Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. New Living Translation At last Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the LORD’s name. The LORD is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan returned to the town. English Standard Version Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city. Berean Standard Bible And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’ ” So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city. New American Standard Bible Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, since we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” So David set out and went on his way, while Jonathan went into the city. NASB 1995 Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city. NASB 1977 And Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city. Legacy Standard Bible And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of Yahweh, saying, ‘Yahweh will be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed forever.’” Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city. Amplified Bible Jonathan told David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and yours forever.’” Then he stood and left, while Jonathan went into the city. Christian Standard Bible Jonathan then said to David, “Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the LORD when we said, ‘The LORD will be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.’ ” Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city. Holman Christian Standard Bible Jonathan then said to David, “Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the LORD when we said: The LORD will be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city. American Standard Version And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah shall 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. Contemporary English Version Jonathan said, "Take care of yourself. And remember, we each have asked the LORD to watch and make sure that we and our descendants keep our promise forever." David left and Jonathan went back to town. English Revised Version 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 shall 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Go in peace!" Jonathan told David. "We have both taken an oath in the LORD's name, saying, 'The LORD will be [a witness] between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants forever.' " So David left, and Jonathan went into the city. Good News Translation Then Jonathan said to David, "God be with you. The LORD will make sure that you and I, and your descendants and mine, will forever keep the sacred promise we have made to each other." Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. International Standard Version Jonathan told David, "Go in peace since both of us swore in the name of the LORD: 'May the LORD be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.'" Then David got up and left, while Jonathan went to the city. NET Bible Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn together in the name of the LORD saying, 'The LORD will be between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants forever.'" Then David got up and left, while Jonathan went back to the city. New Heart English Bible Then Jonathan said, "Go in peace, because we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants, forever.'" He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city. Webster's Bible Translation 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. :43 And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. World English Bible Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in Yahweh’s name, saying, ‘Yahweh is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Jonathan says to David, “Go in peace, in that we have sworn—the two of us—in the Name of YHWH, saying, YHWH is between me and you, and between my seed and your seed—for all time”; and he rises and goes; and Jonathan has gone into the city. Young's Literal Translation and Jonathan saith to David, 'Go in peace, in that we have sworn -- we two -- in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah is between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed -- unto the age;' and he riseth and goeth; and Jonathan hath gone in to the city. Smith's Literal Translation And Jonathan will say to David, Go for peace, for we sware, we two, in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah will be between me and between thee, and between my seed and between thy seed, even forever. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jonathan said to David: Go in peace: and let all stand that 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 David arose, and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. Catholic Public Domain Version Then Jonathan said to David: “Go in peace. And let us both keep all that we have ever sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘May the Lord be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, even forever.’ ” New American Bible At length Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, in keeping with what the two of us have sworn by the name of the LORD: ‘The LORD shall be between you and me, and between your offspring and mine forever.’ ” Then David departed on his way, while Jonathan went back into the city. New Revised Standard Version Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since both of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants, forever.’” He got up and left; and Jonathan went into the city. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, inasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants forever. Then Jonathan arose and went into the city. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Jonathan said to David: “Go in peace! We both have sworn in the name of LORD JEHOVAH, saying: “LORD JEHOVAH is between me and you and between my seed and your seed for eternity!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jonathan said to David: 'Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying: The LORD shall 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, and as we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord shall be witness between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever - even so let it be. And David arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan…41When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. 42And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. Cross References 1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 1 Samuel 23:18 So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. 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 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. Genesis 31:49 It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. Genesis 31:53 May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. 2 Kings 2:2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 2 Kings 2:6 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 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. John 15:13-15 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 26:49-50 Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. / “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him. Luke 1:17 And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Treasury of Scripture And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, for as much as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. Go in peace 1 Samuel 20:22 But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away. 1 Samuel 1:17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. Numbers 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. forasmuch as. 1 Samuel 20:23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever. And he arose 1 Samuel 23:18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. Jump to Previous City David Departed Descendants Inasmuch Jonathan Peace Rose Safety Seed SwornJump to Next City David Departed Descendants Inasmuch Jonathan Peace Rose Safety Seed Sworn1 Samuel 20 1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety11. 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 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, This phrase signifies the deep bond and covenant of friendship between Jonathan and David. In the context of ancient Israel, peace was not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and well-being. Jonathan's blessing of peace is significant given the tension and danger David faces from King Saul. It reflects Jonathan's genuine care and the divine favor he wishes upon David. for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. Persons / Places / Events 1. JonathanThe son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and deep friendship with David, even at the cost of his own future as heir to the throne. 2. David The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point, he is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God, invoked by Jonathan and David as a witness to their oath of friendship and loyalty. 4. The Covenant A solemn agreement made between Jonathan and David, invoking God as a witness to their promise of mutual protection and loyalty. 5. The City Refers to Gibeah, where King Saul's court was located, and where Jonathan returned after parting with David. Teaching Points The Power of Godly FriendshipJonathan and David's relationship exemplifies the strength and importance of friendships rooted in faith and mutual respect. Such friendships can provide support and encouragement during difficult times. Covenant Loyalty The covenant between Jonathan and David shows the seriousness of promises made before God. It reminds us of the importance of keeping our commitments, especially those made in God's name. Trust in God's Sovereignty Despite the danger David faced, the peace Jonathan speaks of is rooted in trust in God's plan. We are encouraged to find peace in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances are challenging. Intergenerational Faithfulness The promise between Jonathan and David extends to their descendants, highlighting the impact of our faithfulness on future generations. Our actions and commitments can have lasting effects beyond our own lives. Peace Amidst Conflict Jonathan's blessing of peace to David, even as he returns to a hostile environment, teaches us to seek and extend peace, trusting in God's protection and provision. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:42?2. How does 1 Samuel 20:42 illustrate the importance of covenantal friendships today? 3. What role does faith play in Jonathan's assurance of God's peace in 1 Samuel? 4. How can we apply Jonathan and David's loyalty to our relationships? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 1 Samuel 20:42 and Jesus' teachings on friendship? 6. How does Jonathan's trust in God influence our understanding of divine promises? 7. What is the significance of Jonathan and David's covenant in 1 Samuel 20:42? 8. How does 1 Samuel 20:42 reflect the theme of friendship in the Bible? 9. Why does Jonathan invoke God's name in 1 Samuel 20:42? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20? 11. Why does David’s decision in 2 Samuel 19:29 seemingly contradict earlier promises of favor and land for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)? 12. Who was Jonathan in the Bible? 13. Are the clandestine signals used by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:19-22 verifiable through any parallel ancient Near Eastern texts or historical records? 14. Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants? What Does 1 Samuel 20:42 Mean And Jonathan said to David• Scripture presents Jonathan and David as real, historical figures (1 Samuel 18:1–4), whose friendship was forged by shared faith and courage (see also Proverbs 17:17). • Jonathan initiates this final exchange, underscoring his role as both prince of Israel and loyal friend (compare 1 Samuel 23:16–17). • His words come after the secret signal with arrows (1 Samuel 20:35–41), confirming Saul’s intent to kill David; the conversation, therefore, takes place under life-threatening pressure, highlighting the sincerity and urgency of what follows. “Go in peace • “Peace” (Hebrew shalom) means wholeness and well-being. Jonathan blesses David with peace even while danger looms (John 14:27). • Jonathan’s confidence rests in God’s oversight; he knows David’s path is ultimately secure because God has chosen David (1 Samuel 16:13; Psalm 4:8). • This farewell is not mere sentiment; it is a faith-filled release, trusting the LORD to guide David’s next steps (Proverbs 3:5–6). for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD • Their covenant was made “in the name of the LORD,” invoking God’s character as the guarantor (Deuteronomy 6:13). • Such an oath carried divine accountability; breaking it would be sin against God, not merely against a friend (Numbers 30:2). • The literal historical setting anchors the promise: two men, one anointed to be king and the other the current king’s son, binding themselves under God’s authority. saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me • The phrase recalls Laban and Jacob’s Mizpah covenant—“The LORD watch between you and me” (Genesis 31:49), showing continuity in how God’s people appealed to Him as witness. • God’s omniscience guarantees enforcement of their pledge even when they are separated (Jeremiah 23:23–24). • By naming the LORD as witness, Jonathan removes all room for deceit, anchoring the friendship in divine truth (Psalm 15:4). and between your descendants and mine forever.’ • The covenant extends beyond personal friendship to future generations, an act of faith in God’s unfolding plan (2 Samuel 9:1–7; 21:7). • Jonathan recognizes that God’s promises to David will outlive them both, so he seeks mercy for his lineage (Luke 1:50). • The word “forever” shows the timelessness of God-centered commitments; covenant faithfulness is not limited by circumstance or regime change (Psalm 103:17). Then David got up and departed • The literal departure marks the beginning of David’s life as a fugitive (1 Samuel 21–27). • Obedience sometimes means immediate, difficult action; David entrusts himself to the LORD’s timing rather than forcing events (Psalm 57:1–2). • David leaves empowered by Jonathan’s blessing, demonstrating that godly affirmation strengthens resolve (Acts 20:36–38). and Jonathan went back into the city. • Jonathan returns to Saul’s court, choosing the path of faithfulness within a corrupt environment—an example of honoring one’s father while honoring God first (Ephesians 6:2; Acts 5:29). • His action embodies sacrificial love; he forfeits personal safety and throne prospects for David’s welfare (John 15:13). • The narrative’s accuracy shows God working through ordinary choices: one friend stays, one flees, both submit to God’s larger plan. summary 1 Samuel 20:42 records a solemn, literal covenant between Jonathan and David, sealed in the LORD’s name, extending peace, divine witness, and generational commitment. Jonathan’s blessing sends David into exile with confidence in God, while Jonathan’s return to the city models steadfast fidelity amid danger. The verse teaches that true peace and covenant love rest on God’s unchanging faithfulness, shaping both present actions and future generations. (42) Go in peace.--The abruptness of the closing words is most natural, and accords with the evident deep emotion of the speaker. David's heart was too full to reply to his friend's words; blinded with tears, he seems to have hurried away speechless."We may indeed wonder at the delicacy of feeling and the gentleness of the sentiments which these two men in those old rough times entertained for one another. No ancient writer has set before us so noble an example of a heartfelt, unselfish, and thoroughly human state of feeling, and none has described friendship with such entire truth in all its relations, and with such complete and profound knowledge of the human heart."--Phillipson, quoted by Payne Smith. Hebrew And Jonathanיְהוֹנָתָ֛ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites said וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to David, לְדָוִ֖ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “Go לֵ֣ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk in peace, לְשָׁל֑וֹם (lə·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace for אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the two of us שְׁנֵ֜ינוּ (šə·nê·nū) Number - mdc | first person common plural Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) have sworn נִשְׁבַּ֨עְנוּ (niš·ba‘·nū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear in the name בְּשֵׁ֤ם (bə·šêm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8034: A name of the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel when we אֲנַ֗חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural Strong's 587: We said, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘May the LORD יְהוָ֞ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel be יִֽהְיֶ֣ה ׀ (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a witness between בֵּינִ֣י (bê·nî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 996: An interval, space between you and me, וּבֵינֶ֗ךָ (ū·ḇê·ne·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 996: An interval, space between and between וּבֵ֥ין (ū·ḇên) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 996: An interval, space between your descendants זַרְעֲךָ֖ (zar·‘ă·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity and וּבֵ֥ין (ū·ḇên) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 996: An interval, space between mine זַרְעִ֛י (zar·‘î) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity forever.’” עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while Then David got up וַיָּ֖קָם (way·yā·qām) 0 Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand and departed, וַיֵּלַ֑ךְ (way·yê·laḵ) 0 Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk and Jonathan וִיהוֹנָתָ֖ן (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān) 0 Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites went back בָּ֥א (bā) 0 Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go into the city. הָעִֽיר׃ (hā·‘îr) 0 Strong's 5892: Excitement Links 1 Samuel 20:42 NIV1 Samuel 20:42 NLT 1 Samuel 20:42 ESV 1 Samuel 20:42 NASB 1 Samuel 20:42 KJV 1 Samuel 20:42 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 20:42 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 20:42 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 20:42 French Bible 1 Samuel 20:42 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David Go in peace (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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