1 Samuel 20:9

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonathan {H3083} said {H559}, Far be it from thee {H2486}: for if I knew {H3045} certainly {H3045} that evil {H7451} were determined {H3615} by my father {H1} to come {H935} upon thee, then would not I tell {H5046} it thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'honatan said, "Heaven forbid! If I ever were to learn that my father had definitely decided to do you harm, wouldn't I tell you?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?”

American Standard Version

And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:9 captures a profound moment of unwavering loyalty and trust between Jonathan and David. David, in deep distress and fearing for his life due to King Saul's escalating murderous intent, has just sought Jonathan's counsel. Jonathan, Saul's son, responds with an emphatic denial of any possibility that he would conceal his father's evil designs against David, pledging absolute transparency and protection, thereby reaffirming his sacred covenant with David and prioritizing his friend's safety above all else.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Saul's reign and David's rise. Following David's triumphs and Saul's subsequent jealousy, the relationship between Saul and David has deteriorated into open hostility and murderous plots. David has just fled Saul's presence and sought out Jonathan, his closest friend, to ascertain the true nature of Saul's intentions. David's desperate plea in [1 Samuel 20:3](/1_samuel/20-3 "1 Samuel 20:3 - David's Fear")—"there is but a step between me and death"—underscores the mortal danger he perceives. Jonathan's response in verse 9 is a direct and passionate refutation of David's fear that Jonathan might be complicit or withhold information, solidifying his commitment to David's well-being and setting the stage for their elaborate plan to discern Saul's true intentions in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop is the early monarchy of Israel, a period marked by tribal loyalties, nascent royal power, and the complex dynamics of succession. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, loyalty to one's father and king was paramount, making Jonathan's steadfast commitment to David, the perceived rival to his own dynastic claim, exceptionally remarkable. Covenants, like the one between David and Jonathan mentioned in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David's Covenant"), were sacred bonds, often sealed with oaths and carrying profound social and spiritual weight. Jonathan's actions here reflect a prioritization of this covenant over the expected familial and political allegiances, highlighting the unique and divinely ordained nature of his friendship with David.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes. **Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship** is paramount, as Jonathan's declaration transcends familial ties and personal ambition, demonstrating a profound commitment to David's destiny as king, even at the expense of his own potential claim to the throne. His words embody **Trust and Assurance**, providing David with a much-needed anchor in a sea of peril, built upon a foundation of open communication and mutual respect. Furthermore, Jonathan's actions are a crucial human instrument in the unfolding of **Divine Providence**. Though not explicitly stated in this verse, Jonathan's protection of David directly facilitates God's plan for David to become the next king of Israel, showcasing how God works through human relationships and choices to achieve His sovereign purposes, as seen in the broader narrative of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Far be it from thee (Hebrew, _ḥālîlâ lāk_):** This is a strong Hebrew idiom, literally meaning "profane to you" or "unthinkable for you." It conveys a vehement denial, an expression of shock and utter repugnance at the very idea. Jonathan is not merely disagreeing; he is passionately rejecting the notion that he would ever betray David or withhold vital information. It emphasizes the depth of his commitment and the sacredness of their bond, indicating that such an act would be an abomination to him.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _rā‘â_):** While often translated simply as "evil," _rā‘â_ in this context refers specifically to harm, misfortune, or calamity. It encompasses Saul's malicious intent and the destructive plot he is devising against David. Jonathan is not speaking of abstract wickedness but of a concrete, life-threatening danger that his father intends to inflict upon David.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee":** Jonathan's immediate and emphatic response underscores his deep emotional connection to David and his absolute rejection of any suggestion that he would be disloyal or complicit in Saul's schemes. This phrase serves as a powerful verbal embrace, reassuring David of his unwavering support and integrity.
* **"for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee":** This clause reveals Jonathan's commitment to active vigilance on David's behalf. He is not merely offering passive comfort but pledging to actively seek out and discern Saul's true intentions. The phrase "knew certainly" (literally, "knowing, I would know") implies a thorough and reliable investigation, demonstrating his dedication to uncovering the truth of the threat David faces.
* **"then would not I tell it thee?":** This rhetorical question functions as a powerful affirmation. The implied answer is a resounding "Yes, I would certainly tell you!" It reinforces Jonathan's promise of complete transparency and immediate communication. His loyalty dictates that he would never allow David to walk into danger unknowingly, emphasizing his role as a protector and faithful friend.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Rhetorical Question** is evident in Jonathan's concluding phrase, "then would not I tell it thee?", which serves not as a genuine inquiry but as a powerful affirmation, leaving no doubt about his commitment to transparency and protection. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is acutely aware of Saul's escalating madness and murderous intent, which Jonathan is only now seeking to confirm. This irony heightens the tension and underscores the precariousness of David's situation. Furthermore, the entire interaction is steeped in **Symbolism**, with Jonathan representing the ideal of selfless friendship and covenant loyalty, contrasting sharply with Saul's embodiment of jealous paranoia and tyrannical power. Jonathan's pledge to protect David, the anointed king, also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the divine protection that will ultimately preserve David for his destined throne.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's extraordinary loyalty to David, expressed so powerfully in this verse, resonates with profound theological themes of covenant faithfulness and divine sovereignty. His actions are not merely a testament to human friendship but reflect a deeper spiritual alignment with God's purposes. Jonathan, despite being the rightful heir, willingly steps aside and actively protects the one whom God has chosen, demonstrating a remarkable humility and submission to the divine will. This self-sacrificing love and commitment to another's well-being, even at personal cost, mirrors the character of God's covenant loyalty to His people and foreshadows the ultimate act of divine love.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's resolute pledge in 1 Samuel 20:9 offers a timeless paradigm for true friendship and integrity. In a world often characterized by self-interest and conditional relationships, Jonathan's unwavering loyalty reminds us of the profound value of covenantal bonds—those relationships built on trust, transparency, and a willingness to prioritize the well-being of another, even when it demands personal sacrifice or challenges existing allegiances. It calls us to cultivate friendships marked by honesty, where we are committed to speaking truth, offering protection, and standing by those we love, especially in times of vulnerability and peril. This verse challenges us to consider whether our own relationships are characterized by such selflessness and courage, to be people who would never conceal "evil" from those we are called to protect, but rather actively seek their good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's loyalty challenge our understanding of friendship in contemporary society?**
* **In what ways might we be called to demonstrate "Far be it from thee" loyalty in our own relationships, even when it is difficult or costly?**
* **How does Jonathan's willingness to go against his father's will for the sake of his friend speak to the importance of moral courage and integrity?**

### FAQ
**What was the nature of the "evil" Jonathan was referring to?**

Answer: The "evil" Jonathan refers to (Hebrew _rā‘â_) was the malicious intent and murderous plot that King Saul, his father, was actively harboring against David. Saul had become consumed by jealousy and paranoia, viewing David as a threat to his throne and dynasty. This "evil" was not merely abstract wickedness but a concrete, life-threatening danger—Saul's determination to kill David, as evidenced by previous attempts and his increasingly erratic behavior. Jonathan's pledge was to inform David of any specific plan or move Saul might make to harm him, ensuring David was not caught unawares.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's self-sacrificing loyalty and protective stance toward David, the Lord's anointed king, powerfully prefigure the ultimate covenant faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Just as Jonathan pledged to warn and protect David from the "evil" determined by an earthly king, so Christ, our faithful friend and High Priest, continually intercedes for and protects His people from spiritual "evil" and the machinations of the adversary. Jonathan, the rightful heir, willingly set aside his own claim to the throne to ensure David's safety and ascent, echoing Christ's ultimate act of humility and self-emptying, where He "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). Our Lord Jesus not only warns us of danger but actively delivers us from it, laying down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")) and securing our eternal safety through His perfect sacrifice. He is the ultimate "good shepherd" who "lays down his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), fulfilling the protective and covenantal love that Jonathan so beautifully demonstrated for David, the type of the coming King.

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

1 Samuel 20:42

And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

1 Samuel 20:38

And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.

1 Samuel 19:2

But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret [place], and hide thyself: