And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

1 SAMUEL 20:9KJV
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1 Samuel 20:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:9 mean?

1 Samuel 20:9 shows Jonathan assuring David that he would never hide any danger from him. Jonathan promises that if he ever knows for certain that his father, King Saul, plans harm against David, he will warn David right away.

Jonathan is speaking to David during a tense time when David fears Saul wants to kill him. Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s close friend, insists that he would never betray David’s trust. This verse highlights Jonathan’s loyalty and the seriousness of the situation between Saul and David.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:9

  • The word for "evil" is רָעָה (ra‘ah), which often means harm or disaster. Jonathan is not just talking about something unpleasant but real danger or intent to do harm.
  • The word translated "determined" is כָּלָה (kalah), which carries the sense of something being finished or decided. Jonathan is saying that if he knows Saul has firmly decided on David’s harm, he will act.
  • The verb "to tell" is נָגַד (nagad), which means to make something known or to report. Jonathan is emphasizing his commitment to inform David openly, not keeping secrets.

Why 1 Samuel 20:9 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about Jonathan’s loyalty to David, even though Saul is his own father. Jonathan’s words show he values truth and friendship over family allegiance when it comes to right and wrong.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, where Jonathan and David work together to find out Saul’s true intentions. It shows the trust and honesty at the heart of their friendship.
  • By using strong language, Jonathan reassures David and the reader that he will not let harm come to David without warning him, highlighting the seriousness of Saul’s threat.

Where else these words appear

“thee” Hebrew H2486 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
  • 1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
  • 2 Samuel 20:20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

“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!