1 Samuel 20:9

9 "I would never do that!" Jonathan said. "Suppose I had even the smallest clue that my father had made up his mind to harm you. Then I would 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 Your father might say, 'That's all right.' If he does, it will mean I'm safe. But he might become very angry. If he does, you can be sure he's made up his mind to harm me.

8 "Please be kind to me. You have made a covenant with me in the sight of the Lord. If I'm guilty, kill me yourself! Don't hand me over to your father!"

9 "I would never do that!" Jonathan said. "Suppose I had even the smallest clue that my father had made up his mind to harm you. Then I would tell you."

10 David asked, "Who will tell me if your father answers you in a mean way?"

11 "Come on," Jonathan said. "Let's go out to the field." So they went there together.