New International VersionJonathan said to David, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.”
New Living Translation“Tell me what I can do to help you,” Jonathan exclaimed.
English Standard VersionThen Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”
Berean Standard BibleThen Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you.”
King James BibleThen said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
New King James VersionSo Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you.”
New American Standard BibleThen Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”
NASB 1995Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”
NASB 1977Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”
Legacy Standard BibleThen Jonathan said to David, “Whatever your soul says, I will do for you.”
Amplified BibleThen Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”
Christian Standard BibleJonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleJonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”
American Standard VersionThen said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
Contemporary English VersionThen Jonathan said, "Tell me what to do, and I'll do it."
English Revised VersionThen said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJonathan said to David, "I'll do whatever you say."
Good News TranslationJonathan said, "I'll do anything you want."
International Standard VersionJonathan told David, "Whatever you say, I'll do."
NET BibleJonathan replied to David, "Tell me what I can do for you."
New Heart English BibleThen Jonathan said to David, "Whatever your soul desires, I will do for you."
Webster's Bible TranslationThen said Jonathan to David, Whatever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you.”
World English BibleThen Jonathan said to David, “Whatever your soul desires, I will even do it for you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jonathan says to David, “What does your soul [desire]? Command and I do it for you.”
Young's Literal Translation And Jonathan saith to David, 'What doth thy soul say? -- and I do it for thee.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jonathan will say to David, What thy soul will say, and I will do for thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jonathan said to David: Whatsoever thy soul shall say to me, I will do for thee.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Jonathan said to David, “Whatever your soul will tell me, I will do for you.”
New American BibleJonathan then said to David, “I will do whatever you say.”
New Revised Standard VersionThen Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Jonathan said to David, Whatever you desire, I will do for you.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Jonathan said to David: “Whatever your soul says, I shall do for you!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said Jonathan unto David: 'What doth thy soul desire, that I should do it for thee?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Jonathan said to David, What does thy soul desire, and what shall I do for thee.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jonathan Helps David… 3But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” 4Then JonathansaidtoDavid,“Whateveryoudesire,I will dofor you.”5So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now.…
Cross References 1 Samuel 18:3-4Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. / And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
1 Samuel 19:2so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.
2 Samuel 9:1Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”
2 Samuel 1:26I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.
Proverbs 17:17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
John 15:13-15Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
Ruth 1:16-17But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”
Genesis 44:33-34Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers. / For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”
2 Kings 4:13and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.
Matthew 7:7-8Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9-10So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
John 13:34-35A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
Philippians 2:3-4Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Romans 12:10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Treasury of Scripture Then said Jonathan to David, Whatever your soul desires, I will even do it for you. Whatsoever. Jump to Previous DavidDesireDesiresDesirethI'llJonathanSoulWantWhateverWhatsoeverJump to Next DavidDesireDesiresDesirethI'llJonathanSoulWantWhateverWhatsoever1 Samuel 20 1.David consults with Jonathan for his safety11.Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath18.Jonathan's token to David23.Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan35.Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of DavidThen Jonathan said to DavidJonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, the future king of Israel, shared a deep and covenantal friendship. This relationship is significant in the biblical narrative, highlighting themes of loyalty and divine providence. Jonathan's willingness to aid David, despite his father's animosity towards David, underscores the strength of their bond. This friendship is a model of selfless love and loyalty, reflecting the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself ( Leviticus 19:18). Whatever you desire
Jonathan's offer to David is open-ended, demonstrating his complete trust and commitment. This phrase indicates Jonathan's willingness to place David's needs above his own, a rare and profound act of selflessness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, such a pledge would have been seen as binding and honorable. Jonathan's actions can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial love, as Jesus also offered Himself fully for the sake of others (John 15:13). I will do for you
Jonathan's promise to act on David's behalf is a testament to his integrity and faithfulness. This commitment is made despite the potential personal cost, as Jonathan's father, Saul, was seeking David's life. Jonathan's actions reflect the biblical theme of covenant loyalty, which is central to God's relationship with His people. This phrase also echoes the servant leadership exemplified by Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). Jonathan's willingness to serve David aligns with the biblical ideal of putting others' interests before one's own (Philippians 2:3-4). Persons / Places / Events 1. JonathanThe son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and deep friendship with David, Jonathan plays a crucial role in protecting David from Saul's wrath. 2. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point in the account, David is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 3. King SaulThe first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his reign. 4. The CovenantJonathan and David share a covenantal friendship, marked by loyalty and mutual support, which is a central theme in this chapter. 5. RamahA place where David seeks refuge with Samuel before meeting Jonathan to discuss Saul's intentions. Teaching Points The Power of Covenant FriendshipJonathan and David's relationship exemplifies the strength and commitment found in covenant friendships. Such relationships are built on trust, loyalty, and selflessness. Loyalty in the Face of AdversityJonathan's willingness to help David, despite his father's opposition, teaches us about the importance of standing by our friends, even when it is difficult or risky. God's Provision through RelationshipsGod often provides support and guidance through the people He places in our lives. Jonathan's role in David's life is a testament to God's provision through human relationships. Sacrificial LoveJonathan's actions reflect a Christ-like love that prioritizes the well-being of others above personal gain or safety. Trusting God's PlanDespite the danger, both Jonathan and David trust in God's plan for their lives. This trust is a model for us to rely on God's sovereignty, even in uncertain times. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:4?
2.How does Jonathan's willingness to help David reflect true friendship and loyalty?
3.What can we learn about sacrificial love from Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 20:4?
4.How does Jonathan's support for David connect to Proverbs 17:17 about friendship?
5.In what ways can we emulate Jonathan's selflessness in our relationships today?
6.How does Jonathan's faithfulness to David inspire us to trust God's plans?
7.What does 1 Samuel 20:4 reveal about the friendship between David and Jonathan?
8.How does Jonathan's willingness to help David reflect biblical themes of loyalty and sacrifice?
9.In what ways does 1 Samuel 20:4 challenge our understanding of covenant relationships?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20?
11.In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13?
12.Why does Saul's sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30-33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized?
13.Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants?
14.How does 1 Samuel 19 reconcile with accounts in other sections of the Bible where David is portrayed as protected by divine power rather than subterfuge?What Does 1 Samuel 20:4 Mean Then Jonathan saidJonathan takes the initiative. His words flow from a covenant bond already sealed in1 Samuel 18:3–4, where “Jonathan made a covenant with David.” • True friendship speaks up rather than shrinking back (Proverbs 27:9). • Jonathan’s approach models love that “does not love with words alone but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). • By speaking first, he mirrors God’s pattern of initiating grace (Romans 5:8).
to DavidThis is personal, face-to-face loyalty, not abstract kindness. • Jonathan seeks out the very man his father now views as an enemy (1 Samuel 19:1–2), proving “a friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). • Like Barnabas later welcoming Saul (Acts 9:27), Jonathan stands with a brother when few others will. • His focus remains on God’s anointed future king (1 Samuel 16:13), showing discernment beyond natural family ties (Matthew 10:37).
“Whatever you desire,Jonathan throws open the door. No limits, no bargaining. • Such openness reflects covenant faithfulness in action (Ruth 1:16–17). • It echoes Jesus’ self-giving love, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). • Genuine service listens first (Philippians 2:4) and then responds.
I will do for you.”A promise backed by action. Jonathan will risk position, inheritance, even life. • He soon proves it by warning David with the arrow signal (1 Samuel 20:35–42). • Faith that acts, not just speaks, fulfillsJames 2:17. • Carrying another’s burden fulfills “the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). • Jonathan’s pledge foreshadows the covenant kindness David later shows to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–7), illustrating how grace multiplies.
summary1 Samuel 20:4 captures covenant friendship at its finest: Jonathan initiates, addresses David personally, grants unlimited access to his help, and vows to follow through. His words reveal loyalty deeper than bloodlines, mirroring God’s own steadfast love. In Jonathan we see a picture of Christlike service—listening, self-sacrificing, and faithful to the end.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Jonathanיְהוֹנָתָ֖ן(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083:Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelitessaidוַיֹּ֥אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saytoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toDavid,דָּוִ֑ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse“Whateverמַה־(mah-)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatyouנַפְשְׁךָ֖(nap̄·šə·ḵā)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotiondesire,תֹּאמַ֥ר(tō·mar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayI will do for you.”וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה־(wə·’e·‘ĕ·śeh-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make
Links 1 Samuel 20:4 NIV1 Samuel 20:4 NLT1 Samuel 20:4 ESV1 Samuel 20:4 NASB1 Samuel 20:4 KJV
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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:4 Then said Jonathan to David Whatever your (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
