1 Samuel 20:9 Meaning: Jonathan's Covenant Loyalty
Jonathan said, “Far be it from you; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come on you, then wouldn’t I tell you that?”
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?
And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?
And Jonathan saith, `Far be it from thee! for I certainly do not know that the evil hath been determined by my father to come upon thee, and I do not declare it to thee.'
And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee; for, if I knew with certainty that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, would I not tell it thee?
Meaning in one sentence
Jonathan's strong reaction to David's fear shows his covenant bond with David takes priority over family loyalty. He promises to reveal evil plans.
Context
David has just escaped from Saul's murderous rage at Naioth. He finds Jonathan and pours out his fear: Saul is hunting him. At first Jonathan cannot believe it. "Far be it!" he says. "You shall not die." But David insists, reminding Jonathan of the covenant they share. He proposes a test: the new moon feast will reveal Saul's intentions. In verse 9, Jonathan responds with a pledge that cuts to the heart of the matter. If he learns that his father plans harm, he will tell David. This is no small promise. Jonathan is choosing his covenant friendship with David over the natural bond with his father. The rest of the chapter will show him keeping that word, even when Saul insults him for it.
Key Words
The Hebrew behind Far be it from you is one sharp word: chalilah. It carries the force of horror, like "God forbid!" Jonathan is not merely disagreeing with David. He is recoiling from the very thought of betrayal. The word determined (kalah) means "finished" or "decided", a firm plot, not a passing mood. Jonathan takes his father's possible evil seriously. And the verb tell (nagad) means to announce openly, to make known. Jonathan promises not just a whisper but a full disclosure. These are not casual words. They are covenant language. Jonathan binds himself to David with a pledge that would cost him everything. The strength of these words invites us to consider what we owe the ones God has tied us to.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen Jonathan's promise as a model of covenant loyalty. Matthew Henry (17th century) notes that Jonathan's love for David was "as his own soul," and his pledge here is the natural fruit of that love. The Geneva Bible (1599) emphasizes the solemnity of Jonathan's vow, calling it a "covenant with the house of David." More recently, some have highlighted the tension between loyalty to family and loyalty to God's anointed. Jonathan's choice points to a deeper reality: even the strongest family ties must yield to the bonds of the kingdom. These readings do not resolve the pain of divided loyalties, but they affirm that honesty and courage can flow from a heart aligned with God's purposes.
A common misunderstanding
Some read Jonathan's words as naive reassurance, as if he cannot conceive of his father's evil. In fact, Jonathan is not denying the possibility. He is making a solemn promise under the covenant. He says "if I knew certainly ... would I not tell you?" He acknowledges that harm may be determined, and he commits himself to disclose it. Jonathan moves from initial shock to a mature pledge of loyal action.
Living This Out
This week, you may face a situation where a promise conflicts with family pressure. Perhaps you have a friend who is being hurt by someone in your own household, or you know a truth that could upset a family member. Jonathan's example asks you: are you willing to honor your covenant with that person, even at the cost of family peace? It does not require recklessness, Jonathan was careful. But it does require honesty and courage. Start with a small step. Pray for wisdom, then speak one true word to someone who needs to hear it. God can use that.
Main takeaway: Covenant loyalty to God and to those He has bound us to can require us to act against family ties.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jonathan made a promise to his friend David. Even when David was afraid, Jonathan said, "If my dad is mean to you, I will tell you." That is being a good friend.
For ages 9, 12
Jonathan had to decide between obeying his father King Saul and keeping his promise to his friend David. He chose to keep his promise, even though it was hard. This shows that God's covenant of love is stronger than any human loyalty. When you make a promise to a friend, especially one you pray about, it matters a lot to God. Ask Him to help you be the kind of friend who stays true, even when it costs something.
Questions People Ask
What does 'far be it from you' mean in 1 Samuel 20:9?
It is a strong expression of horror or refusal, like saying 'God forbid!' or 'May it never be!' Jonathan uses it to show that he could never betray David. The Hebrew word chalilah carries that force.
Why did Jonathan choose David over his own father Saul?
Jonathan had made a covenant with David before the Lord (1 Samuel 18:3). He saw that God was with David and that Saul was acting unjustly. Jonathan's loyalty to God's anointed and to his sworn promise outweighed his natural family bond.
Did Jonathan ever tell David about Saul's evil plans?
Yes. In chapter 20, after the new moon feast, Jonathan sees that Saul intends to kill David. He goes to the field and signals David to flee (verses 35-42). He kept his promise to warn David.
Is Jonathan a perfect example of friendship?
Jonathan models covenant loyalty, but he was human. He did not always act on David's behalf (e.g., he remained at court). However, his love for David was genuine, and his willingness to risk his father's anger for David's safety shows deep commitment.
What does this verse teach about loyalty to God versus family?
It shows that when family intends evil or opposes God's will, our first loyalty belongs to God and the covenants we make in His name. Jesus later taught that following Him may require leaving family ties (Luke 14:26). Jonathan's choice is a picture of that principle.
For pastors & researchers
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