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. Berean Literal Bible And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since the two of us have sworn in the name of YHWH, saying, ‘May YHWH be between me and between you and between my seed and between your seed, even to forever.’” And he arose and departed, and Jonathan went 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. Berean Annotated Bible And Jonathan (YHWH has given) said to David (beloved), “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD {YHWH}, 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. 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. Berean Literal Bible And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since the two of us have sworn in the name of YHWH, saying, ‘May YHWH be between me and between you and between my seed and between your seed, even to forever.’” And he arose and departed, and Jonathan went 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 (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) 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 And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, 2 Kings 5:19 “Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance, Luke 7:50 And Jesus told the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, Joshua 9:19 All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them. Deuteronomy 6:13 Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name. saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, 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.” Malachi 2:14 Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Genesis 17:7 I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. … Then David got up and departed, 1 Samuel 26:25 Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son. You will accomplish great things and will surely prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home. Genesis 31:55 Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. and Jonathan went back into the city. Luke 24:33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, gathered together 2 Samuel 15:37 So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city. 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. 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, Jonathan releases David with a blessing of wholeness and safety as Saul’s hostility makes David’s departure necessary. Their parting reveals the cost of Jonathan’s loyalty to David and his confidence that God remains with him. 2Ki 5:19 “Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled… for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, Their friendship rests on a solemn covenant made before God, not merely personal affection or political advantage. The LORD stands over their promises and holds them accountable. Jos 9:19 All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them… saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, Jonathan and David entrust the covenant to God’s knowledge and judgment. Though separated by Saul’s pursuit and opposing circumstances, they remain bound by their oath. Gen 31:49-50 It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said,… and between your descendants and mine forever.’” The covenant includes their families, establishing lasting obligations of faithfulness and protection. David later honors this commitment by showing kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. Gen 17:7 I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant… Then David got up and departed, David leaves knowing that he can no longer remain near Saul’s court. His flight begins a prolonged season of danger in which he must wait for God’s appointed time to receive the kingdom. 1Sa 26:25 Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son.”… and Jonathan went back into the city. Jonathan returns to Saul’s household, where he must continue living under his father’s rule while remaining faithful to his covenant with David. Luk 24:33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem.… 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? (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. 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.Parallel Commentaries ... 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 Additonal Resources 1 Samuel 20:42 Blue Letter Bible1 Samuel 20:42 Bible Gateway 1 Samuel 20:42 Bible.com 1 Samuel 20:42 NIV |
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