And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

1 SAMUEL 20:3KJV
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1 Samuel 20:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:3 mean?

1 Samuel 20:3 shows David telling Jonathan that King Saul, Jonathan’s father, knows Jonathan cares for David and is hiding his plans to kill David to spare Jonathan’s feelings. David swears that his life is in immediate danger, saying there is only a small step between him and death.

David is speaking privately to Jonathan, Saul’s son and his close friend. David wants Jonathan to understand how serious the threat from Saul is, insisting that Saul is deliberately keeping Jonathan in the dark about his intentions. David’s words underline how desperate and dangerous his situation has become, emphasizing that he feels his death could come at any moment.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:3

  • "Grace" (חֵן, chen): This word means favor or kindness. David recognizes that Jonathan looks on him with favor, which is why Saul is careful not to let Jonathan know his deadly plans.
  • "Grieved" (עָצַב, atsav): This word means to be pained or distressed. Saul hides his intentions so Jonathan will not be hurt by knowing his father wants to kill his friend.
  • "Step" (פֶּסַע, pesa): This word means a single step or pace. David uses it to show just how close he feels to death—only a small distance separates him from being killed.
  • "Death" (מָוֶת, mavet): The Hebrew word for death here stresses the seriousness of David’s situation; he feels his life is hanging by a thread.

Why 1 Samuel 20:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Saul’s hostility toward David is not just rumor or paranoia; David is convinced of the real and present danger, even if Jonathan has not seen it himself.
  • The verse highlights the depth of trust and honesty between David and Jonathan, as David shares his fears openly despite the risk.
  • It sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where Jonathan will seek proof of his father’s intentions and the two friends will make plans based on the outcome.

Where else these words appear

“grieved” Hebrew H6087 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
  • 1 Kings 1:6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.
  • Psalms 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

“truly” Hebrew H199 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 28:19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
  • 1 Kings 20:23 And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.

“grace” Hebrew H2580 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
  • Numbers 11:11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
  • Esther 8:5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:

“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!