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◄ 1 Samuel 20:12►

New International Version
Then Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the LORD, the God of Israel, that I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know?

New Living Translation
Then Jonathan told David, “I promise by the LORD, the God of Israel, that by this time tomorrow, or the next day at the latest, I will talk to my father and let you know at once how he feels about you. If he speaks favorably about you, I will let you know.

English Standard Version
And Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you?

Berean Standard Bible
and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?

King James Bible
And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time,or the thirdday, and, behold,if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;

New King James Version
Then Jonathan said to David: “The LORD God of Israelis witness! When I have sounded out my father sometime tomorrow,or the thirdday, and indeedthere is good toward David, and I do not send to you and tell you,

New American Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel,is my witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrowor the third day, behold,if he has a goodfeeling toward you, shall I not then sendword to you and inform you?

NASB 1995
Then Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good feeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and make it known to you?

NASB 1977
Then Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel,be witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow,or the third day, behold, if there is goodfeeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and make it known to you?

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to David, “Yahweh, the God of Israel,be witness! When I have examined my father about this time tomorrow,or the third day, behold, if there is goodfeeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and reveal it in your ear?

Amplified Bible
Then Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel,is my witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he has a goodfeeling toward you, shall I not then sendword to you and make it known to you?

Christian Standard Bible
“By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If I find out that he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If I find out that he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?

American Standard Version
And Jonathan said unto David, Jehovah, the God of Israel, be witness: when I have sounded my father about this time to-morrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee?

Contemporary English Version
Jonathan said: I swear by the LORD God of Israel, that two days from now I'll know what my father is planning. Of course I'll let you know if he's friendly toward you.

English Revised Version
And Jonathan said unto David, The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness; when I have sounded my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"As the LORD God of Israel [is my witness]," Jonathan continued, "I'll find out in the next two or three days how my father feels about you. If he does feel kindly toward you, then I will send someone to tell you.

Good News Translation
and Jonathan said to David, "May the LORD God of Israel be our witness! At this time tomorrow and on the following day I will question my father. If his attitude toward you is good, I will send you word.

International Standard Version
Jonathan told David, "The LORD God of Israel is my witness that I'll carefully question my father by tomorrow or the next day. And if the response is favorable for David, will I not then send word to you and let you know?

NET Bible
Jonathan said to David, "The LORD God of Israel is my witness. I will feel out my father about this time the day after tomorrow. If he is favorably inclined toward David, will I not then send word to you and let you know?

New Heart English Bible
Jonathan said to David, "The LORD, the God of Israel, is witness. When I have studied my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, look, if there is good toward David, shall I not then send to you, and disclose it to you?

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jonathan said to 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 towards David, and I then send not to thee, and show it thee;

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?

World English Bible
Jonathan said to David, “By Yahweh, the God of Israel, when I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good toward David, won’t I then send to you and disclose it to you?

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Jonathan says to David, “YHWH, God of Israel, [is my witness]—when I search out my father about [this] time tomorrow [or] the third [day], and behold, [there is] good toward David, and I do not then send to you, and have uncovered your ear—

Young's Literal Translation
And Jonathan saith unto David, 'Jehovah, God of Israel -- when I search my father, about this time to-morrow or the third day, and lo, good is towards David, and I do not then send unto thee, and have uncovered thine ear --

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jonathan will say to David, Jehovah, God of Israel when I shall search out my father about this time to-morrow, the third day, and behold, good to David, and I shall not then send to thee, and uncover thine ear.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Jonathan said to David: O Lord God of Israel, if I shall discover my father's mind, to morrow or the day after, and there be any thing good for David, and I send not immediately to thee, and make it known to thee,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jonathan said before David: “O Lord, God of Israel, if I will discover a decision by my father, tomorrow, or the day after, and if there will be anything good concerning David, and yet I do not immediately send to you and make it known to you,

New American Bible
Jonathan said to David: “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, I will sound out my father about this time tomorrow. Whether he is well disposed toward David or not, I will inform you.

New Revised Standard Version
Jonathan said to David, “By the LORD, the God of Israel! When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or on the third day, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you?

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Jonathan said to David. The LORD God of Israel be a witness that I will sound my father about this time tomorrow, the third hour; and behold, if he feels good toward you, then I will send to you, and disclose it to you;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jonathan said to David: “LORD JEHOVAH, the God of Israel shall witness if I will not test my father about this time tomorrow, the third hour; if it is good for you, then I shall send to you and I shall show you

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jonathan said unto David: 'The LORD, the God of Israel--when I have sounded my father about this time to-morrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jonathan said to David, the Lord God of Israel knows that I will sound my father as I have an opportunity, three several times, and, behold,if good should be determined concerning David, and I do not send to thee to the field,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
…11“Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field,12and Jonathan said,“By the LORD,the God of Israel,I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day.If he is favorable toward you,will I not send for you and tell you?13But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 31:49-50
It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. / If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”

Genesis 31:44
Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”

Genesis 21:23
Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”

Genesis 31:53
May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.

Genesis 24:3
and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling,

Genesis 26:28
“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you

Genesis 31:32
If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols.

Genesis 31:37
You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us.

Genesis 31:39
I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night.

Genesis 31:42
If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”

Genesis 31:54
Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.

Matthew 5:33-37
Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...

Hebrews 6:16
Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.

James 5:12
Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.

Matthew 26:72-74
And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man!” / After a little while, those standing nearby came up to Peter. “Surely you are one of them,” they said, “for your accent gives you away.” / At that he began to curse and swear to them, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.

Treasury of Scripture

And Jonathan said to 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 to you, and show it you;

Joshua 22:22
The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; ifit be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)

Job 31:4
Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?

Psalm 17:3
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visitedme in the night; thou hast tried me,and shalt find nothing; I am purposedthat my mouth shall not transgress.

sounded [heb] searched

Proverbs 20:5
Counsel in the heart of manis like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Proverbs 25:2,3
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kingsis to search out a matter…

shew it thee [heb] uncover thine ear

1 Samuel 20:2
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? itis notso.

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1 Samuel 20

1.David consults with Jonathan for his safety
11.Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath
18.Jonathan's token to David
23.Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan
35.Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

and Jonathan said,
Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is a key figure in the narrative of 1 Samuel. His loyalty to David, despite his father's animosity, highlights the theme of covenant friendship. Jonathan's actions reflect a deep commitment to God's will and to David, whom he recognizes as God's chosen future king.

“By the LORD, the God of Israel,
Invoking the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, Jonathan emphasizes the seriousness and sacredness of his promise. This reflects the covenantal nature of relationships in ancient Israel, where oaths were often made before God as a witness. It underscores Jonathan's faith and his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over Israel.

I will sound out my father
Jonathan plans to discern King Saul's intentions toward David. This phrase indicates a strategic and cautious approach, as Jonathan seeks to protect David while navigating his father's volatile behavior. It reflects the tension within Saul's household and the political intrigue of the time.

by this time tomorrow or the next day.
The specific timeframe shows Jonathan's urgency and the immediacy of the situation. It also reflects the narrative's pacing, as events unfold rapidly in the story of David's rise and Saul's decline. This timeframe indicates Jonathan's commitment to act swiftly to ensure David's safety.

If he is favorable toward you,
Jonathan hopes for a positive outcome, reflecting his desire for reconciliation between Saul and David. This phrase highlights the uncertainty and danger David faces, as Saul's favor is unpredictable. It also underscores Jonathan's role as a mediator, attempting to bridge the gap between his father and his friend.

will I not send for you and tell you?
Jonathan assures David of his loyalty and intention to communicate the outcome. This promise of communication is crucial for David's survival, as it allows him to make informed decisions. It also demonstrates Jonathan's integrity and the trust between him and David, which is a central theme in their relationship.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and integrity, Jonathan plays a crucial role in protecting David from Saul's wrath.

2.David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point, he is a fugitive, fleeing from King Saul's attempts to kill him.

3.Saul
The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne.

4.The LORD, the God of Israel
The covenant God of Israel, invoked by Jonathan as a witness to his promise to David.

5.The Field
The setting of this conversation, where Jonathan and David meet to discuss Saul's intentions and plan David's safety.

Teaching Points

The Power of Covenant Friendship
Jonathan and David's relationship is a model of covenant friendship, characterized by loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual support. In our lives, we should seek to build relationships that reflect these values.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Jonathan's commitment to David, even at the risk of his own standing with his father, teaches us the importance of being faithful to our friends, especially in times of adversity.

Seeking God's Guidance
Jonathan invokes the LORD as a witness to his promise, reminding us to seek God's guidance and blessing in our commitments and decisions.

Courage to Stand for Righteousness
Jonathan's willingness to confront his father and protect David demonstrates the courage required to stand for righteousness, even when it is difficult.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the danger, both Jonathan and David trust in God's sovereignty over their lives. We are encouraged to trust God’s plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:12?

2.How does Jonathan's oath in 1 Samuel 20:12 demonstrate his loyalty to David?

3.What does Jonathan's reliance on the LORD reveal about his faith?

4.How can we emulate Jonathan's commitment to truth in our friendships today?

5.How does Jonathan's promise connect with God's covenantal faithfulness throughout Scripture?

6.In what ways can we seek God's guidance in challenging relationships like Jonathan did?

7.What is the significance of Jonathan's oath in 1 Samuel 20:12 for David's future kingship?

8.How does 1 Samuel 20:12 reflect the covenantal relationship between Jonathan and David?

9.Why does Jonathan invoke the LORD as a witness in 1 Samuel 20:12?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20?

11.What is the definition of lovingkindness?

12.In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence?

13.Does the sudden bestowal of Saul's property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7-10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul's possessions?

14.Why does Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:33-34 promise national restoration to Israel if they repent, when other biblical passages suggest God's judgment can remain despite repentance?

What Does 1 Samuel 20:12 Mean

and Jonathan said

Jonathan steps forward as the primary speaker, taking responsibility for what follows. His words flow from a deep covenant friendship with David (1 Samuel 18:3-4; 20:8) and from his recognition that God has knit their futures together (Proverbs 17:17). In the drama of Saul’s growing hostility, Jonathan’s voice becomes a steadying influence, much like Aaron speaking for Moses (Exodus 4:14-16).

By the LORD, the God of Israel

Jonathan swears by the personal covenant name of God, anchoring his promise in the unchanging character of the LORD (Deuteronomy 6:13;Hebrews 6:16-18). This oath underscores:

• The seriousness of the moment—human loyalty is grounded in divine faithfulness (Psalm 89:35-37).

• Jonathan’s submission to God’s ultimate authority, not merely to his father’s throne (Acts 5:29).

• The certainty that what follows is more than a casual arrangement; it is a sacred pledge reminiscent of earlier oaths in Israel (Genesis 14:22-23;1 Samuel 14:39).

I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day

Jonathan lays out a concrete, time-bound plan:

• “Sound out” implies careful observation, as Jonathan has done before when defending David (1 Samuel 19:4-7).

• The short window (“tomorrow or the next day”) shows urgency, paralleling David’s request in 20:5-6 and reflecting wisdom in not delaying obedience (Proverbs 27:1;Psalm 119:60).

• Jonathan’s resolve foreshadows his later courage in 23:16-18, where he risks himself again to strengthen David in God.

If he is favorable toward you

Jonathan allows for the possibility that Saul could respond positively, echoing Saul’s brief repentant moment in 19:6. This conditional clause highlights:

• Hope tempered by reality—Jonathan knows Saul’s volatility (1 Samuel 18:10-11; 20:30-33) yet still seeks peace if God grants it (Romans 12:18).

• A willingness to give Saul one more opportunity to align with God’s will, similar to David’s later mercy in 24:16-22.

• An implicit trust in God’s sovereignty over human hearts (Proverbs 21:1).

will I not send for you and tell you?

Jonathan seals his commitment to keep David fully informed:

• Covenant loyalty demands truthful communication (1 Samuel 20:14-17); failing to warn David would be a betrayal.

• The phrase stresses certainty—Jonathan’s word is as dependable as the oath he just swore (Proverbs 27:6).

• This pledge anticipates the elaborate signal with arrows in 20:20-22, showing ingenuity in protecting David while honoring Saul’s authority where possible (Ephesians 4:25).

summary

Jonathan, bound by covenant and oath, pledges to investigate Saul’s intentions promptly and to relay the truth to David without fail. Every phrase of1 Samuel 20:12 reveals a man who honors God above family, values friendship founded on faith, and trusts the LORD to preserve His anointed.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12)O Lord God of Israel.--Now that the two friends have come to a remote solitary spot, Jonathan prefaces his reply to David's piteous request by a very solemn invocation of that God they both loved so well. The vocative, however, "O Lord God," &c., of the English Version has been generally looked upon as an impossible rendering--"there being no analogy for such a mode of address"--Lange.

The versions avoid it by supplying different words. So the Syriac and Arabic render "The Lord of Israel ismy witness"; the LXX., "The Lord God of Israel knows." Others have supplied a word which they find in two Hebrew MSS., "As the Lord God of Israelliveth."The meaning, however, is perfectly clear.

Or the third day.--This statement of time on the part of Jonathan evidently assumes that the festival was continued the day after the "new moon" by a royal banquet. The time is thus reckoned: the present day; the morrow, which was the new moon festival; and the day after, which would reckon as the third day.

Behold, if there be good toward David.--In the event of the news being good--that is, if Saul, contrary to David's expectation, spoke kindly of him--then Jonathan wouldsendto him a special messenger; if, on the other hand, the king displayed enmity, in that case Jonathan would come himself and see David (for the last time). This sad message should be brought by no messenger.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

and Jonathan
יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083:Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

said,
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר(way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say

“By the LORD,
יְהוָ֞ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

the God
אֱלֹהֵ֤י(’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙(yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

I will sound out
אֶחְקֹ֣ר(’eḥ·qōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2713:To penetrate, to examine intimately

my father
אָבִ֗י(’ā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1:Father

by this time
כָּעֵ֤ת ׀(kā·‘êṯ)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6256:Time, now, when

tomorrow
מָחָר֙(mā·ḥār)
Adverb
Strong's 4279:Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafter

or the next day.
הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֔ית(haš·šə·li·šîṯ)
Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 7992:Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

If
וְהִנֵּה־(wə·hin·nêh-)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!

he is favorable
ט֖וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, good

toward
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

you,
דָּוִ֗ד(dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

will I not
וְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

send
אֶשְׁלַ֣ח(’eš·laḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, out

for you
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

and tell
וְגָלִ֖יתִי(wə·ḡā·lî·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1540:To denude, to exile, to reveal

you?
אָזְנֶֽךָ׃(’ā·zə·ne·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 241:Broadness, the ear

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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:12 Jonathan said to David Yahweh the God (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)