1 Samuel 20 9

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?

1 Samuel 20:9 nkjv

But Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! For if I knew certainly that evil was determined by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you?"

1 Samuel 20:9 niv

"Never!" Jonathan said. "If I had the least inkling that my father was determined to harm you, wouldn't I tell you?"

1 Samuel 20:9 esv

And Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! If I knew that it was determined by my father that harm should come to you, would I not tell you?"

1 Samuel 20:9 nlt

"Never!" Jonathan exclaimed. "You know that if I had the slightest notion my father was planning to kill you, I would tell you at once."

1 Samuel 20 verses

1 Samuel 20 9 Meaning

Jonathan emphatically declares his absolute commitment and loyalty to David, rejecting any notion that he would conspire with his father Saul against him or withhold information about Saul's malicious intentions. He solemnly vows that if he were certain of his father's evil plot against David, he would undeniably disclose it, thereby protecting his friend. This verse underscores the sacred bond of covenant and deep trust between David and Jonathan.

1 Samuel 20 9 Context

1 Samuel 20 is a pivotal chapter describing the deepening rift between Saul and David, and the unwavering friendship between Jonathan and David. Following David's repeated military successes and Saul's growing jealousy and murderous intent (1 Sam 18-19), David approaches Jonathan, expressing his fear for his life and accusing Jonathan of being unaware of his father's true malicious designs. Jonathan, still hopeful for reconciliation or unaware of the extent of his father's madness, initially finds David's accusation difficult to believe. In this specific verse (1 Sam 20:9), Jonathan passionately denies any possibility of complicity or deception, affirming his complete faithfulness to their covenant and vowing to protect David by disclosing any threat he discovers. This exchange sets the stage for Jonathan's daring attempt to ascertain Saul's intentions during the New Moon festival, ultimately confirming David's fears.

1 Samuel 20 9 Word analysis

• Then Jonathan said, 'Far be it from you!

  • 'Far be it from you!': Transliterated as "Chalilah Laka" (חָלִלָה לָּךְ). This is a very strong Hebrew expression of prohibition or disavowal, akin to "God forbid!" or "Perish the thought!" It is an earnest rejection of the idea that Jonathan would fail David. It reflects an immediate and intense shock at David's underlying suspicion of betrayal. It signifies not merely a verbal denial, but a visceral recoil from such a thought, underscoring the purity of his commitment to David, echoing similar phrases used to reject morally repugnant ideas (e.g., Gen 44:7; Josh 22:29; 1 Sam 24:6).

• If I knew for certain that evil was determined by my father to come upon you, would I not tell you?'

  • 'If I knew for certain': The Hebrew uses an intensive construction, yado'a eda' (יָדֹעַ אֵדַע), a double verb form meaning "knowing I would know" or "I would certainly know." This emphasizes absolute assurance and knowledge. Jonathan is not merely speculating; he insists on a commitment to act only on concrete knowledge, reinforcing his honesty and commitment.
  • 'evil': The Hebrew term is hara'ah (הָרָעָה), referring to the destructive or malicious intent of Saul. It implies more than mere displeasure; it signifies deadly harm or wicked plot. This reflects the severity of the threat David perceived.
  • 'determined by my father to come upon you': This phrase shows that Jonathan understood the direct source of the threat to be Saul and the target to be David. It reflects the context of Saul's escalating persecution.
  • 'would I not tell you?': A rhetorical question in Hebrew that expects an emphatic "Yes!" or "Of course!" It serves to reinforce the depth of Jonathan's pledge and trust, suggesting it would be unthinkable for him to hide such a grave matter from his beloved friend, particularly given their sworn covenant. This commitment demonstrates Jonathan's willingness to prioritize his oath to David over his filial duty to Saul when the two conflicted in the face of wickedness.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Far be it from you! If I knew for certain...": This pairing establishes Jonathan's shock and absolute denial, immediately followed by a solemn declaration of his unwavering commitment to David's well-being. It is a declaration of complete trustworthiness. This phrase exemplifies the profound spiritual bond between them, reflecting a loyalty that transcends normal human relationships and anticipates a self-sacrificing love that foreshadows Christ's love.
• "...that evil was determined by my father to come upon you, would I not tell you?": This part underscores the specific nature of the threat (Saul's murderous intent) and Jonathan's immediate and unequivocal response (disclosure and warning). It shows his resolve to protect David, even against his own father, highlighting his deep moral integrity and his commitment to his covenant with David above all earthly allegiances. This loyalty aligns with divine purposes, as Jonathan willingly subordinates his own potential succession to God's choice for the kingship, which was David.

1 Samuel 20 9 Bonus section

The Hebrew expression "Chalilah Laka" is intrinsically tied to oaths and divine will. It frequently appears in contexts where an action is considered an offense against God or against a solemn promise. Jonathan's use of this phrase, therefore, subtly underscores that his covenant with David was not just a human agreement but one made "before the Lord" (1 Sam 18:3; 23:18), carrying divine weight. By uttering it, Jonathan is essentially saying, "May this thought never happen! I would never dishonor our sacred bond by God's standard!" This further elevates the significance of his pledge, showing his recognition of the covenant's binding nature under God's watchful eye. It is this depth of integrity that allows Jonathan to overcome the tremendous filial pressures to remain loyal to his earthly father, demonstrating true allegiance to the divine King's plan embodied in David.

1 Samuel 20 9 Commentary

1 Samuel 20:9 is a potent declaration of covenant fidelity in the face of profound personal conflict. Jonathan’s passionate "Far be it from you!" (Hebrew: חָלִלָה לָּךְ), often translated as "God forbid!", encapsulates his outrage at the suggestion he would betray David. It's a statement of moral repugnance for disloyalty. His pledge, "If I knew for certain... would I not tell you?", seals his promise. The "certainty" aspect, intensified in the Hebrew, points to Jonathan's deep desire for verifiable proof before acting against his own father, while simultaneously asserting that if such proof existed, he would not hesitate to prioritize David's life. This verse exemplifies true, covenantal friendship that rises above blood ties, political ambition, and personal danger. Jonathan demonstrates profound loyalty, anticipating Christ's sacrificial love (John 15:13) and providing a timeless model of commitment, selflessness, and the courage to honor oaths, even at immense personal cost.