1 Samuel 20:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:2 mean?

1 Samuel 20:2 shows Jonathan reassuring David that he is not in danger of being killed by King Saul. Jonathan insists that his father, Saul, would not do anything important or minor without telling him, so he believes David's fears are unfounded.

Jonathan is speaking to David in response to David’s concern that Saul wants to kill him. Jonathan expresses confidence in his relationship with his father, Saul, saying that Saul would not hide such plans from him. This moment highlights Jonathan’s loyalty to David and his initial disbelief about Saul’s intentions.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:2

• "forbid" (חָלִילָה, ḥalilah): This word is an expression meaning "far be it" or "God forbid," showing Jonathan’s strong emotional reaction and his desire to reject the idea completely.
• "do" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): Used here for Saul’s actions, this word covers anything Saul might do, whether "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) or "small" (קָטֹן, qaton), emphasizing Jonathan’s belief that nothing escapes his notice.
• "shew" (גָּלָה, galah): This word means "to reveal" or "to uncover," and Jonathan uses it to stress that Saul would make his intentions known to him.
• "hide" (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means "to conceal" or "to cover," and Jonathan is saying that his father would not keep such a serious matter secret from him.

Why 1 Samuel 20:2 matters

• This verse shows Jonathan’s trust in his relationship with Saul and his belief that he is fully informed about his father’s plans, which sets up the tension in the story as Jonathan will soon discover the truth.
• The verse highlights the closeness between Jonathan and David, as well as Jonathan’s loyalty and desire to protect his friend.
• It helps the reader understand the dramatic irony: Jonathan does not yet realize the depth of Saul’s hostility toward David, even though the audience and David himself are aware of the danger.