Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version As for you, show kindness to your servant, for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the LORD. If I am guilty, then kill me yourself! Why hand me over to your father?” New Living Translation Show me this loyalty as my sworn friend—for we made a solemn pact before the LORD—or kill me yourself if I have sinned against your father. But please don’t betray me to him!” English Standard Version 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?” Berean Standard Bible Therefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” Berean Literal Bible Therefore you shall deal kindly with your servant, for into a covenant of YHWH you have brought your servant with you. And if there is in me iniquity, kill me yourself; and for what is this that you should bring me to your father?” King James Bible Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father? New King James Version Therefore you shall deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. Nevertheless, if there is iniquity in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?” New American Standard Bible So deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if I am guilty of wrongdoing, kill me yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?” NASB 1995 “Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?” NASB 1977 “Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?” Legacy Standard Bible Therefore show lovingkindness to your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?” Amplified Bible Therefore show kindness to your servant, because you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity (guilt) in me, kill me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father [to be killed]?” Berean Annotated Bible Therefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD {YHWH}. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” Christian Standard Bible Deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If I have done anything wrong, then kill me yourself; why take me to your father? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If I have done anything wrong, then kill me yourself; why take me to your father?” American Standard Version Therefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of Jehovah with thee: but if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father? Contemporary English Version Be kind to me. After all, it was your idea to promise the LORD that we would always be loyal friends. If I've done anything wrong, kill me yourself, but don't hand me over to your father. English Revised Version Therefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: but if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father? GOD'S WORD® Translation Now, be kind to me. After all, you forced me into an agreement with the LORD. If I have committed any crime, kill me yourself. Why bother taking me to your father?" Good News Translation Please do me this favor, and keep the sacred promise you made to me. But if I'm guilty, kill me yourself! Why take me to your father to be killed?" International Standard Version Now, show gracious kindness to your servant because you have entered into a sacred covenant with your servant. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself—why should you bring me to your father?" NET Bible You must be loyal to your servant, for you have made a covenant with your servant in the LORD's name. If I am guilty, you yourself kill me! Why bother taking me to your father?" New Heart English Bible Therefore deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you: but if there is iniquity in me, kill me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father?" Webster's Bible Translation Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there is in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldst thou bring me to thy father? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” World English Bible Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you; but if there is iniquity in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you have done kindness to your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of YHWH with you—and if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why [is] this [that] you bring me to your father?” Berean Literal Bible Therefore you shall deal kindly with your servant, for into a covenant of YHWH you have brought your servant with you. And if there is in me iniquity, kill me yourself; and for what is this that you should bring me to your father?” Young's Literal Translation and thou hast done kindness, to thy servant, for into a covenant of Jehovah thou hast brought thy servant with thee; -- and if there is in me iniquity, put thou me to death; and unto thy father, why is this -- thou dost bring me in?' Smith's Literal Translation And do thou mercy with thy servant; for into a covenant of Jehovah thou didst bring thy servant with thee: and if there is iniquity in me, do thou kill me; and wherefore wilt thou bring me even to thy father? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDeal mercifully then with thy servant: for thou hast brought me thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee. But if there be any iniquity in me, do thou kill me, and bring me not in to thy father. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, show mercy to your servant. For you have brought me, your servant, into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if there is any iniquity in me, you may kill me, and you shall not lead me in to your father.” New American Bible Do this kindness for your servant because of the LORD’s covenant into which you brought us: if I am guilty, kill me yourself! Why should you give me up to your father?” New Revised Standard Version 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, kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore you shall deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you; but if there is folly in me, slay me yourself; why should you bring me to your father? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And do this favor with your Servant, because you brought your servant into a covenant of LORD JEHOVAH with you, and if I have committed a crime, you kill me, and do not take me to your father!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee; but if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And thou shalt deal mercifully with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thyself: and if there is iniquity in thy servant, slay me thyself; but why dost thou thus bring me to thy father? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan Helps David…7If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. 8Therefore deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” 9“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?”… Cross References Therefore show kindness to your servant, 2 Samuel 9:1-7 Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” / And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. / So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” … Genesis 40:14-15 But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison. / For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.” Ruth 1:8-9 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me. / May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. 1 Samuel 23:18 So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. Exodus 24:8 So Moses took the blood, splattered it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” 2 Kings 11:17 Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; Judges 9:54 He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So Abimelech’s armor-bearer ran his sword through him, and he died. 1 Samuel 31:4-6 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him. / So Saul, his three sons, his armor-bearer, and all his men died together that same day. 2 Samuel 1:9-10 Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’ / So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” why should you bring me to your father?” 1 Samuel 19:1-6 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. / I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, so I can ask about you. And if I find out anything, I will tell you.” … 1 Samuel 19:11-12 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. Psalm 59:1-4 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. … 1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 2 Samuel 21:7 Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. 1 Kings 2:7 But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. Genesis 21:23 Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” Treasury of Scripture Therefore you shall deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father? deal kindly Genesis 24:49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left. Genesis 47:29 And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: Joshua 2:14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. thou hast 1 Samuel 20:16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies. 1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 23:18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. if there be Joshua 22:22 The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,) 2 Samuel 14:32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me. Psalm 7:4,5 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) … why shouldest 1 Chronicles 12:17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. Psalm 116:1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Jump to Previous Agreement Covenant Deal Death Hand Iniquity Kill Kind Kindly Kindness Notwithstanding Sacred Servant Shouldest Shouldst Show Slay Thyself UnitedJump to Next Agreement Covenant Deal Death Hand Iniquity Kill Kind Kindly Kindness Notwithstanding Sacred Servant Shouldest Shouldst Show Slay Thyself United1 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 Therefore show kindness to your servant This phrase reflects the Hebrew concept of "hesed," often translated as loving-kindness or covenant loyalty. In the context of David and Jonathan's relationship, it underscores the deep bond and mutual commitment they share. The request for kindness is rooted in the covenant they have made, which is a solemn and binding agreement. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's covenant with His people, where He shows steadfast love and mercy. for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself why should you bring me to your father? Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is a fugitive, fleeing from King Saul's wrath. 2. Jonathan The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is known for his loyalty and deep covenantal friendship with David. 3. Covenant A solemn agreement or promise, often made before God. In this context, it refers to the covenant of friendship and loyalty between David and Jonathan. 4. Saul The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly hostile towards David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 5. Ramah A place where David seeks refuge with Samuel before meeting Jonathan to discuss Saul's intentions. Teaching Points The Importance of Covenantal RelationshipsCovenantal relationships, like that of David and Jonathan, are built on trust, loyalty, and commitment. In our lives, we should seek to establish and honor such relationships, especially within the body of Christ. Integrity and Accountability David's willingness to be held accountable for any wrongdoing ("if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself") teaches us the importance of integrity and the readiness to face consequences for our actions. Godly Friendship The friendship between David and Jonathan exemplifies a godly relationship that prioritizes the well-being of the other person, even at personal cost. We should strive to cultivate friendships that reflect Christ's love and selflessness. Trust in God's Sovereignty Despite the danger he faces, David trusts in God's plan and timing. This encourages us to rely on God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:8?2. How does 1 Samuel 20:8 demonstrate the importance of covenantal loyalty among believers? 3. What does David's plea in 1 Samuel 20:8 reveal about his relationship with Jonathan? 4. How can we apply the concept of covenant faithfulness from 1 Samuel 20:8 today? 5. What other biblical examples show the significance of keeping promises like in 1 Samuel 20:8? 6. How does 1 Samuel 20:8 encourage us to seek godly friendships and alliances? 7. What is the significance of the covenant between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:8? 8. How does 1 Samuel 20:8 reflect the theme of loyalty and friendship? 9. Why does David appeal to Jonathan's kindness in 1 Samuel 20:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20? 11. How does Deuteronomy 17:14-20's endorsement of a human king align with 1 Samuel 8's warning against monarchy, and are these texts contradictory? 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. Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)? 14. What are the main themes of the Bible's books? What Does 1 Samuel 20:8 Mean Therefore show kindness to your servant• David appeals to Jonathan for ḥesed—steadfast, covenantal love—knowing that real kindness flows from loyalty, not emotion (see 1 Samuel 20:14–15; Proverbs 3:3). • By calling himself “your servant,” David speaks with humility, modeling the attitude later urged in Philippians 2:3–4. • Kindness here is practical protection. Earlier, Jonathan saved David’s life (1 Samuel 19:1–6); now David needs that same faithful action again (Galatians 6:10). for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD • Their bond is not a casual friendship; it is a sworn covenant (1 Samuel 18:3). Anything done “before the LORD” invokes His witness and enforcement (Genesis 31:50; Joshua 9:19). • Covenants establish obligations. Jonathan, as the king’s son, must side with David even when it costs him royal favor (Luke 14:26 places loyalty to Christ above family, echoing this priority). • The covenant carries future implications: Jonathan’s request that David spare his house (1 Samuel 20:14–17) will be honored years later when David shelters Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–7). If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself • David invites immediate justice, showing confidence in his innocence (Psalm 26:1). • This willingness reflects the seriousness of covenant: the innocent party should not suffer; the guilty must answer (Deuteronomy 19:19). • Jonathan, as covenant partner, becomes the rightful judge, paralleling Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:15: issues are first handled “between the two of you.” why should you bring me to your father? • Saul has already tried to kill David (1 Samuel 19:10; 20:1). Delivering David to Saul would betray both friendship and covenant duty (Proverbs 17:17). • David’s question exposes the absurdity of seeking justice from an unjust king; Saul’s jealousy overrides truth (Jeremiah 17:9). • Jonathan must choose allegiance. His later defense of David at the dinner table (1 Samuel 20:32–33) shows he honors the covenant even at personal risk. summary David’s plea in 1 Samuel 20:8 turns on covenant faithfulness. He seeks active kindness rooted in their sworn bond before the Lord, offers himself to immediate judgment if guilty, and urges Jonathan not to hand him over to Saul’s murderous rage. The verse highlights the weight of covenant loyalty, the demand for righteous justice, and the courage required to stand with God’s anointed even against hostile authority. (8) A covenant of the Lord with thee.--It may at first sight seem strange that we have these last meetings of David and Jonathan told us in such detail--the speaker's very words quoted, and so many apparently trivial circumstances related.The question, too, might be asked: Whence did the compiler of the book derive his intimate acquaintance with what took place at these meetings, when David was alone with Jonathan? But the difficulties are only surface ones, for we must never forget how intensely interesting to the chosen people were all the circumstances connected with their loved king's life--never lose sight of the deathless interest with which they would hear and read the particulars of David's rise through great suffering and long trial to the throne; and this period here related in such detail was the turning-point of a grand career. From this moment, David's way diverged from the every-day life of ordinary duty and prosperity, and became, during a long and weary period, for him the way of almost uninterrupted suffering. The way of suffering and of trial is in all ages the royal road to true greatness. As to the source whence the compiler of the book derived his knowledge of what passed at these last meetings of the two friends, Ewald suggests that when in after years David drew to his Court the posterity of Jonathan, he often told them himself of these last events before their separation (events with which no one but the two friends could be acquainted). Slay me thyself.--"This supposes that Jonathan had the right to inflict capital punishment for crimes against his father as king."--Lange. This was David's last earnest request to the prince. If Jonathan felt there was any truth in the charges brought against him by Saul--if he deemed his friend a traitor to the reigning dynasty--let him slay the betrayer himself there and then. Verse 8. - Thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of Jehovah with thee. As the friendship between Jonathan and David had been cemented by the invocation of the name of Jehovah, it was one firm and assured, and David might look not merely for one act of kindness, but for constant truth and help. It was, moreover, Jonathan's own doing; and yet, if there be in me, David says, iniquity, i.e. treason against Saul, if I have not been a faithful and true servant to him, but, on the contrary, have plotted evil against him, or now entertain any evil designs, then let the covenant be abrogated. David refuses to shelter himself under it if he has incurred guilt, and only asks that Jonathan, by the authority which he exercised as the king's son, should himself put him to death, and not deliver him up to SaulParallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Therefore dealוְעָשִׂ֤יתָ (wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make faithfully חֶ֙סֶד֙ (ḥe·seḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty with עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against your servant, עַבְדֶּ֔ךָ (‘aḇ·de·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant for כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you have brought הֵבֵ֥אתָ (hê·ḇê·ṯā) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go me עַבְדְּךָ֖ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant into a covenant בִּבְרִ֣ית (biḇ·rîṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1285: A covenant with עִמָּ֑ךְ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with you before the LORD. יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel If וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not there is יֶשׁ־ (yeš-) Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is iniquity עָוֺן֙ (‘ā·wōn) Noun - common singular Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity in me, בִּ֤י (bî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew then kill הֲמִיתֵ֣נִי (hă·mî·ṯê·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill me yourself; אַ֔תָּה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you why לָמָּה־ (lām·māh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what should you bring תְבִיאֵֽנִי׃ (ṯə·ḇî·’ê·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go me to וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while your father?” אָבִ֖יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father Links 1 Samuel 20:8 NIV1 Samuel 20:8 NLT 1 Samuel 20:8 ESV 1 Samuel 20:8 NASB 1 Samuel 20:8 KJV 1 Samuel 20:8 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 20:8 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 20:8 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 20:8 French Bible 1 Samuel 20:8 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 20:8 Therefore deal kindly with your servant (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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