1 Samuel 20 8

1 Samuel 20:8 kjv

Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

1 Samuel 20:8 nkjv

Therefore you shall deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. Nevertheless, if there is iniquity in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?"

1 Samuel 20:8 niv

As for you, show kindness to your servant, for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the LORD. If I am guilty, then kill me yourself! Why hand me over to your father?"

1 Samuel 20:8 esv

Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?"

1 Samuel 20:8 nlt

Show me this loyalty as my sworn friend ? for we made a solemn pact before the LORD ? or kill me yourself if I have sinned against your father. But please don't betray me to him!"

1 Samuel 20 verses

1 Samuel 20 8 Meaning

Jonathan implores David to extend steadfast kindness, chesed, to him and his household because Jonathan has previously initiated or affirmed a solemn covenant, a berit YHWH, with David before the Lord Himself. This covenant is presented as binding, demanding loyal treatment. David, in response, asserts his complete innocence regarding any wrongdoing towards King Saul; if any iniquity (guilt) is found in him, David challenges Jonathan to execute him personally, implying that facing Jonathan's judgment is preferable to being delivered into the unpredictable and murderous rage of Saul.

1 Samuel 20 8 Context

Chapter 20 of 1 Samuel depicts the critical and emotionally charged interaction between David and Jonathan as David's life becomes increasingly threatened by King Saul. Having recently escaped an assassination attempt by Saul (1 Sam 19:9-17) and seeing Saul's continued murderous intent, David flees to Jonathan in Gibeah. David pours out his desperation, lamenting that only a step separates him from death (1 Sam 20:3). Jonathan, initially reluctant to believe his father would seek to kill David, is confronted with David's dire assessment of the situation. This verse (1 Sam 20:8) is David's direct appeal to Jonathan's deepest sense of honor and loyalty, rooted in the solemn covenant they had previously made, asking for Jonathan's unwavering commitment or, if David truly deserved it, for Jonathan to execute justice himself rather than hand him over to Saul's erratic rage. The historical context highlights the escalating tensions within Saul's kingdom, the unravelling of Saul's rule, and the clandestine beginnings of David's emergence as God's chosen king.

1 Samuel 20 8 Word analysis

• Therefore (וְעַתָּה - wəʿattah): A strong connective, signaling a consequence or immediate practical application stemming from the preceding distressed conversation and the recognition of David's precarious situation. It establishes the gravity of the subsequent plea.
• you shall deal kindly (תַּעֲשֶׂה־חֶסֶד - taʿăśeh-chesed): Chesed (חֶסֶד) is a profound Hebrew term often translated as "kindness," "mercy," "loyal love," or "steadfast love." It denotes a deep, enduring commitment, especially within a covenant relationship. It implies more than mere goodwill; it's faithfulness to a mutual obligation, even when difficult. Jonathan is expected to demonstrate unwavering covenant loyalty.
• with your servant (עַל־עַבְדֶּךָ - ʿal-ʿavdəka): David humbling refers to himself as Jonathan's "servant," acknowledging Jonathan's position as the king's son. However, this designation is ironic and deferential; in a chesed context, the covenant creates a mutual bond that transcends social hierarchy, though David maintains an outward humility before the prince.
• for you have brought (כִּי־בִּבְרִית יְהוָה - ki-vivrit YHVH): The ki (כִּי) functions as "for" or "because," explaining the basis for the chesed demand.
• your servant into a covenant (הֵבֵאתָ אֶת־עַבְדְּךָ - heveʾta ʾet-ʿavdəḵā): Refers to Jonathan having initiated or strongly affirmed this sacred agreement with David. It points to a previous commitment that obligates Jonathan to act.
• of the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): This is crucial. The covenant (בְּרִית - berit) is not just a human agreement but one made before YHWH, God's covenant name. This means God Himself is the witness and guarantor of the covenant, imbuing it with divine authority and eternal weight. Violating it would be an offense against God.
• with you (עִמָּךְ - ʿimāk̄): The direct participation of Jonathan in establishing this sacred bond with David.
• But if (וְאִם - wəʾim): Introduces a strong conditional clause, setting up David's challenging counter-offer.
• there is in me iniquity (יֶשׁ־בִּי עָוֺן - yesh-bî ʿawon): Avon (עָוֺן) means "iniquity," "guilt," "punishment for iniquity." David is daring Jonathan: if I am guilty of any real wrongdoing deserving death in the sight of God or man (especially against Saul), then I submit to your judgment. It's a bold declaration of his innocence in the eyes of the Lord.
• kill me yourself (הֲמִתֵנִי אָתָּה - hamîtēnî ʾattâ): David trusts Jonathan more than Saul. He prefers to die by Jonathan's hand, presumably swiftly and honorably, as opposed to facing Saul's arbitrary and perhaps torturous wrath. It reflects the deep trust in their friendship, and starkly contrasts with Saul's chaotic state of mind.
• for why should you bring me to your father (וְלָמָּה זֶּה תְּבִיאֵנִי אֶל־אָבִיךָ - wəlāmmâ zeh tĕvîʾēnî ʾel-ʾāvîḵā): A rhetorical question. David knows bringing him to Saul means certain death under cruel circumstances, fueled by jealousy, not justice. This underscores the profound danger Saul poses and the unreasonableness of his accusations.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you": This phrase encapsulates the central theme of chesed in the context of a divine covenant. David reminds Jonathan of the sacred bond between them, arguing that it demands unwavering loyalty and protection. The invocation of "covenant of the LORD" elevates their friendship to a spiritual obligation, highlighting God's role as a witness and enforcer of their mutual promises, which inherently includes the act of chesed.
• "But if there is in me iniquity, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?": This segment powerfully conveys David's conviction of his innocence and his profound distrust of Saul. He offers himself to Jonathan's judgment if truly guilty, showcasing his complete faith in Jonathan's fairness (and perhaps swiftness of death) as opposed to being handed over to Saul. The rhetorical question exposes the tyrannical and murderous nature of Saul's jealousy, contrasting it sharply with any legitimate justice system. It highlights that delivering David to Saul would not be an act of justice but of malice.

1 Samuel 20 8 Bonus section

The concept of chesed as "covenant love" is central not only to this verse but to the entire Old Testament. It describes God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises (e.g., God's covenant with Abraham, David), and is the quality God desires from His people in return. In the case of David and Jonathan, their personal friendship reaches a level of sanctity akin to the divine relationship, setting a powerful precedent for biblical ideals of loyalty. This passage implicitly challenges the authority of human monarchy when it conflicts with a covenant made before God. Jonathan, as the son of the king, is faced with the ultimate test: uphold his father's unrighteous demands or honor his sacred covenant with David, God's chosen one. His response, affirming David's life, foreshadows the eventual downfall of Saul and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty through God's faithful chesed.

1 Samuel 20 8 Commentary

1 Samuel 20:8 stands as a pivotal statement illustrating the sacred depth of the covenant between David and Jonathan. David appeals not merely to friendship, but to a divinely witnessed pact (berit YHWH), demanding loyal love (chesed). This sacred invocation highlights that their relationship transcends earthly allegiances, potentially even superseding Jonathan's duty to his biological father, Saul, especially when Saul's actions oppose divine will and justice. David’s offer to submit to Jonathan’s hand if truly guilty is a desperate, yet trusting, assertion of his innocence. It speaks volumes about the chasm between Saul’s irrational, murderous jealousy and Jonathan’s principled adherence to his vows. The verse demonstrates how a divinely sanctioned covenant bound individuals in deep, mutual obligation, even against extreme familial and political pressures. This act solidified the unwavering foundation of Jonathan's chesed toward David, crucial for David's survival and future reign.