1 Samuel 20:14

14 But show me unfailing kindness like the LORD’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed,

1 Samuel 20:14 in Other Translations

KJV
14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:
ESV
14 If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the LORD, that I may not die;
NLT
14 And may you treat me with the faithful love of the LORD as long as I live. But if I die,
MSG
14 If I make it through this alive, continue to be my covenant friend. And if I die,
CSB
14 If I continue to live, treat me with the Lord's faithful love, but if I die,

1 Samuel 20:14 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:14

And thou shalt not only, while yet I live, show me the
kindness of the Lord
Such kindness as is well pleasing in the sight of God, and imitate what he shows to men, and which was covenanted, promised, and agreed to in the presence of the Lord, when David and Jonathan entered into covenant with each other; this Jonathan did not doubt of, and therefore did not make this a request:

that I die not;
he had no fear nor dread on his mind, should David come to the throne while he was alive, that he would take away his life; which was usually done by tyrants and usurpers, when there were any that had a fairer title, and better claim to the throne than they.

1 Samuel 20:14 In-Context

12 Then Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the LORD, the God of Israel, that I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know?
13 But if my father intends to harm you, may the LORD deal with Jonathan, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away in peace. May the LORD be with you as he has been with my father.
14 But show me unfailing kindness like the LORD’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed,
15 and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the LORD has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”
16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD call David’s enemies to account.”

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Genesis 40:14
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