Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If he says, ‘Very well,’ then your servant is safe. But if he loses his temper, you can be sure that he is determined to harm me. New Living Translation If he says, ‘Fine!’ you will know all is well. But if he is angry and loses his temper, you will know he is determined to kill me. English Standard Version If he says, ‘Good!’ it will be well with your servant, but if he is angry, then know that harm is determined by him. Berean Standard Bible If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. Berean Literal Bible If thus he says: ‘Good,’ your servant will be safe. But if he is enraged, then be sure that evil is determined by him. King James Bible If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him. New King James Version If he says thus: ‘It is well,’ your servant will be safe. But if he is very angry, be sure that evil is determined by him. New American Standard Bible If he says, ‘That is good,’ your servant will be safe; but if he is very angry, be aware that he has decided on evil. NASB 1995 “If he says, ‘It is good,’ your servant will be safe; but if he is very angry, know that he has decided on evil. NASB 1977 “If he says, ‘It is good,’ your servant shall be safe; but if he is very angry, know that he has decided on evil. Legacy Standard Bible If he says, ‘It is good,’ your servant will have peace; but if he is very angry, know that he has decided on evil. Amplified Bible If he says, ‘All right,’ your servant will be safe; but if he is very angry, then be certain that he has decided on evil. Berean Annotated Bible If he says, ‘Good, then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. Christian Standard Bible If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he becomes angry, you will know he has evil intentions. Holman Christian Standard Bible If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he becomes angry, you will know he has evil intentions. American Standard Version If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be wroth, then know that evil is determined by him. Contemporary English Version If your father says it's all right, then I'm safe. But if he gets angry, you'll know he wants to harm me. English Revised Version If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be wroth, then know that evil is determined by him. GOD'S WORD® Translation If he says, 'Good!' then I will be safe. But if he gets really angry, then you'll know for sure that he has decided to harm me. Good News Translation If he says, 'All right,' I will be safe; but if he becomes angry, you will know that he is determined to harm me. International Standard Version If he says, 'Good,' then your servant will be safe. But if he actually gets angry, you will know that his intentions are evil. NET Bible If he should then say, 'That's fine,' then your servant is safe. But if he becomes very angry, be assured that he has decided to harm me. New Heart English Bible If he says, 'It is well;' your servant shall have peace: but if he be angry, then know that evil is determined by him. Webster's Bible Translation If he shall say thus, It is well; thy servant will have peace: but if he shall be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. World English Bible If he says, ‘It is well,’ your servant shall have peace; but if he is angry, then know that evil is determined by him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf thus he says: Good; [there is] peace for your servant; and if it is very displeasing to him—know that the evil has been determined by him; Berean Literal Bible If thus he says: ‘Good,’ your servant will be safe. But if he is enraged, then be sure that evil is determined by him. Young's Literal Translation If thus he say: Good; peace is for thy servant; and if it be very displeasing to him -- know that the evil hath been determined by him; Smith's Literal Translation If thus he shall say, Good; peace to thy servant; and if kindling, it shall kindle to him, know that evil was finished with him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf he shall say, It is well: thy servant shall have peace: but if he be angry, know that his malice is come to its height. Catholic Public Domain Version If he will say, ‘It is well,’ then your servant will have peace. But if he will be angry, know that his malice has reached its height. New American Bible If he says, ‘Very well,’ your servant is safe. But if he becomes quite angry, you can be sure he has planned some harm. New Revised Standard Version If he says, ‘Good!’ it will be well with your servant; but if he is angry, then know that evil has been determined by him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf he says thus, It is well; then your servant shall have peace; but if he is displeased, then be sure that evil is determined by him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated If thus he will say, ‘very good’, your Servant will have peace and if it is very displeasing to him, know that evil is determined from his presence OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If he say thus: It is well; thy servant shall have peace; but if he be wroth, then know that evil is determined by him. Brenton Septuagint Translation If he shall say thus, Well, - all is safe for thy servant: but if he shall answer harshly to thee, know that evil is determined by him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan Helps David…6If your father misses me at all, tell him, ‘David urgently requested my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan.’ 7If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. 8Therefore deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?”… Cross References If he says, ‘Good,’ Proverbs 15:23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. then your servant is safe, Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Proverbs 3:23-24 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. / When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. but if he is enraged, Genesis 4:5-8 but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. / “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? / If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” … Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. James 1:19-20 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. you will know he has evil intentions. Proverbs 24:8-9 He who plots evil will be called a schemer. / A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men. Psalm 64:5-6 They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. / They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious. Proverbs 6:14-15 With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord. / Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery. 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 19:9-10 But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. 1 Samuel 16:14 Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him. 1 Samuel 24:20 Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. Treasury of Scripture If he say thus, It is well; your servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him. It is well Deuteronomy 1:23 And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe: 2 Samuel 17:4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. evil 1 Samuel 20:9 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 25:17 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him. Esther 7:7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. Jump to Previous Angry Clear Decided Determined Displeasing Evil Harm Loses Mind Peace Purpose Safe Servant Sure Temper WrothJump to Next Angry Clear Decided Determined Displeasing Evil Harm Loses Mind Peace Purpose Safe Servant Sure Temper Wroth1 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 If he says, ‘Good,’ In this context, Jonathan is speaking to David about King Saul's potential reaction to David's absence at the New Moon feast. The word "Good" here signifies approval or acceptance. In ancient Israel, the New Moon was a significant time for communal gatherings and feasting, as outlined in Numbers 10:10 and 28:11-15. Saul's positive response would indicate that he harbors no ill will towards David, suggesting a temporary peace. This reflects the cultural importance of verbal affirmations in maintaining social harmony and the weight of a king's word in determining the safety of his subjects. then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is currently fleeing from King Saul's wrath. 2. Jonathan The son of King Saul and a close friend of David, who is caught between his loyalty to his father and his friendship with David. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, who is increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. 4. The New Moon Festival A significant religious and cultural event in ancient Israel, during which David's absence from the king's table would be noticed. 5. The Field The location where Jonathan and David meet to discuss Saul's intentions and plan their strategy for David's safety. Teaching Points Discernment in RelationshipsJonathan's plan to discern Saul's intentions teaches us the importance of seeking truth and clarity in our relationships, especially when faced with potential conflict. Loyalty and Integrity Jonathan's loyalty to David, despite the risk to himself, exemplifies the biblical call to be faithful and true to our commitments and friendships. Trust in God's Sovereignty David's reliance on Jonathan's plan reflects a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and protection, reminding us to seek God's guidance in times of uncertainty. Courage in the Face of Danger Both David and Jonathan demonstrate courage, with David trusting Jonathan's plan and Jonathan risking his father's wrath to protect his friend. The Cost of Friendship True friendship often requires sacrifice and selflessness, as seen in Jonathan's willingness to put David's safety above his own interests. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:7?2. How does 1 Samuel 20:7 demonstrate Jonathan's loyalty to David over Saul? 3. What does Jonathan's plan reveal about discerning intentions in relationships? 4. How can we apply Jonathan's wisdom in 1 Samuel 20:7 to our lives? 5. Compare Jonathan's actions to Jesus' teachings on friendship in John 15:13-15. 6. How does 1 Samuel 20:7 encourage us to seek God's guidance in difficult situations? 7. What does 1 Samuel 20:7 reveal about Jonathan's loyalty to David over Saul? 8. How does 1 Samuel 20:7 illustrate the theme of divine guidance in decision-making? 9. What historical context is necessary to understand the events in 1 Samuel 20:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20? 11. Do angels commit more sins than humans? 12. How does biblical stewardship relate to flock management? 13. 1 Chronicles 20:1: How does David's apparent absence during the battle align with or contradict other accounts of his military leadership? 14. Why would a single burnt offering (1 Samuel 7:9) miraculously grant the Israelites victory if similar rituals elsewhere did not? What Does 1 Samuel 20:7 Mean If he says, ‘Good,’“If he says, ‘Good,’” (1 Samuel 20:7a) sets the simple test Jonathan proposes. A calm, gracious response from Saul would signal that his heart has softened. • Earlier, Saul could speak kindly about David when God’s Spirit restrained him (1 Samuel 19:6). • Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath,” underscoring how a peaceful word reveals a peaceful heart. • Jesus later observes that “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34), so Saul’s words will mirror what lies inside him. then your servant is safe, “then your servant is safe” (1 Samuel 20:7b) expresses David’s confidence that God can use even Saul’s attitude to protect him. • Jonathan calls himself David’s “servant” again (cf. 1 Samuel 20:8), highlighting their covenant loyalty. • Psalm 4:8 captures David’s outlook: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” • When a ruler acts justly, his subjects rejoice (Proverbs 29:2). A benign reply from Saul would restore peace to the kingdom and to David’s life. but if he is enraged, “but if he is enraged” (1 Samuel 20:7c) anticipates the hot-tempered outbursts that had become Saul’s pattern. • Saul’s fury had already driven him to hurl spears at David (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:9-10). • Jonathan had witnessed that rage firsthand (1 Samuel 20:30-33). • Proverbs 14:29 warns, “Whoever is hot-tempered exalts folly,” describing exactly what Saul exhibits when jealous anger rules him instead of the Lord. you will know he has evil intentions. “you will know he has evil intentions” (1 Samuel 20:7d) gives Jonathan the purpose of the test: discernment. • Saul had already ordered David’s death once (1 Samuel 19:1); a fresh surge of rage would confirm that murderous plot. • Proverbs 12:5 contrasts “the thoughts of the righteous” with “the counsels of the wicked,” and Saul’s plotting places him in the latter group. • Romans 12:9 urges believers to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good,” the very choice Jonathan must make concerning his father’s scheme. summary 1 Samuel 20:7 offers a straightforward yardstick: Saul’s immediate reaction will unmask his heart. • A calm “Good” would mean David can stay; divine restraint still tempers the king. • An angry eruption would expose ongoing evil, warning Jonathan to move David to safety. The verse teaches that words and temper reveal inner motives, and it reassures us that God provides discernment and protection for those who trust Him. Hebrew Ifאִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not he says, יֹאמַ֛ר (yō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Good,’ ט֖וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good then your servant לְעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ (lə·‘aḇ·de·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant is safe, שָׁל֣וֹם (šā·lō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace but if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not he is enraged, חָרֹ֤ה (ḥā·rōh) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy you will know דַּ֕ע (da‘) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know he has evil הָרָעָ֖ה (hā·rā·‘āh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil intentions. כָלְתָ֥ה (ḵā·lə·ṯāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent Links 1 Samuel 20:7 NIV1 Samuel 20:7 NLT 1 Samuel 20:7 ESV 1 Samuel 20:7 NASB 1 Samuel 20:7 KJV 1 Samuel 20:7 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 20:7 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 20:7 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 20:7 French Bible 1 Samuel 20:7 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 20:7 If he says 'It is well (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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