1 Samuel 19:2
New International Version
and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there.

New Living Translation
told him what his father was planning. “Tomorrow morning,” he warned him, “you must find a hiding place out in the fields.

English Standard Version
And Jonathan told David, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself.

Berean Standard Bible
so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.

King James Bible
But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

New King James Version
So Jonathan told David, saying, “My father Saul seeks to kill you. Therefore please be on your guard until morning, and stay in a secret place and hide.

New American Standard Bible
So Jonathan informed David, saying, “My father Saul is seeking to put you to death. Now then, please be on your guard in the morning, and stay in a hiding place and conceal yourself.

NASB 1995
So Jonathan told David saying, “Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself.

NASB 1977
So Jonathan told David saying, “Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Jonathan told David saying, “Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. So now, please be careful in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself.

Amplified Bible
So he told David, “Saul my father is seeking to kill you. Now then, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself.

Christian Standard Bible
so he told him, “My father, Saul, intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning and hide in a secret place and stay there.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
so he told him: “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning and hide in a secret place and stay there.

American Standard Version
And Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to slay thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself in the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

English Revised Version
And Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to slay thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself in the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
so he reported to David, "My father Saul is trying to kill you. Please be careful tomorrow morning. Go into hiding, and stay out of sight.

Good News Translation
and so he told him, "My father is trying to kill you. Please be careful tomorrow morning; hide in some secret place and stay there.

International Standard Version
So Jonathan told David, "My father Saul is trying to kill you. In the morning be careful and stay hidden in a secret place.

Majority Standard Bible
so he warned David, saying, ?My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.

NET Bible
So Jonathan told David, "My father Saul is trying to kill you. So be careful tomorrow morning. Find a hiding place and stay in seclusion.

New Heart English Bible
So Jonathan told David, saying, "Saul seeks to kill you. Please take care of yourself in the morning, and keep hidden in a secret place.

Webster's Bible Translation
But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now, therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

World English Bible
Jonathan told David, saying, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Now therefore, please take care of yourself in the morning, live in a secret place, and hide yourself.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Jonathan son of Saul delighted in David exceedingly, and Jonathan declares [it] to David, saying, “My father Saul is seeking to put you to death, and now, please take heed in the morning, and you have abided in a secret place and been hidden,

Young's Literal Translation
and Jonathan son of Saul delighted exceedingly in David, and Jonathan declareth to David, saying, 'Saul my father is seeking to put thee to death, and, now, take heed, I pray thee, in the morning, and thou hast abode in a secret place, and been hidden,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jonathan will announce to David, saying, Saul my father is seeking to kill thee: and at this time, watch now, in the morning, and dwell in secret and hide.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jonathan told David, saying: Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: wherefore look to thyself, I beseech thee, in the morning, and thou shalt abide in a secret place and shalt be hid.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Jonathan revealed it to David, saying: “Saul, my father, is seeking to kill you. Because of this, I ask you, take care for yourself in the morning. And you should conceal yourself and remain in hiding.

New American Bible
told him: “My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; stay out of sight and remain in hiding.

New Revised Standard Version
Jonathan told David, “My father Saul is trying to kill you; therefore be on guard tomorrow morning; stay in a secret place and hide yourself.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Jonathan, Saul's son, was delighted much in David; and Jonathan spoke to David, saying, Saul my father seeks to kill you; now therefore take heed to yourself, and sit in a secret place and hide yourself;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jonathan showed David and said to him: “Shaul my father seeks to kill you! Beware and dwell in a secret place and hide yourself
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jonathan told David, saying: 'Saul my father seeketh to slay thee; now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself in the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jonathan, Saul's son, loved David much: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul seeks to kill thee: take heed to thyself therefore to-morrow morning, and hide thyself, and dwell in secret.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Attempts to Kill David
1Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, 2so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there. 3I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, so I can ask about you. And if I find out anything, I will tell you.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 20:32-33
“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” / Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.

1 Samuel 18:10-11
The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

1 Samuel 23:16-18
And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

1 Samuel 24:4-7
So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” ...

1 Samuel 25:29
And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling.

2 Samuel 17:1-3
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.”

2 Samuel 20:10
Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

2 Kings 6:9-10
Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.

Psalm 59:1-2
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.

Proverbs 27:12
The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

Matthew 2:13
When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”

Matthew 10:23
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Matthew 12:14-15
But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. / Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all,

Matthew 24:16
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Mark 3:6-7
At this, the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. / So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea,


Treasury of Scripture

But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeks to kill you: now therefore, I pray you, take heed to yourself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide yourself:

delighted

1 Samuel 18:1-3
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul…

Psalm 16:3
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

John 15:17-19
These things I command you, that ye love one another…

Jonathan

1 Samuel 20:2
And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Acts 9:24
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Jump to Previous
Care David Death Delighted Heed Hide Jonathan Kill Live Morning Please Saul Saul's Secret Seeketh Seeking Seeks Slay Thyself
Jump to Next
Care David Death Delighted Heed Hide Jonathan Kill Live Morning Please Saul Saul's Secret Seeketh Seeking Seeks Slay Thyself
1 Samuel 19
1. Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh
4. He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah
9. Hannah in grief prays for a child
12. Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her
19. Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned
24. She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord














so he warned David, saying
Jonathan, Saul's son, demonstrates loyalty to David, his friend, despite his father's intentions. This act of warning highlights the covenantal friendship between Jonathan and David, which is a recurring theme in 1 Samuel. Jonathan's actions can be seen as a type of Christ, who intercedes on behalf of others. The warning also reflects the biblical principle of speaking truth and protecting the innocent, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9.

My father Saul intends to kill you
Saul's intent to kill David stems from jealousy and fear, as David's popularity and success in battle threaten Saul's kingship. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the struggle between God's anointed and those who oppose God's will. Saul's actions are a fulfillment of the warning given by Samuel about the behavior of a king (1 Samuel 8:11-18). This phrase also foreshadows the persecution of Christ by those in authority.

Be on your guard in the morning
The morning is often a time of new beginnings in the Bible, but here it is a time of danger. David is advised to be vigilant, reflecting the biblical call to be watchful and prayerful (1 Peter 5:8). This vigilance is necessary because Saul's actions are unpredictable and driven by his unstable mental state, as seen in previous chapters.

find a secret place and hide there
David is instructed to find a place of refuge, which is a recurring motif in his life and writings, particularly in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 32:7). This act of hiding is not cowardice but a strategic move to preserve his life, as David is aware of his anointing and future role as king. The concept of God as a refuge is a central theme in Scripture, pointing to the ultimate refuge found in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and righteousness, Jonathan plays a crucial role in protecting David from Saul's wrath.

2. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is a servant in Saul's court and a target of Saul's jealousy and anger.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly unstable and envious of David's success and popularity. His intent to kill David marks a significant turning point in his reign.

4. The Secret Place
While not a specific location, it represents a place of safety and refuge for David, highlighting the need for wisdom and caution in the face of danger.

5. The Warning
Jonathan's warning to David is an act of loyalty and friendship, demonstrating his commitment to God's chosen future king despite his father's intentions.
Teaching Points
The Value of Godly Friendship
Jonathan's loyalty to David exemplifies the importance of having friends who encourage and protect us in our walk with God.

Wisdom in Times of Danger
David's response to Jonathan's warning shows the necessity of being prudent and seeking refuge when faced with threats.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the danger, David's life is in God's hands. This teaches us to trust in God's plan and timing, even when circumstances seem dire.

Courage to Stand for Righteousness
Jonathan's willingness to go against his father's wishes for the sake of righteousness challenges us to stand firm in our convictions.

The Role of Divine Providence
God's providence is evident in the protection of David, reminding us that God orchestrates events for His purposes and our good.(2) Jonathan told David.--The danger Jonathan saw was a very present one. A very slight expression on the part of a powerful king of his earnest desire to get rid of an obnoxious subject, however eminent or great, is sufficient to stir up unscrupulous men to commit the murder which they might fancy would be acceptable to their master.

Verses 2, 3. - Until the morning. Rather, "in the morning." Saul's purpose was taking shape, and as there are always men too ready to commit crime at the bidding of a king, there was the danger that secret murder might be the quick result of Saul's open communication of his wishes to his men of war. Jonathan, therefore, warns David of the king's malice, and urges him to hide himself until he has made a last entreaty for him. This was to take place in the field, the open common land. There was no idea of David overhearing the conversation, but when the king took his usual walk Jonathan was to join him, and hold a conference with him apart in the unenclosed hill pastures. After probing his father's real feelings he would continue his walk, and, without awakening any suspicions, would meet David and communicate to him the result. What I see, that I will tell thee. More exactly, "I will see what (he says), and will tell thee."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
so he
יְהוֹנָתָן֙ (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

warned
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד (way·yag·gêḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

David,
לְדָוִ֣ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

saying,
לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“My father
אָבִ֖י (’ā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

Saul
שָׁא֥וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

intends
מְבַקֵּ֛שׁ (mə·ḇaq·qêš)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

to kill you.
לַהֲמִיתֶ֑ךָ (la·hă·mî·ṯe·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

Be on your guard
הִשָּֽׁמֶר־ (hiš·šā·mer-)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

in the morning;
בַבֹּ֔קֶר (ḇab·bō·qer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

find
וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֥ (wə·yā·šaḇ·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

a secret place
בַסֵּ֖תֶר (ḇas·sê·ṯer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5643: A covering, hiding place, secrecy

and hide there.
וְנַחְבֵּֽאתָ׃ (wə·naḥ·bê·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2244: To withdraw, hide


Links
1 Samuel 19:2 NIV
1 Samuel 19:2 NLT
1 Samuel 19:2 ESV
1 Samuel 19:2 NASB
1 Samuel 19:2 KJV

1 Samuel 19:2 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 19:2 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 19:2 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 19:2 French Bible
1 Samuel 19:2 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 19:2 Jonathan told David saying Saul my father (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 19:1
Top of Page
Top of Page