1 Samuel 20:2 Meaning: When Love Refuses to See Evil
He said to him, “Far from it; you will not die. Behold, my father does nothing either great or small, but that he discloses it to me. Why would my father hide this thing from me? It is not so.”
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? it is not so.
And he said unto him, Far from it; thou shalt not die: behold, my father doeth nothing either great or small, but that he discloseth it unto me; and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.
And he saith to him, `Far be it! thou dost not die; lo, my father doth not do anything great or small and doth not uncover mine ear; and wherefore doth my father hide from me this thing? this thing is not.'
And he said to him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, and not apprise me; and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.
Meaning in one sentence
Why was Jonathan so sure Saul wouldn't harm David? This verse reveals his trusting heart, the bond with his father, and the cost of loving two people.
Context
David had barely escaped with his life. After Saul's spear-throwing and the messengers sent to seize him, David fled to Jonathan, the king's son. Now he pours out his fear: What have I done that your father seeks my life? Jonathan's answer comes fast and fierce. He cannot imagine such a thing. His father swore an oath not to kill David, and besides, Saul tells Jonathan everything, great or small. The verse lays bare Jonathan's position: he is caught between love for his friend and trust in his father. What follows is a painful test that will force him to see what he cannot yet believe.
Key Words
The word behind 'Far from it' is chalilah, a Hebrew exclamation of horror. When someone suggests something unthinkable, chalilah pushes it away with force. Jonathan is not just saying 'no'; he is recoiling from the very idea that his father could kill David.
Then he insists that his father 'discloses' everything to him. The Hebrew phrase is 'uncovers my ear' (galah ozen). It pictures someone leaning close and whispering a secret, opening the ear so nothing is missed. Jonathan believes he and his father share that kind of intimacy. He cannot conceive of Saul hiding anything from him.
But the story will show that even the closest relationships have shadows we do not see.
How Christians Read This Verse
Many commentators note Jonathan's admirable loyalty here. Matthew Henry praises his willingness to believe the best, even of a flawed father. But others, like Gill, suggest Jonathan was too trusting, that Saul had already shown his murderous intent, and Jonathan refused to face it. Both readings find support in the text.
Some traditions see Jonathan as a model of covenant friendship, willing to defend David even against his own house. Others see a tragic figure whose love makes him blind. What most agree on: Jonathan's 'far be it' comes from a good heart, not a foolish one. His loyalty is real, even if his information is incomplete.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that Jonathan was simply naive or in denial while David was being dramatic. In fact, the narrator does not mock Jonathan's trust. He presents it as genuine and even noble. Jonathan had reason to believe Saul's oath and had experienced his father's openness. The tragedy is not that Jonathan was foolish, but that Saul had become someone his son could no longer recognize.
Living This Out
Has someone ever told you a hard truth about a person you love? Your first reaction might be Jonathan's: 'That can't be right. I know them.' This verse does not scold Jonathan for that reflex. But it does invite us to hold that loyalty with open hands. You can love someone deeply and still admit you do not know everything they carry. This week, when a friend shares something painful, try not to dismiss it too quickly. Take a breath. Listen. Love does not require omniscience. Sometimes it requires humility, the willingness to say, 'I might not see everything, but I want to hear you.'
Main takeaway: Jonathan's refusal to believe evil of his father reveals a loving heart, yet love alone cannot always see what is hidden.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jonathan loved his dad very much. He also loved his friend David. When David said Saul wanted to hurt him, Jonathan said, "No way!" Sometimes it is hard to believe something bad about someone we love.
For ages 9, 12
Jonathan thought he knew everything his father planned. He trusted him completely. But Saul was hiding a terrible secret. This story shows that even the people we trust most may not tell us everything. It also shows that Jonathan was a true friend, he listened to David even when it was painful. God can give us the courage to hear hard truths and still love well.
Questions People Ask
What does "Far from it" mean in the original Hebrew?
It translates the Hebrew word "chalilah," a strong exclamation of horror and refusal, like saying "God forbid!" or "That could never be!"
Why did Jonathan think his father would tell him everything?
Jonathan believed he had such a close, trusting relationship with Saul that his father would never keep a secret of this magnitude. He also remembered Saul's oath not to kill David from chapter 19.
Was Jonathan naive for not believing David?
Many readers see his trust as admirable and genuine. Others view it as unrealistic. The story itself does not condemn Jonathan; it shows his innocence and the painful moment when he learns the truth.
How does this verse set up the rest of the chapter?
Jonathan's confidence leads him to devise a test, the new moon feast, to see if Saul truly intends harm. The test will force him to face what he does not want to believe.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study