And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

1 SAMUEL 20:42KJV
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1 Samuel 20:42 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:42 mean?

1 Samuel 20:42 describes Jonathan telling David to leave in peace, reminding him that they have both made a solemn promise before the LORD to remain loyal friends, not just for themselves but for their descendants forever. After this farewell, David leaves, and Jonathan returns to the city.

Jonathan is speaking to David during a tense time when David’s life is in danger from King Saul, Jonathan’s own father. Their promise, made “in the name of the LORD” (the personal name for God), shows the deep trust and lasting bond between them. The mention of their “seed” (descendants) highlights that this friendship and loyalty are meant to extend to future generations, not just themselves.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:42

  • “Peace” (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of wholeness, safety, and well-being. Jonathan’s blessing for David to “go in peace” is a heartfelt wish for his safety and welfare despite the danger he faces.
  • “Sworn” (נִשְׁבַּע, nishba‘): This word means to make a solemn oath. The use here underlines that Jonathan and David’s agreement is not casual but a binding, sacred promise made before God.
  • “Seed” (זֶרַע, zera‘): This word refers to descendants or offspring. By including their “seed,” Jonathan emphasizes that their covenant is meant to last beyond their own lives, affecting their families in the future.

Why 1 Samuel 20:42 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jonathan and David’s friendship was formalized by a sacred oath, not just personal affection, showing the seriousness of their commitment.
  • The mention of their descendants shows that their loyalty was meant to have a lasting impact, shaping the relationship between their families for generations.
  • The verse marks a turning point in the story, as David must leave for his safety, and Jonathan’s words offer comfort and assurance even as they part under difficult circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“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 20:28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:
  • 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!

“for” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?