But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

1 SAMUEL 19:2KJV
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1 Samuel 19:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 19:2 mean?

1 Samuel 19:2 describes how Jonathan, Saul’s son, warned David that Saul was planning to kill him, urging David to be careful and hide until morning. Jonathan’s warning shows his loyalty to David and his willingness to protect him, even though it meant going against his own father.

In this verse, Jonathan is speaking directly to David. The situation is tense: Saul, the king of Israel and Jonathan’s father, has become jealous and hostile toward David. Jonathan, who cares deeply for David, chooses to inform him of the danger and gives him practical advice to stay safe by hiding in a secret place until the threat passes.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 19:2

  • The word "delighted" (חָפֵץ, ḥāfēṣ) means to take great pleasure in or to have strong affection for. This highlights the deep bond and genuine friendship Jonathan felt for David, which motivates his actions in this verse.
  • The word "seeketh" (בָּקַשׁ, bāqash) means to search for or to attempt to obtain. Here, it emphasizes that Saul is actively looking for an opportunity to kill David, not just considering it.
  • The word "hide" (סָתַר, sāṯar) means to conceal oneself or to be hidden. Jonathan’s advice is not just to avoid Saul, but to take real steps to remain out of sight, showing the seriousness of the threat.

Why 1 Samuel 19:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies the depth of Jonathan’s loyalty to David, even though it puts him at odds with his own father, Saul. It shows Jonathan’s courage and the strength of their friendship.
  • The warning and advice Jonathan gives David set the stage for the events that follow, where David must go into hiding and live as a fugitive.
  • The verse helps readers understand the growing danger David faced and the personal risks Jonathan took to protect him, highlighting the tension and drama in their relationship with Saul.

Where else these words appear

“hide” Hebrew H2244 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
  • 1 Samuel 13:6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait,(for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him,(for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.

“secret” Hebrew H5643 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:6 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;
  • Job 31:27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
  • Proverbs 9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

“delighted” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
  • Song of Solomon 2:7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3083 · used in 73 verses

  • Judges 18:30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.
  • 1 Samuel 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
  • 2 Samuel 9:6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!