New International VersionAs 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?”
New Living TranslationShow 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!”
English Standard VersionTherefore 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?”
Berean Standard BibleTherefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?”
King James BibleTherefore 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?
New King James VersionTherefore 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?”
New American Standard BibleSo deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if I am guilty of wrongdoing, kill me yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?”
NASB 1995“Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?”
NASB 1977“Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?”
Legacy Standard BibleTherefore show lovingkindness to your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?”
Amplified BibleTherefore show kindness to your servant, because you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity (guilt) in me, kill me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father [to be killed]?”
Christian Standard BibleDeal kindly with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If I have done anything wrong, then kill me yourself; why take me to your father? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleDeal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If I have done anything wrong, then kill me yourself; why take me to your father?”
American Standard VersionTherefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of Jehovah with thee: but if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?
Contemporary English VersionBe kind to me. After all, it was your idea to promise the LORD that we would always be loyal friends. If I've done anything wrong, kill me yourself, but don't hand me over to your father.
English Revised VersionTherefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: but if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationNow, be kind to me. After all, you forced me into an agreement with the LORD. If I have committed any crime, kill me yourself. Why bother taking me to your father?"
Good News TranslationPlease do me this favor, and keep the sacred promise you made to me. But if I'm guilty, kill me yourself! Why take me to your father to be killed?"
International Standard VersionNow, show gracious kindness to your servant because you have entered into a sacred covenant with your servant. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself—why should you bring me to your father?"
NET BibleYou must be loyal to your servant, for you have made a covenant with your servant in the LORD's name. If I am guilty, you yourself kill me! Why bother taking me to your father?"
New Heart English BibleTherefore deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you: but if there is iniquity in me, kill me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father?"
Webster's Bible TranslationTherefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there is in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldst thou bring me to thy father? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?”
World English BibleTherefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you; but if there is iniquity in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you have done kindness to your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of YHWH with you—and if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why [is] this [that] you bring me to your father?”
Young's Literal Translation and thou hast done kindness, to thy servant, for into a covenant of Jehovah thou hast brought thy servant with thee; -- and if there is in me iniquity, put thou me to death; and unto thy father, why is this -- thou dost bring me in?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd do thou mercy with thy servant; for into a covenant of Jehovah thou didst bring thy servant with thee: and if there is iniquity in me, do thou kill me; and wherefore wilt thou bring me even to thy father? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDeal mercifully then with thy servant: for thou hast brought me thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee. But if there be any iniquity in me, do thou kill me, and bring me not in to thy father.
Catholic Public Domain VersionTherefore, show mercy to your servant. For you have brought me, your servant, into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if there is any iniquity in me, you may kill me, and you shall not lead me in to your father.”
New American BibleDo this kindness for your servant because of the LORD’s covenant into which you brought us: if I am guilty, kill me yourself! Why should you give me up to your father?”
New Revised Standard VersionTherefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a sacred covenant with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore you shall deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you; but if there is folly in me, slay me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd do this favor with your Servant, because you brought your servant into a covenant of LORD JEHOVAH with you, and if I have committed a crime, you kill me, and do not take me to your father!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee; but if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd thou shalt deal mercifully with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thyself: and if there is iniquity in thy servant, slay me thyself; but why dost thou thus bring me to thy father?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jonathan Helps David… 7If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. 8Therefore dealfaithfullywithyour servant,foryou have broughtmeinto a covenantwithyou before the LORD.Ifthere isiniquityin me,then kill meyourself;whyshould you bring metoyour father?”9“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?”…
Cross References 1 Samuel 18:3Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
1 Samuel 19:1-2Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, / so 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 21:7Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.
1 Kings 2:7But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.
Genesis 21:23Now, 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 31:49-53It 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.” / Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is the mound, and here is the pillar I have set up between you and me. ...
Joshua 2:12-14Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign / that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.” / “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.”
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.”
Psalm 55:20My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
Psalm 89:3-4You said, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: / ‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’” Selah
Proverbs 17:17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Jeremiah 34:18-20And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces. / The officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the pieces of the calf, / I will deliver into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives. Their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth.
Matthew 26:48-50Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. / “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.
Luke 22:48But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
Treasury of Scripture Therefore you shall deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father? deal kindly Genesis 24:49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left. Genesis 47:29 And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: Joshua 2:14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. thou hast 1 Samuel 20:16 So Jonathan madea covenant with the house of David,saying, Let the LORD even requireit at the hand of David's enemies. 1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 23:18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. if there be 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,) 2 Samuel 14:32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur?it had been good for meto have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there beany iniquity in me, let him kill me. Psalm 7:4,5 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) … why shouldest 1 Chronicles 12:17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but ifye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeingthere is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers lookthereon, and rebukeit. Psalm 116:1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voiceand my supplications. Jump to Previous AgreementCovenantDealDeathHandIniquityKillKindKindlyKindnessNotwithstandingSacredServantShouldestShouldstShowSlayThyselfUnitedJump to Next AgreementCovenantDealDeathHandIniquityKillKindKindlyKindnessNotwithstandingSacredServantShouldestShouldstShowSlayThyselfUnited1 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 DavidTherefore show kindness to your servantThis phrase reflects the Hebrew concept of "hesed," often translated as loving-kindness or covenant loyalty. In the context of David and Jonathan's relationship, it underscores the deep bond and mutual commitment they share. The request for kindness is rooted in the covenant they have made, which is a solemn and binding agreement. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's covenant with His people, where He shows steadfast love and mercy. for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD
The covenant between David and Jonathan is not merely a personal agreement but is made "before the LORD," indicating its sacred nature. Covenants in the ancient Near East were serious commitments often sealed with sacrifices and oaths. This covenant is a type of the New Covenant in Christ, where believers are brought into a relationship with God through Jesus. The mention of the LORD highlights the divine witness and accountability in their agreement, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of their bond. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself
David's statement here is a testament to his integrity and trust in Jonathan. He is willing to face the ultimate consequence if he has wronged Jonathan or his family. This reflects the biblical principle of justice and personal accountability. It also foreshadows the sacrificial nature of Christ, who was without sin yet took upon Himself the iniquity of humanity. David's willingness to be judged by Jonathan alone shows the depth of trust and the seriousness with which he regards their covenant. why should you bring me to your father?
David questions the need for Jonathan to involve King Saul, highlighting the tension and danger he faces. Saul's animosity towards David is well-documented, and David's plea underscores his vulnerability. This situation is a microcosm of the larger narrative of David's rise to kingship amidst opposition. It also reflects the theme of divine protection and providence, as God ultimately preserves David's life and fulfills His promises. The question reveals David's reliance on Jonathan's loyalty and the precariousness of his situation. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is a fugitive, fleeing from King Saul's wrath. 2. JonathanThe son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is known for his loyalty and deep covenantal friendship with David. 3. CovenantA solemn agreement or promise, often made before God. In this context, it refers to the covenant of friendship and loyalty between David and Jonathan. 4. SaulThe first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly hostile towards David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 5. RamahA place where David seeks refuge with Samuel before meeting Jonathan to discuss Saul's intentions. Teaching Points The Importance of Covenantal RelationshipsCovenantal relationships, like that of David and Jonathan, are built on trust, loyalty, and commitment. In our lives, we should seek to establish and honor such relationships, especially within the body of Christ. Integrity and AccountabilityDavid's willingness to be held accountable for any wrongdoing ("if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself") teaches us the importance of integrity and the readiness to face consequences for our actions. Godly FriendshipThe friendship between David and Jonathan exemplifies a godly relationship that prioritizes the well-being of the other person, even at personal cost. We should strive to cultivate friendships that reflect Christ's love and selflessness. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the danger he faces, David trusts in God's plan and timing. This encourages us to rely on God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20
How does Deuteronomy 17:14-20's endorsement of a human king align with 1 Samuel 8's warning against monarchy, and are these texts contradictory?
Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants?
Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)?
What are the main themes of the Bible's books?(8) A covenant of the Lord with thee.--It may at first sight seem strange that we have these last meetings of David and Jonathan told us in such detail--the speaker's very words quoted, and so many apparently trivial circumstances related. The question, too, might be asked: Whence did the compiler of the book derive his intimate acquaintance with what took place at these meetings, when David wasalonewith Jonathan? But the difficulties are only surface ones, for we must never forget how intensely interesting to the chosen people were all the circumstances connected with their loved king's life--never lose sight of the deathless interest with which they would hear and read the particulars of David's rise through great suffering and long trial to the throne; and this period here related in such detail was the turning-point of a grand career. From this moment, David's way diverged from the every-day life of ordinary duty and prosperity, and became, during a long and weary period, for him the way of almost uninterrupted suffering. The way of suffering and of trial is in all ages the royal road to true greatness. As to thesourcewhence the compiler of the book derived his knowledge of what passed at these last meetings of the two friends, Ewald suggests that when in after years David drew to his Court the posterity of Jonathan,he often told them himself of these last events before their separation(events with which no one but the two friends could be acquainted). Slay me thyself.--"This supposes that Jonathan had the right to inflict capital punishment for crimes against his father as king."--Lange.This was David's last earnest request to the prince. If Jonathan felt there was any truth in the charges brought against him by Saul--ifhedeemed his friend a traitor to the reigning dynasty--let him slay the betrayer himself there and then. Verse 8. - Thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of Jehovah with thee. As the friendship between Jonathan and David had been cemented by the invocation of the name of Jehovah, it was one firm and assured, and David might look not merely for one act of kindness, but for constant truth and help. It was, moreover, Jonathan's own doing; and yet, if there be in me, David says, iniquity, i.e. treason against Saul, if I have not been a faithful and true servant to him, but, on the contrary, have plotted evil against him, or now entertain any evil designs, then let the covenant be abrogated. David refuses to shelter himself under it if he has incurred guilt, and only asks that Jonathan, by the authority which he exercised as the king's son, should himself put him to death, and not deliver him up to Saul
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Therefore dealוְעָשִׂ֤יתָ(wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makefaithfullyחֶ֙סֶד֙(ḥe·seḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617:Kindness, piety, reproof, beautywithעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstyour servant,עַבְדֶּ֔ךָ(‘aḇ·de·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantforכִּ֚י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionyou have broughtהֵבֵ֥אתָ(hê·ḇê·ṯā)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gomeעַבְדְּךָ֖(‘aḇ·də·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantinto a covenantבִּבְרִ֣ית(biḇ·rîṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285:A covenantwithעִמָּ֑ךְ(‘im·māḵ)Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally withyou before the LORD.יְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of IsraelIfוְאִם־(wə·’im-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notthere isיֶשׁ־(yeš-)Adverb
Strong's 3426:Being, substance, existence, isiniquityעָוֺן֙(‘ā·wōn)Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquityin me,בִּ֤י(bî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewthen killהֲמִיתֵ֣נִי(hă·mî·ṯê·nî)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to killme yourself;אַ֔תָּה(’at·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youwhyלָמָּה־(lām·māh-)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatshould you bringתְבִיאֵֽנִי׃(ṯə·ḇî·’ê·nî)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gome toוְעַד־(wə·‘aḏ-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whileyour father?”אָבִ֖יךָ(’ā·ḇî·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Father
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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:8 Therefore deal kindly with your servant (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
