1 Samuel 20:9

9 And Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! If I knew that it was determined by my father that evil should come upon 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 evil is determined by him.
8 Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a sacred covenant with you. But if there is guilt in me, slay 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 evil should come upon you, would I not tell you?"
10 Then said David 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.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.