but one made under the watchful eye and according to the high standard of God Himself, making its breach a serious offense against divine principles and the very character of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt not only while yet I live":** This opening clause establishes the immediate temporal scope of Jonathan's concern, yet subtly expands beyond it. He is asking for David's loyal kindness not just in the present moment, while Jonathan is alive and potentially able to reciprocate, but implying a continuity of this kindness that extends beyond his own lifetime. This sets the stage for the broader, more critical request concerning his descendants, recognizing the precariousness of his own life under Saul's reign.
* **"shew me the kindness of the LORD":** This is the core and most profound part of Jonathan's plea. He is asking David to actively demonstrate *chêçêd* towards him. The specific phrase "kindness of the LORD" means a kindness that is patterned after God's own loyal, covenantal love. It signifies a commitment that is unwavering, steadfast, and rooted in their sacred bond, reflecting the divine standard of faithfulness, mercy, and enduring loyalty. It is a request for David to embody God's character in their relationship.
* **"that I die not":** This phrase expresses the immediate, life-preserving aspect of Jonathan's request. In the volatile context of Saul's murderous intent towards David, Jonathan is implicitly acknowledging that his own life, and the future of his lineage, is also at dire risk if David were to perish or if their covenant were broken. It is a plea for protection and preservation, both for himself in the present and, crucially, for his family line against the common and brutal practice of eliminating rival claimants to the throne.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enrich its meaning and emotional impact. **Covenant Language** is paramount, as Jonathan's plea is explicitly framed within the established covenant between him and David, utilizing the highly significant theological term *chêçêd* to denote a loyal, enduring commitment. This elevates their human bond to a sacred, divinely-patterned agreement. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Jonathan's request implicitly acknowledges David's inevitable kingship and sets the stage for David's later faithful fulfillment of this covenant, most notably in his kindness to Mephibosheth ([2 Samuel 9:1](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1 - David Seeks to Show Kindness to Jonathan's Son")). The verse also carries significant **Pathos**, conveying the deep emotional weight of Jonathan's desperate situation and his profound love for David, as he selflessly sacrifices his own royal prospects for his friend's life and God's sovereign plan. Finally, there is an underlying **Irony** in the crown prince of Israel asking for kindness from the man destined to usurp his throne, highlighting Jonathan's remarkable humility, spiritual discernment, and unwavering faith in God's sovereign choice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's request for "the kindness of the LORD" is a profound theological statement that elevates human covenant to a divine standard. It underscores the biblical principle that human relationships, especially those bound by solemn promise, should mirror the unwavering faithfulness of God's own *chêçêd* towards His people. This concept of loyal, steadfast love is not merely an emotion but an active, enduring commitment to uphold one's obligations within a relationship, even at great personal cost or inconvenience. It speaks directly to the character of God, who is inherently faithful, merciful, and just, and calls His people to reflect that character in their interactions with one another. Jonathan's plea is a testament to the enduring power of covenant and the expectation that those blessed by God's favor will, in turn, extend that same favor, particularly to the vulnerable or those who are dependent on their faithfulness, establishing a legacy of grace.

* [Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "Genesis 24:27 - Abraham's Servant Praises God's Steadfast Love")
* [Ruth 1:8](/ruth/1-8 "Ruth 1:8 - Naomi's Blessing on Ruth and Orpah for Their Kindness")
* [Psalm 36:5](/psalms/36-5 "Psalm 36:5 - God's Steadfast Love Reaches to the Heavens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The poignant plea of Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:14 offers timeless and profound lessons on the nature of true friendship, covenant fidelity, and the imperative to mirror divine character. It compels us to consider the depth of our own commitments and the extent to which we are willing to act with selfless love and unwavering loyalty, even when circumstances are challenging, or when such faithfulness demands significant personal sacrifice. Jonathan, despite being the rightful heir apparent to Israel's throne, prioritized God's revealed will and his friend's well-being over his own ambition, demonstrating a remarkable integrity, spiritual discernment, and profound faith. His request for *chêçêd* challenges us to embody God's steadfast love in our relationships, extending grace and kindness not only to those who can reciprocate but especially to those who are vulnerable, dependent on our faithfulness, or unable to repay. This verse encourages us to live with a long-term, even generational, perspective, understanding that our acts of kindness and commitment can have far-reaching impact, securing a legacy of grace that powerfully reflects God's enduring faithfulness to His own covenants.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's request for "the kindness of the LORD" challenge your understanding of loyalty and friendship in your own relationships?**
* **In what tangible ways can you, like David, extend "the kindness of the LORD" to others in your life, particularly to those who may be vulnerable, marginalized, or in need of steadfast support?**
* **What personal ambitions, desires, or perceived rights might you need to lay aside to truly reflect God's selfless and covenantal love in a significant relationship or situation?**
* **How does the biblical concept of a covenant, as exemplified between David and Jonathan, inform and strengthen your view of commitments and promises in your personal and spiritual life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the kindness of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the kindness of the LORD" translates the Hebrew *chêçêd Yᵉhôvâh*, which is profoundly significant. *Chêçêd* (חֶסֶד) is a key theological term in the Old Testament, denoting loyal love, steadfast mercy, and covenant faithfulness. It describes a committed, active, and enduring love that is rooted in an established relationship or covenant. By asking for "the kindness of the LORD," Jonathan is not merely requesting general benevolence from David, but a specific quality of enduring, covenantal faithfulness that mirrors God's own unwavering love and commitment to His people. It elevates their human covenant to a divine standard, implying that David's loyalty should be as steadfast and reliable as God's own *chêçêd*.

**Did David fulfill this covenant with Jonathan?**

Answer: Yes, David faithfully and remarkably fulfilled his covenant with Jonathan, even after Jonathan's death. The most prominent and moving example is found in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"), where David, having secured his throne, asks if there is anyone left of Saul's house to whom he can show "the kindness of God" (a phrase synonymous with "the kindness of the LORD" or *chêçêd Yᵉhôvâh*). He then finds Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son, and out of his covenant loyalty, restores to him all the land of Saul and allows him to eat at the king's table continually, as one of the king's own sons. This act powerfully demonstrates David's unwavering loyalty and commitment to the sacred covenant he made with Jonathan, extending *chêçêd* to the very descendant Jonathan had sought protection for.

**Why was Jonathan so loyal to David despite being Saul's son and the heir apparent?**

Answer: Jonathan's extraordinary loyalty to David, despite his own direct claim to the throne, stems from several profound factors. Firstly, he possessed spiritual discernment, recognizing and accepting God's sovereign choice of David as the next king, as he explicitly states in [1 Samuel 23:17](/1_samuel/23-17 "1 Samuel 23:17 - Jonathan Encourages David and Acknowledges His Future Kingship"). Jonathan understood that God's divine plan superseded his personal ambition or dynastic rights. Secondly, their bond was one of deep, genuine friendship and profound love, described in [1 Samuel 18:1](/1_samuel/18-1 "1 Samuel 18:1 - Jonathan's Soul Knit to David's") as Jonathan loving David "as his own soul." This profound personal connection, coupled with his spiritual insight, allowed Jonathan to prioritize God's will and David's well-being over his own dynastic interests, making him a unique and exemplary figure of selfless devotion in the biblical narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's poignant plea for "the kindness of the LORD" from David, and David's subsequent faithful fulfillment of that covenantal *chêçêd* to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect *chêçêd* demonstrated by God through Jesus Christ. Just as Jonathan, though an earthly prince, selflessly yielded his claim to the throne for David, so too did Christ, the eternal Son of God, humble Himself, laying aside His heavenly glory and rights to secure a covenant of eternal kindness for humanity ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). The "kindness of the LORD" that Jonathan sought finds its supreme and most complete expression in God's steadfast love and boundless mercy extended to us in Christ, particularly through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love for Us")). We, like Mephibosheth, were spiritually crippled, alienated from God's kingdom, and under a sentence of death due to sin ([Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")). Yet, through Christ, we are brought near, adopted into God's family, and invited to feast at His table forever, not based on our merit but solely on God's boundless *chêçêd* and the new covenant established in His precious blood ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Love"); [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant Based on Better Promises")). Jesus is the ultimate faithful friend who laid down His life for us, His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), securing an eternal covenant of grace that far surpasses any human promise or earthly kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 9:3

And the king said, [Is] 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, [which is] lame on [his] feet.

Ephesians 5:1

¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.