The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

1 SAMUEL 20:13KJV
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1 Samuel 20:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:13 mean?

1 Samuel 20:13 shows Jonathan promising David that if Jonathan’s father, King Saul, intends to harm David, Jonathan will warn David and help him escape safely, asking God to be with David as He was with Saul. Jonathan also calls down a strong oath on himself if he fails to do this for David.

Jonathan is speaking to David during a tense time when Saul is secretly plotting against David’s life. Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s close friend, assures David of his loyalty by vowing to protect him, even if it means going against his own father. Jonathan’s words highlight his deep commitment to David’s well-being and his trust in God’s ongoing presence and favor.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:13

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the seriousness and sacredness of Jonathan’s oath.
  • evil (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word means “harm” or “evil,” clarifying that Jonathan is specifically concerned about any real threat Saul might pose to David.
  • peace (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it refers to wholeness, safety, and well-being, showing Jonathan’s hope for David’s complete safety as he leaves.

Why 1 Samuel 20:13 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about Jonathan’s loyalty; he is willing to risk his own position and relationship with his father to protect David.
  • Jonathan’s blessing for God to be with David “as he hath been with my father” hints at a shift in God’s favor from Saul to David, which is a key theme in the larger story.
  • The verse highlights the depth of friendship and covenant between Jonathan and David, setting the tone for their actions and decisions in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“so” Hebrew H3541 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Numbers 6:23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
  • 1 Kings 22:20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

“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!

“please” Hebrew H3190 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Deuteronomy 30:5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
  • Psalms 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.