1 Samuel 20:23
New International Version
And about the matter you and I discussed—remember, the LORD is witness between you and me forever.”

New Living Translation
And may the LORD make us keep our promises to each other, for he has witnessed them.”

English Standard Version
And as for the matter of which you and I have spoken, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever.”

Berean Standard Bible
And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.”

King James Bible
And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.

New King James Version
And as for the matter which you and I have spoken of, indeed the LORD be between you and me forever.”

New American Standard Bible
As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever.”

NASB 1995
“As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever.”

NASB 1977
“As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever.”

Legacy Standard Bible
As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, Yahweh is between you and me forever.”

Amplified Bible
As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever [making sure that we each keep our word].”

Christian Standard Bible
As for the matter you and I have spoken about, the LORD will be a witness between you and me forever.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As for the matter you and I have spoken about, the LORD will be a witness between you and me forever.”

American Standard Version
And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, Jehovah is between thee and me for ever.

Contemporary English Version
But he will always watch us to make sure that we keep the promise we made to each other.

English Revised Version
And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD is between thee and me for ever.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We have made a promise to each other, and the LORD is [a witness] between you and me forever."

Good News Translation
As for the promise we have made to each other, the LORD will make sure that we will keep it forever."

International Standard Version
As for the matter about which you and I spoke, remember that the LORD is a witness between us forever."

Majority Standard Bible
And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.”

NET Bible
With regard to the matter that you and I discussed, the LORD is the witness between us forever!"

New Heart English Bible
Concerning the matter which you and I have spoken of, look, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever."

Webster's Bible Translation
And as to the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.

World English Bible
Concerning the matter which you and I have spoken of, behold, Yahweh is between you and me forever.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
as for the thing which you and I have spoken, behold, YHWH [is] between me and you for all time.”

Young's Literal Translation
as to the thing which we have spoken, I and thou, lo, Jehovah is between me and thee -- unto the age.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the word which we spake, I and thou, behold, Jehovah between me and between thee forever.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And concerning the word which I and thou have spoken, the Lord be between thee and me for ever.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now about the word that you and I have spoken, may the Lord be between you and me, even forever.”

New American Bible
However, in the matter which you and I have discussed, the LORD shall be between you and me forever.”

New Revised Standard Version
As for the matter about which you and I have spoken, the LORD is witness between you and me forever.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as for the matter of which you and I have spoken, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In the matter that we have spoken, you and I, behold, LORD JEHOVAH God is between me and you until eternity!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And as touching the matter which I and thou have spoken of, behold, the LORD is between me and thee for ever.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And as for the word which thou and I have spoken, behold, the Lord is witness between me and thee for ever.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
22But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away. 23And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.” 24So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat.…

Cross References
Genesis 31:49-50
It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. / If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”

Genesis 31:44
Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”

Joshua 24:27
And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.”

2 Kings 11:4
Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son

2 Kings 11:17
Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people.

2 Samuel 21:7
Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.

2 Samuel 9:1
Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”

2 Samuel 9:7
“Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

2 Samuel 21:2
At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)

Psalm 89:3-4
You said, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: / ‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’” Selah

Psalm 89:28-29
I will forever preserve My loving devotion for him, and My covenant with him will stand fast. / I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure.

Psalm 105:8-10
He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations— / the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. / He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:

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

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

Jeremiah 31:33
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.


Treasury of Scripture

And as touching the matter which you and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between you and me for ever.

the matter

1 Samuel 20:14,15
And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: …

the Lord

1 Samuel 20:42
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.

Genesis 16:5
And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

Genesis 31:50
If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.

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Age Agreement Discussed Matter Remember Talking Touching Witness
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Age Agreement Discussed Matter Remember Talking Touching Witness
1 Samuel 20
1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety
11. Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath
18. Jonathan's token to David
23. Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan
35. Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David














And as for the matter
This phrase refers to the secretive and crucial conversation between Jonathan and David regarding Saul's intentions. The Hebrew word for "matter" is "dabar," which can mean word, thing, or matter. It emphasizes the gravity and importance of their discussion, highlighting the weight of their covenant and the seriousness of the situation. In the context of ancient Israel, words and promises held significant power, often seen as binding and sacred.

you and I discussed
The phrase underscores the personal and intimate nature of the conversation between Jonathan and David. It reflects the deep bond and trust between them. The Hebrew root "siach" implies a dialogue or meditation, suggesting that their discussion was thoughtful and deliberate. This highlights the importance of communication and understanding in relationships, especially when facing trials.

the LORD is a witness
This declaration invokes the divine as the ultimate overseer of their covenant. The Hebrew word for "witness" is "ed," which signifies someone who testifies or bears witness. In ancient times, invoking God as a witness was a solemn act, ensuring that the agreement was not just between men but under divine observation. It reflects the belief in God's omnipresence and His role as the ultimate judge and protector of truth.

between you and me
This phrase emphasizes the personal commitment and accountability between Jonathan and David. It signifies a mutual understanding and agreement, highlighting the strength of their friendship. The Hebrew preposition "beyn" indicates a relationship or connection, underscoring the bond that transcends mere words. It serves as a reminder of the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in friendships.

forever
The use of "forever" signifies the eternal nature of their covenant. The Hebrew word "olam" can mean everlasting or perpetual, indicating that their agreement is not limited by time. This reflects the biblical theme of enduring covenants, reminiscent of God's eternal promises to His people. It serves as an inspiration for believers to strive for lasting commitments and to trust in the eternal nature of God's promises.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And as for the matter
וְהַ֨דָּבָ֔ר (wə·had·dā·ḇār)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

you
וָאָ֑תָּה (wā·’āt·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

and I
אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

have discussed,
דִּבַּ֖רְנוּ (dib·bar·nū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

the LORD
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is a witness between
בֵּינִ֥י (bê·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

you and me
וּבֵינְךָ֖ (ū·ḇê·nə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

forever.”
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while


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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:23 As touching the matter which you (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 20:22
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