I Samuel 20:9 · Bible study
1 Samuel 20:9 Commentary: Jonathan's Oath
Hebrew · 6 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why Jonathan's strong reaction to David's suspicion shows covenant loyalty taking priority over family in I Samuel 20:9.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Jonathan promises to warn David if his father intends harm, placing covenant loyalty above family ties.
- Key words: 'Far be it' (H2486 חָלִילָה), a strong denial; 'know' (H3045 יָדַע), experiential knowledge; 'determined' (H3615 כָּלָה), accomplished, plotted with intent.
- Main debate: Whether Jonathan was genuinely unaware of Saul's hatred earlier (v.2) or relying on his limited knowledge, the verse itself is not heavily disputed.
- Theological theme: Covenant fidelity as a reflection of God's own faithfulness, sometimes requiring sacrifices even among natural family bonds.
- Best use: Teaching on friendship, integrity under pressure, and the binding nature of promises made before God.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?”
WEB World English Bible 2000
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?”
KJV King James Version 1769
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?
ASV American Standard Version 1901
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?
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
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.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
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?
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And Jonathan said: Far be this from thee: for if I should certainly know that evil is determined by my father against thee, I could do no otherwise than tell thee.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y Jonathán le dijo: Nunca tal te suceda; antes bien, si yo entendiera|strong="H3045, H3045" ser consumada la malicia de mi padre, para venir sobre ti, ¿ no había yo de descubrírtelo?
E Jônatas lhe disse: Nunca tal te suceda; antes bem, se eu entendesse ser completa a malícia de meu pai, para vir sobre ti, não havia eu de revelá-lo a ti?
Jonathan lui dit: Loin de toi la pensée que je ne t’ informerai pas, si j’ apprends que le mal est résolu de la part de mon père et menace de t’atteindre!
Jonathan sprach: Das sei ferne von dir, daß ich sollte merken, daß Böses bei meinem Vater beschlossen wäre über dich zu bringen, und sollte es dir nicht ansagen.
Toen zeide Jonathan: Dat zij verre van u! Maar indien ik zekerlijk merkte, dat dit kwaad bij mijn vader ten volle besloten ware, dat het u zou overkomen, zou ik dat u dan niet te kennen geven?
Gionathan disse: “Lungi da te questo pensiero! S’io venissi a sapere che il male è deciso da parte di mio padre e sta per venirti addosso, non te lo farei io sapere?”
I rzekł Jonatan: Boże cię tego uchowaj; bo jeźli się pewnie dowiem, że się dopełniła złość ojca mego, aby przyszła przeciw tobie, izalibym ci tego nie oznajmił?
И сказал Ионафан: никак не будет этого с тобою; ибо, если я узнаю наверное, что у отца моего решено злое дело совершить над тобою, то неужели не извещу тебя об этом?
約拿單 說：「斷無此事！ 我若 知道 我父親 決意 害 你，我豈不 告訴 你呢？」
And Jonathan said, Do not have such a thought: for if I saw that my father was designing evil against you, would I not give you word of it?
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Samuel 20:9
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Jonathan's reaction is a forceful denial of any possible disloyalty. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges explains that 'Far be it from thee' means 'Do not suppose that I could either slay thee myself or give thee up to my father.' Gill's Exposition emphasizes that Jonathan finds the suspicion unthinkable given their covenant friendship. The Geneva Bible renders the phrase 'God keepe that from thee,' indicating a pious horror at the suggestion. All commentators note that Jonathan's rhetorical question, 'wouldn't I tell you?', presumes absolute fidelity. His promise to reveal his father's evil intentions shows that the covenant bond, established in 1 Samuel 18:3, takes precedence over natural family loyalty. This reading is consistent across the supplied excerpts.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Jonathan promises to tell David if he discovers his father's evil intent, and this promise is driven by a covenant bond that he values above his family relationship with Saul.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan's knowledge of Saul's plans | Jonathan is sincere in his initial belief that Saul would not hide things from him (v.2). | Some readers see Jonathan as simply naive about his father's hatred; others argue he is trying to comfort David while still unsure of the full extent of Saul's anger. |
| Priority of covenant over family | Jonathan clearly places his covenant with David above his filial duty to Saul. | Christians differ on how far this principle extends: some see it as a model for all believers to prioritize spiritual bonds (e.g., church membership) over blood relations when they conflict. Others caution that family honor remains a biblical command (Exodus 20:12) and that such conflicts must be handled prayerfully. |
| The ethics of the test plan | The plan to observe Saul's reaction and to give a partial excuse (David's supposed visit to Bethlehem) was seen as necessary for David's safety. | Some question the truthfulness of the excuse; others defend it as a legitimate ruse to avoid detection, not a lie, since David likely did go to Bethlehem later (1 Samuel 20:6). |
Historical & Cultural Context
This verse sits at the heart of a tense drama. In the preceding chapter, Saul had tried to kill David multiple times, and David fled to Samuel at Naioth. Now David comes to Jonathan, his closest friend, with a raw accusation: 'What have I done … that he seeks my life?' (1 Sam 20:1). Jonathan initially dismisses the danger, assuming his father would tell him everything (v.2). But David persists, describing a death threat so immediate that 'there is but a step between me and death' (v.3).
David proposes a test using the new moon festival, a sacred occasion for feasting. If Saul misses David and reacts angrily, it will confirm evil intentions. The plan requires Jonathan to observe his father and report back. Verse 9 is Jonathan's response after David has outlined the test (vv.5, 7) and reminded him of their covenant (v.8). Jonathan's strong denial, 'Far be it from you', counters any thought that he could withhold information. In the ancient Near East, a covenant was a solemn bond, often sealed with an oath before God, and could override even blood relationships. Jonathan's promise to reveal his father's plans places this covenant loyalty above his duty as a son. The new moon setting underscores the gravity: this is a religious observance, and Jonathan is willing to act against his own father to protect the man he loves.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The Hebrew text is stable across manuscripts, and the Greek versions (Septuagint) do not differ materially. The key phrase 'Far be it from you' (חָלִילָה לָּךְ) is consistent.
Reception History
Through church history, this verse has been used to illustrate the strength of covenant friendship. Early Christian writers saw Jonathan and David as a type of Christ-like love, self-sacrificing and loyal. In the medieval period, it was often cited in discussions of sworn brotherhood and the obligations of friendships sealed by oath. Reformation-era commentators like the Geneva Bible emphasize the religious dimension, rendering Jonathan's phrase as a prayer ('God keepe that from thee'). Matthew Henry, in the 18th century, draws attention to the courage required to choose a friend over a father. Across traditions, the verse continues to serve as a touchstone for teaching on loyalty, conflict resolution, and the cost of faithfulness to God's anointed.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- David's vulnerable honesty. David openly confesses his fear: 'there is but a step between me and death' (v.3). He does not hide his desperation from Jonathan. This honesty invites real help.
- Jonathan's shocked fidelity. 'Far be it from you!' Jonathan reacts as if the suggestion of betrayal is unbearable. His loyalty to David is reflexive, not calculated.
- The covenant that holds them together. Jonathan's promise ('wouldn't I tell you?') flows from a prior commitment. Their covenant, made 'before Yahweh' (1 Sam 18:3), creates a bond stronger than blood.
Five-point outline
- A crisis of trust. David tests whether Jonathan will stay loyal even to death.
- Jonathan's instinctive refusal. 'Far be it' is an emotional, almost visceral no.
- A conditional promise. 'If I knew … would I not tell you?' Jonathan stakes everything on full disclosure.
- The cost of covenant. Choosing David means potentially betraying his father and losing his own place as heir.
- God as witness. The covenant is made 'in Yahweh's name' (1 Sam 20:42), placing divine authority over family duty.
Illustration hooks
- A friend is asked to hide a secret that would harm another friend. The tension between loyalty to the person and loyalty to truth mirrors Jonathan's dilemma.
- An employee discovers their family member is doing something unethical at work. Reporting it would protect the company but hurt the relative. The choice between family and larger loyalty is real.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How can I honor my parents when their actions or wishes conflict with my Christian commitments?
- What does it mean to keep a covenant today, and how binding is it when circumstances change?
Leading a Discussion
This small-group guide explores what Jonathan's strong reaction teaches about covenant loyalty. The text confronts us with a question: When family ties and sacred promises clash, which do we choose? Jonathan's answer is clear, his covenant with David comes first.
Discussion questions
- Read the surrounding verses (1 Sam 20:1, 8). Why does David approach Jonathan so urgently? What is at stake?
- What does 'Far be it from you' communicate about Jonathan's state of mind? How does he feel about David's suspicion?
- Jonathan says, 'If I should at all know that evil were determined … then wouldn't I tell you?' What does this reveal about his understanding of loyalty?
- How does Jonathan's promise to disclose his father's plans show a conflict between family and covenant? Which does he prioritize?
- In what situations today might Christians face a similar tension between family expectations and other commitments (e.g., to a spouse, a church, or God's calling)?
- How does the fact that their covenant was made 'in Yahweh's name' (1 Sam 20:42) change the weight of this promise?
- What would it look like practically to honor both family and a higher covenant when they seem to conflict? Can they both be kept?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| I Samuel 19:2 | Jonathan told David, saying, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Now therefore, please take care of yourself in the morning, live in a secret place, and hide yourself. |
| I Samuel 20:38 | Jonathan cried after the boy, “Go fast! Hurry! Don’t delay!” Jonathan’s boy gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. |
| I Samuel 20:42 | Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in Yahweh’s name, saying, ‘Yahweh is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
5 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator clarifies that the phrase "Far be it from thee" expresses David's strong refusal to harm Jonathan or hand him over to Saul. It is an emphatic denial, similar to "God forbid" used elsewhere in the same book.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
And Ionathan answered, God keepe that from thee: for if I knewe that wickednesse were concluded of my father to come vpon thee, would not I tell it thee?
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights Jonathan's shock and wounded loyalty at David's suspicion. He argues that Jonathan's covenant bond with David makes it unthinkable for him to conceal any harm his father intends. The question "would I not tell it thee?" is Jonathan's vehement protest of unwavering faithfulness.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch explains that Jonathan could not believe Saul truly intended to kill David because Saul's previous attacks happened during fits of madness, not when he was clear-minded. Jonathan knew Saul had never shared his murderous hatred with him. David, however, saw deeper into Saul's heart and swore that death was only a step away.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights the remarkable self-denial in this covenant: Jonathan, the king's son, willingly sets aside his own claim to the throne and binds himself and his descendants to David's future house. The love that drives him looks beyond the present danger to secure lasting kindness for his family even after his own death.