And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;

1 SAMUEL 20:12KJV
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1 Samuel 20:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:12 mean?

1 Samuel 20:12 shows Jonathan making a promise to David, calling on the LORD God of Israel as his witness. Jonathan tells David that after he has spoken with his father Saul about David’s situation, he will let David know if Saul’s intentions toward him are good.

Jonathan is speaking privately to David during a tense time when David fears for his life because of King Saul’s anger. Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s close friend, is assuring David that he will find out Saul’s true feelings and will secretly send word to David, keeping him informed and safe.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:12

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): Jonathan invokes the personal name of God, showing the seriousness of his promise and the deep trust between him and David.
  • sounded (חָקַר, chaqar): This word means to search out or investigate. Jonathan is not just casually asking his father but intends to carefully probe Saul’s intentions.
  • good (טוֹב, tov): Jonathan specifically promises to report if there is any “good” toward David, meaning if Saul’s attitude is favorable or harmless.
  • send (שָׁלַח, shalach) and shew (גָּלָה, galah): Jonathan promises both to send a message and to reveal the truth to David, emphasizing his commitment to keep David fully informed.

Why 1 Samuel 20:12 matters

  • This verse highlights the loyalty and trust between Jonathan and David, even though Jonathan’s father is the king and David’s enemy.
  • Jonathan’s careful wording and oath before God show the seriousness of the situation and the deep danger David faces.
  • The verse sets up the secret communication plan that becomes crucial in the following verses, showing the risks Jonathan is willing to take for David’s safety.

Where else these words appear

“sounded” Hebrew H2713 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:14 Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;
  • Job 28:3 He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.
  • Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

“good” Hebrew H2895 · used in 33 verses

  • Numbers 10:29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.
  • 1 Kings 8:18 And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.
  • Job 10:3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

“morrow” Hebrew H4279 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Joshua 3:5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
  • 1 Samuel 28:19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

“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!