1 Samuel 20:9

9 And Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! If I knew that ¹it was determined by my father that harm should come to you, would I not tell you? ”

1 Samuel 20:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:9

And Jonathan said, far be it from thee
To entertain such a thought of me, or to have the least suspicion of me, that I should conceal my father's ill intentions against thee, if known to me;

for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come
upon thee, then would I not tell it thee?
certainly I would; canst thou doubt of my kindness and fidelity? surely thou hast no reason, when such a covenant of friendship subsists between us, and there has not been the least breach of it on either side.

1 Samuel 20:9 In-Context

7 If he says, ‘Good! ’ it will be well with your servant, but if he is angry, then know that harm is determined by him.

8 Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father? ”

9 And Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! If I knew that it was determined by my father that harm should come to you, would I not tell you? ”

10 Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you roughly? ”

11 And Jonathan said to David, “Come, let us go out into the field. ” So they both went out into the field.

Cross References

• 1. 20:9 [See ver. 7 above]