1 Samuel 20:2

KJV

And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it [is] not [so].

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, God forbid {H2486}; thou shalt not die {H4191}: behold, my father {H1} will do {H6213}{H6213} nothing {H1697} either great {H1419} or small {H6996}, but that he will shew {H1540}{H241} it me: and why should my father {H1} hide {H5641} this thing {H1697} from me? it is not so.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'honatan replied,"Heaven forbid! You're not going to die! Look, my father does nothing important or unimportant without telling me first; so why should my father hide this from me? It just won't happen!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!”

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Far from it; thou shalt not die: behold, my father doeth nothing either great or small, but that he discloseth it unto me; and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonathan's impassioned denial in 1 Samuel 20:2 reveals his profound trust in his father, King Saul, and his deep affection for David. Unaware of the true depth of Saul's murderous jealousy and paranoia, Jonathan genuinely believes that any significant royal decision, especially one concerning David's life, would be disclosed to him. His vehement assertion that "my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me" underscores his conviction that David's dire prediction of death is utterly impossible and unfounded, tragically misjudging the extent of Saul's corrupted heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Saul's escalating animosity toward David, immediately following David's desperate plea to Jonathan in [1 Samuel 20:1](/1_samuel/20-1 "1 Samuel 20:1 - David's Desperate Question"). David, having already survived multiple assassination attempts by Saul—including spear throws and an ambush—has fled the royal court and sought refuge with his closest friend, Jonathan. The preceding chapters meticulously detail David's meteoric rise, his covenant friendship with Jonathan established in [1 Samuel 18:1-4](/1_samuel/18-1-4 "1 Samuel 18:1-4 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"), and Saul's subsequent descent into paranoia and murderous rage, fueled by envy of David's success and popularity (e.g., [1 Samuel 18:8-9](/1_samuel/18-8-9 "1 Samuel 18:8-9 - Saul's Envy of David")). Jonathan's initial response in this verse, born of filial loyalty and a tragic lack of awareness, sets the stage for the dramatic test of Saul's true intentions and the eventual, painful confirmation of David's fears, leading to their final separation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds within the nascent monarchy of Israel, a period of significant transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized kingdom. Saul, as Israel's first king, was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience (as detailed in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). David, divinely anointed as Saul's successor (cf. [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King")), represents God's chosen future for Israel. The cultural norms of the time emphasized absolute loyalty within the royal court and family, yet also acknowledged the king's supreme authority. Jonathan, as the crown prince and heir apparent, would naturally expect to be privy to his father's significant decisions, especially those impacting the kingdom's stability or the life of a prominent military leader like David. His statement reflects a common expectation of transparency and trust within a royal household, a trust that Saul's unchecked envy and mental instability were about to shatter.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes prevalent throughout the book of Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **unwavering loyalty and covenant friendship**, particularly between Jonathan and David, which stands in stark contrast to the betrayal and animosity displayed by Saul. Jonathan's immediate and passionate defense of his father, even as it proves to be tragically misguided, showcases his deep familial loyalty and trust. Secondly, it foreshadows the **corrupting power of unchecked envy and paranoia**, as Saul's irrational hatred for David has driven him to secret, murderous plots, even against the counsel and knowledge of his own son. This theme is central to Saul's tragic downfall, vividly illustrated by his later attempts to kill David and even Jonathan himself (e.g., [1 Samuel 20:33](/1_samuel/20-33 "1 Samuel 20:33 - Saul's Anger at Jonathan")). Lastly, it emphasizes the **divine protection of God's anointed**, as David, despite facing mortal danger from the king, is continually preserved by God's hand, ultimately leading to his ascent to the throne—a truth that Jonathan, in his steadfast loyalty, unwittingly helps to bring about.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God forbid (Hebrew, _châlîylâh'_):** This strong interjection (H2486) literally means "profane!" or "far be it!" It is an exclamation of utter rejection and vehement denial. Jonathan's use of this word communicates his profound shock and disbelief that his father, King Saul, would harbor such a murderous intent toward David, especially without his knowledge. It conveys a sense of "may it never be!" or "that would be an abomination!"
* **father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This primitive word (H1) refers to a literal and immediate father, but also carries figurative and remote applications like "chief" or "forefather." Jonathan's repeated use of "my father" in this verse underscores his deep filial bond and his expectation of paternal transparency and trust. His inability to conceive of Saul acting against David in secret is rooted in his understanding of their father-son relationship and his role as heir.
* **hide (Hebrew, _çâthar'_):** This primitive root (H5641) means "to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively," implying to conceal, keep secret, or withhold knowledge. Jonathan's rhetorical question, "why should my father hide this thing from me?" reveals his conviction that Saul would never keep such a vital matter from his heir and trusted confidant. It highlights Jonathan's perception of his relationship with his father as one of complete transparency and shared counsel, a perception that is tragically at odds with Saul's true, secretive malice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die":** Jonathan's immediate, forceful, and emotional response to David's desperate fear. The phrase "God forbid" (חָלִלָה, _chalilah_) expresses his utter shock and vehement rejection of David's assertion that Saul intends to kill him. He confidently assures David that death is not imminent, reflecting his deep trust in his father and his inability to fathom the depth of Saul's corrupted intentions.
* **"behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me":** This clause reveals the fundamental basis of Jonathan's confidence. He believes that his father, King Saul, shares everything with him—from the most significant royal decisions ("great") to the most minor matters ("small"). This statement highlights Jonathan's esteemed position as heir apparent and trusted advisor, and his unwavering conviction that he is privy to all of Saul's plans, especially those of such grave consequence.
* **"and why should my father hide this thing from me?":** A rhetorical question that further emphasizes Jonathan's incredulity and disbelief. He cannot conceive of any logical reason why Saul would conceal such a grave matter, especially from his own son and the one who has a sacred covenant with David. This question underscores his belief in the integrity and transparency of his relationship with his father, a belief that tragically blinds him to Saul's true, deceptive nature.
* **"it [is] not [so]":** Jonathan's final, emphatic declaration. This short, conclusive statement reiterates his firm belief that David's fears are unfounded and that Saul does not intend to kill him. It is a definitive dismissal of David's accusation, born out of deep filial loyalty and a tragic misunderstanding of his father's increasingly corrupted and paranoid heart.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and emotional impact. **Dramatic Irony** is paramount, as the audience is fully aware of Saul's murderous intent (e.g., [1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9-10 "1 Samuel 19:9-10 - Saul's Attempts to Kill David")), while Jonathan remains tragically oblivious. This creates significant tension and pathos, highlighting Jonathan's noble but naive loyalty. The phrase "either great or small" is an example of **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent a comprehensive whole, emphasizing Jonathan's belief that Saul supposedly shares *everything* with him. Furthermore, the dialogue itself serves as a powerful means of **Characterization**, revealing Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and trust, David's desperate fear and realistic assessment of the danger, and, by implication, the depth of Saul's secretive malice. The rhetorical question, "why should my father hide this thing from me?" functions as a form of **Apostrophe**, as Jonathan addresses a presumed logic and integrity in Saul that is, in fact, entirely absent in the king's irrational and sin-hardened state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's response in [1 Samuel 20:2](/1_samuel/20-2 "1 Samuel 20:2 - Jonathan's Trust in Saul"), though born of genuine affection and filial loyalty, tragically underscores the reality of Saul's spiritual decline and the insidious nature of sin, particularly envy and paranoia, which had consumed the king. It highlights the stark contrast between human perception and divine reality; while Jonathan trusts in his earthly father's integrity, David, guided by a more acute spiritual discernment and direct experience of Saul's madness, rightly perceives the mortal danger. This moment serves as a powerful illustration of how sin can corrupt even the closest relationships and how a heart hardened against God's will can become utterly deceptive, even to those it purports to love. The divine hand is evident in David's preservation, despite Jonathan's initial disbelief, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His chosen one and His sovereign control over the affairs of men, even amidst human treachery.

* [1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9-10 "1 Samuel 19:9-10 - Saul's Malicious Intent")
* [Proverbs 27:6](/proverbs/27-6 "Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a Friend")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's initial disbelief in [1 Samuel 20:2](/1_samuel/20-2 "1 Samuel 20:2 - Jonathan's Naivete") offers a poignant lesson about the complexities of human relationships, particularly when trust is challenged by unsettling truths. It reminds us that loyalty, while a profound virtue, must be tempered with discerning wisdom. There are times when the reality of another's brokenness, malicious intent, or spiritual decline is so profound that it defies our desire to believe the best, especially when that person is close to us. This passage encourages us to cultivate a realistic understanding of human nature, acknowledging the potential for even loved ones to succumb to sin's corrupting influence. While we are called to extend grace, forgiveness, and love, we are also wise to heed warnings, protect ourselves, and seek truth, even when it is painful or challenges our comfortable assumptions about those we cherish. It's a call to prayerful discernment, asking God to reveal truth and guide our steps when faced with difficult, potentially harmful relational dynamics.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's trust in his father, despite Saul's known erratic and violent behavior, reflect our own tendencies to deny uncomfortable truths about those we love?**
* **When have you found it difficult to accept a harsh reality about a relationship, similar to Jonathan's struggle here, and what was the outcome?**
* **What role does spiritual discernment play in navigating relationships where trust has been compromised or where there are clear warning signs of destructive behavior?**
* **How can we balance our call to loyalty and love with the need for self-protection and a clear-eyed view of reality, especially when facing potential emotional or physical harm?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jonathan so confident that his father would not hide such a thing from him?**

Answer: Jonathan's confidence stemmed from his esteemed position as the crown prince and his close, albeit tragically misperceived, relationship with King Saul. As the heir apparent, he would naturally expect to be privy to all significant royal decisions, especially those concerning the life of a prominent figure like David, who was a national hero and his own covenant friend. He likely believed in a bond of trust and transparency with his father, assuming that Saul would confide in him regarding any major plans, "either great or small." This expectation was deeply rooted in their familial relationship and his integral role within the court, making David's accusation seem utterly illogical and impossible from his perspective. Tragically, this confidence revealed Jonathan's unawareness of the extent of Saul's paranoia and the secrecy with which he now operated due to his unchecked envy and spiritual decline (see [1 Samuel 18:8-9](/1_samuel/18-8-9 "1 Samuel 18:8-9 - Saul's Envy of David")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's loyal, though initially misguided, defense of his father in [1 Samuel 20:2](/1_samuel/20-2 "1 Samuel 20:2 - Jonathan's Misplaced Trust"), and his subsequent painful realization of Saul's murderous intent, foreshadows the ultimate conflict between the kingdom of man and the Kingdom of God, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Saul, the earthly king, sought to destroy David, God's anointed, so too did the religious and political powers of Jesus' day conspire to put to death the true King, the Messiah (e.g., [Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Plot Against Jesus")). Jonathan's unwavering friendship with David, even to his own peril, serves as a beautiful type of Christ's perfect friendship and intercession for His people. While Jonathan could not ultimately save David from Saul's wrath, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His life to deliver humanity from the wrath of sin and death (e.g., [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). The tragic irony of Jonathan's initial denial, where he could not fathom his father's treachery, points to the world's inability to recognize its Savior, who came not to condemn but to save (e.g., [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save")). Ultimately, David's preservation and ascent to the throne, despite the king's murderous intent, prefigures Christ's resurrection and enthronement as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, triumphing over all earthly opposition and establishing an eternal kingdom (e.g., [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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

John 17:8

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

1 Samuel 9:15

Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,

1 Samuel 20:12

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;

Joshua 22:29

God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that [is] before his tabernacle.

1 Samuel 14:45

And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: [as] the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

Genesis 44:7

And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing:

Luke 20:16

He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard [it], they said, God forbid.