Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then David fled from Naioth at Ramah and went to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to kill me?” New Living Translation David now fled from Naioth in Ramah and found Jonathan. “What have I done?” he exclaimed. “What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?” English Standard Version Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” Berean Standard Bible Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” Berean Literal Bible And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and he came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before the face of your father, that he is seeking my life?” King James Bible And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? New King James Version Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and went and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity, and what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” New American Standard Bible Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and he came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?” NASB 1995 Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?” NASB 1977 Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?” Legacy Standard Bible Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?” Amplified Bible David fled from Naioth in Ramah and he came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? What is my sin before (against) your father, that he is seeking my life?” Berean Annotated Bible Then David (beloved) fled from Naioth (habitations) in Ramah (hill). He came to Jonathan (YHWH has given) and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” Christian Standard Bible David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What did I do wrong? How have I sinned against your father so that he wants to take my life? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What did I do wrong? How have I sinned against your father so that he wants to take my life?” American Standard Version And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? Contemporary English Version David escaped from Prophets Village. Then he ran to see Jonathan and asked, "Why does your father Saul want to kill me? What have I done wrong?" English Revised Version And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? GOD'S WORD® Translation David fled from the pastures at Ramah, came to Jonathan, and asked, "What have I done? What crime am I guilty of? What sin have I committed against your father that he's trying to kill me?" Good News Translation Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and went to Jonathan. "What have I done?" he asked. "What crime have I committed? What wrong have I done to your father to make him want to kill me?" International Standard Version David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and said, "What have I done? What is my crime, and how have I wronged your father so that he's determined to kill me? NET Bible David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, "What have I done? What is my offense? How have I sinned before your father? For he is seeking my life!" New Heart English Bible Then David fled from the dwellings at Ramah, and came before Jonathan and said, "What have I done? What is my iniquity? What is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?" Webster's Bible Translation And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is my iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” World English Bible David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? What is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David flees from Naioth in Ramah, and comes, and says before Jonathan, “What have I done? What [is] my iniquity? And what [is] my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?” Berean Literal Bible And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and he came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before the face of your father, that he is seeking my life?” Young's Literal Translation And David fleeth from Naioth in Ramah, and cometh, and saith before Jonathan, 'What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what my sin before thy father, that he is seeking my life?' Smith's Literal Translation And David will flee from Naioth in Ramah, and he will come and say before Jonathan, What did I? and what mine iniquity? and what my sin before thy father that he seeks my soul? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut David fled from Najoth, which is in Ramatha, and came and said to Jonathan: What have I done? what is my iniquity, and what is my sin against thy father, that he seeketh my life? Catholic Public Domain Version Then David fled from Naioth, which is in Ramah, and he went and said before Jonathan: “What have I done? What is my iniquity, or what is my sin, against your father, so that he would seek my life?” New American Bible David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and went to Jonathan. “What have I done?” he asked him. “What crime or what offense does your father hold against me that he seeks my life?” New Revised Standard Version David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came before Jonathan and said, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin against your father that he is trying to take my life?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAND David fled from Jonath, which is in Ramtha, and came and said to Jonathan, What have I done? And what is my offence? And what is my crime before your father that he seeks my life? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David fled from Yonath that is in Ramtha and came and said before Jonathan: “What have I done and what is my crime, and what is my fault before your father who seeks my life?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan: 'What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And David fled from Navath in Rama, and comes into the presence of Jonathan; and he said, What have I done, and what is my fault, and wherein have I sinned before thy father, that he seeks my life? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan Helps David1Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” 2“Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!”… Cross References Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. 1 Samuel 19:18 So David ran away and escaped. And he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. 1 Samuel 19:23-24 So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. / Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Samuel 22:1 So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. He came to Jonathan and asked, 1 Samuel 18:1-4 After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. … 1 Samuel 19:1-2 Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, / so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there. 1 Samuel 23:16-18 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. “What have I done? 1 Samuel 17:29 “What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?” 1 Samuel 26:18 And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? Psalm 7:3-5 O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, / if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, / then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah What is my iniquity? 1 Samuel 24:11 See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. Psalm 26:1-2 Of David. Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. / Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind. Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. / See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. How have I sinned against your father, 1 Samuel 18:8-11 And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. / 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, … 1 Samuel 19:4-5 Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. / He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” 1 Samuel 24:17 and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. that he wants to take my life?” 1 Samuel 19:10-12 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. / Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. Treasury of Scripture And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is my iniquity? and what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life? fled 1 Samuel 19:19-24 And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah… 1 Samuel 23:26-28 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them… Psalm 124:6-8 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth… What have 1 Samuel 12:3 Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. 1 Samuel 24:11,17 Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it… Psalm 7:3-5 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; … Jump to Previous Crime David Iniquity Jonathan Life Naioth Nai'oth Ramah Seeketh Seeking Seeks Sin Trying WrongedJump to Next Crime David Iniquity Jonathan Life Naioth Nai'oth Ramah Seeketh Seeking Seeks Sin Trying Wronged1 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 Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. David's flight from Naioth in Ramah marks a critical moment in his life, as he becomes a fugitive from King Saul. Naioth was a place associated with the prophets, where Samuel was leading a group of prophets. This setting highlights the spiritual environment from which David is fleeing, emphasizing the contrast between Saul's hostility and the prophetic community's peace. Ramah, Samuel's hometown, was a significant location in Israel's history, serving as a center for prophetic activity. David's departure from this place signifies a transition from safety to danger, as he leaves the protection of Samuel and the prophets. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul's wrath. David is a central figure in this account, representing faithfulness and righteousness amidst persecution. 2. Jonathan The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Jonathan is known for his loyalty to David, even at the risk of his own relationship with his father. 3. Naioth in Ramah A place where David had been staying with the prophet Samuel. It is significant as a place of refuge and prophetic activity. 4. King Saul The current king of Israel, who is increasingly hostile towards David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 5. The Event of David's Flight This event marks a critical moment in David's life, highlighting his vulnerability and the beginning of a period of intense trials and reliance on God. Teaching Points The Reality of PersecutionBelievers may face unjust persecution despite their innocence. David's experience reminds us that righteousness can provoke opposition. The Value of Godly Friendships Jonathan's loyalty to David exemplifies the importance of having godly friends who support us in times of trial. Seeking Understanding in Trials David's questions to Jonathan reflect a natural desire to understand the reasons behind our suffering. It's important to bring our questions to God in prayer. Trusting God's Sovereignty Despite the danger, David's life is in God's hands. We can trust God's sovereignty and timing in our own lives, even when circumstances seem dire. The Role of Prophetic Guidance David's time in Naioth with Samuel underscores the importance of seeking godly counsel and prophetic insight during challenging times. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:1?2. How does David's question to Jonathan reflect his trust in their friendship? 3. What can we learn about seeking counsel from David's approach in 1 Samuel 20:1? 4. How does David's situation compare to other biblical figures facing unjust persecution? 5. How can we apply David's example of seeking truth in our own conflicts? 6. What does David's inquiry teach us about addressing misunderstandings with others? 7. Why does David flee from Saul in 1 Samuel 20:1? 8. How does 1 Samuel 20:1 reflect God's protection over David? 9. What historical evidence supports the events in 1 Samuel 20:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20? 11. What are the key events in 1 Samuel? 12. Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants? 13. Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20) 14. Why does Saul's sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30-33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized? What Does 1 Samuel 20:1 Mean Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah• After the miraculous protection David experienced at Naioth (1 Samuel 19:18–24), Saul’s murderous intent had not lessened (19:1, 10). • Flight did not signal unbelief; Scripture commends prudent withdrawal when danger threatens (Matthew 10:23). • God’s sovereignty is evident: the same Lord who sent prophetic ecstasy on Saul’s men now directs David’s steps toward safety (Psalm 31:14–15). He came to Jonathan • Jonathan, already knit to David “as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:1), is David’s trusted ally in a hostile palace. • Approaching Jonathan honors their covenant (20:8; 23:16–18) and models seeking godly counsel (Proverbs 27:9). • Their friendship anticipates the body-life of believers who bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). What have I done? • David invites scrutiny of his actions; none can legitimately accuse him of wrongdoing toward Saul (1 Samuel 24:11). • His question echoes the Suffering Servant’s innocence—“They hated Me without cause” (John 15:25). • Believers may face hostility for righteousness’ sake (2 Timothy 3:12), yet they can examine their conduct with a clear conscience (Acts 24:16). What is my iniquity? • Moving from deeds to moral character, David probes deeper: “Is there some hidden crookedness in me?” (Psalm 139:23–24). • Openness to correction guards against self-righteous blindness (Proverbs 27:6). • Jonathan, privy to palace life, is invited to identify any fault David may have missed (Psalm 19:12). How have I sinned against your father • Respectful language—Saul is still “your father,” the anointed king (1 Samuel 24:6). • David distinguishes between personal innocence and Saul’s authority, submitting to God’s order while exposing injustice (Romans 13:1; Acts 4:19). • The question recognizes Jonathan’s dual loyalty and seeks facts, not flattery (Proverbs 12:17). that he wants to take my life? • Saul’s lethal determination had been public (1 Samuel 19:1) and repeated (19:10, 15; 20:33). • David acknowledges the real threat yet entrusts his life to God, who “delivers me from my enemies” (Psalm 59:1). • His words foreshadow Christ, whom rulers sought to kill though He “committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22–23). summary 1 Samuel 20:1 reveals an innocent servant fleeing murderous envy, turning to covenant friendship, and honestly testing his heart before God. David’s questions underscore his integrity, Jonathan’s loyalty, and Saul’s irrational hatred, all under the steady hand of a sovereign Lord who preserves His chosen and advances His redemptive plan. (1) And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan.--The strange course of events in the prophetic schools by Ramah, while warning David that even the home of his old master, the great seer, was no permanent sanctuary where he could safely rest, still gave him time to fly, and to take counsel with his loved friend, the king s son. It was, no doubt, by Samuel's advice that he once more betook himself to the city of Saul, but his return was evidently secret.Alone with his friend, he passionately asserts his entire innocence of the crimes laid to his charge by the unhappy, jealous Saul. His words here are found in substance in not a few of his Psalms, where, in touching language, he maintains how bitterly the world had wronged and persecuted a righteous, innocent man. Verse 1. - David fled from Naioth. While Saul was under the influence of the prophetic enthusiasm David escaped; but it is evident that this visit to Samuel, and the extraordinary occurrences which attended it, were not without, a good influence for the time upon Saul's mind. Some sort of reconciliation must have been patched up, probably by the mediation of Samuel; for David assumed that at the new moon be would be expected to dine at the king's table (ver. 5), and that Saul would look for him as a matter of course (ver. 6). We find, moreover, that his place was made ready, not only on the new moon (ver. 25), but also on the following day (ver. 26). But whatever professions Saul may have made to Samuel, it is evident that no promise had been made personally to David, and taught by past experience that the intention of slaying him had grown more and more fixed in the king's mind, he feels that his position is full of danger, and takes counsel with Jonathan, with the view of learning whether he might venture once again to take his place as a member of Saul s family.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Davidדָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse fled וַיִּבְרַ֣ח (way·yiḇ·raḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1272: To bolt, to flee suddenly from Naioth מִנָּי֖וֹת (min·nā·yō·wṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5121: Naioth -- an abode of prophets in Ramah. בָּרָמָ֑ה (bā·rā·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7414: Ramah -- 'height', the name of several places in Israel He came וַיָּבֹ֞א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face Jonathan יְהוֹנָתָ֗ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites and asked, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “What מֶ֤ה (meh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have I done? עָשִׂ֙יתִי֙ (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 6213: To do, make What [is] מֶֽה־ (meh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what my iniquity? עֲוֺנִ֤י (‘ă·wō·nî) Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity How וּמֶֽה־ (ū·meh-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have I sinned חַטָּאתִי֙ (ḥaṭ·ṭā·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender against לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face your father, אָבִ֔יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he wants to take מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ (mə·ḇaq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after my life?” נַפְשִֽׁי׃ (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion Links 1 Samuel 20:1 NIV1 Samuel 20:1 NLT 1 Samuel 20:1 ESV 1 Samuel 20:1 NASB 1 Samuel 20:1 KJV 1 Samuel 20:1 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 20:1 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 20:1 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 20:1 French Bible 1 Samuel 20:1 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 20:1 David fled from Naioth in Ramah (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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