Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” New Living Translation “Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware.” English Standard Version And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” Berean Standard Bible 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.” Berean Literal Bible And he said to him, “Do not be afraid, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. And You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be to you for a second. Even thus knows Saul my father.” King James Bible And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. New King James Version And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.” New American Standard Bible He said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel, and I will be second in command to you; and Saul my father knows that as well.” NASB 1995 Thus he said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.” NASB 1977 Thus he said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father shall not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.” Legacy Standard Bible And he said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you; and Saul my father knows that also.” Amplified Bible He said to him, “Do not be afraid; the hand of my father Saul will not find you. You will be king over Israel and I will be second in command to you; my father Saul knows this too.” Berean Annotated Bible saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul (desired) will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel (he wrestles with God), and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” Christian Standard Bible saying, “Don’t be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You yourself will be king over Israel, and I’ll be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows it is true.” Holman Christian Standard Bible saying, “Don’t be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You yourself will be king over Israel, and I’ll be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows it is true.” American Standard Version And he said unto him, Fear not; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. Contemporary English Version "Don't be afraid," Jonathan said. "My father Saul will never get his hands on you. In fact, you're going to be the next king of Israel, and I'll be your highest official. Even my father knows it's true." English Revised Version And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Don't be afraid," he told David, "my father Saul won't find you. You will rule Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this." Good News Translation saying to him, "Don't be afraid. My father Saul won't be able to harm you. He knows very well that you are the one who will be the king of Israel and that I will be next in rank to you." International Standard Version Jonathan told him, "Don't be afraid. My father Saul won't find you, and you will be king over Israel. I'll be your second-in-command. My father Saul also knows this." NET Bible He said to him, "Don't be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this." New Heart English Bible He said to him, "Do not be afraid; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; and that also Saul my father knows." Webster's Bible Translation And he said to him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou wilt be king over Israel, and I shall be next to thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblesaying, “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.” World English Bible He said to him, “Don’t be afraid, for the hand of Saul my father won’t find you; and you will be king over Israel, and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand says to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of my father Saul does not find you, and you reign over Israel, and I am to you for second, and also so knows my father Saul.” Berean Literal Bible And he said to him, “Do not be afraid, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. And You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be to you for a second. Even thus knows Saul my father.” Young's Literal Translation and saith unto him, 'Fear not, for the hand of Saul my father doth not find thee, and thou dost reign over Israel, and I am to thee for second, and also so knoweth Saul my father.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will say to him, Thou shalt not fear, for Saul's, my father's hand, shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be to thee for the second; and also Saul my father knew this. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFear not: for the hand of my father Saul shall not find thee, and thou shalt reign over Israel, and I shall be next to thee, yea, and my father knoweth this. Catholic Public Domain Version “Do not be afraid. For the hand of my father, Saul, will not find you. And you shall reign over Israel. And I will be second to you. And even my father knows this.” New American Bible He said to him: “Have no fear, my father Saul shall not lay a hand to you. You shall be king of Israel and I shall be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” New Revised Standard Version He said to him, “Do not be afraid; for the hand of my father Saul shall not find you; you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be second to you; my father Saul also knows that this is so.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to him, Fear not; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be with you, and you shall live; and even Saul my father knows that it is so. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to him: “You shall not be afraid, because the hand of Shaul my father will not find you, and you shall reign over Israel, and I shall be with you, and you shall live; also Shaul my father knows that it is so!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said unto him: 'Fear not; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said to him, Fear not, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be second to thee; and Saul my father knows it. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul Pursues David…16And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, 17saying, “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.” 18So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.… Cross References Do not be afraid, Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. Psalm 121:7 The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. Psalm 91:10-11 no evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent. / For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. And you will be king over Israel, 2 Samuel 5:2 Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” 1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 15:28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. and I will be your second-in-command. Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews and highly favored by his many kinsmen, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen. Genesis 41:40 You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” Daniel 6:3 Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Even my father Saul knows this is true. 1 Samuel 24:20 Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. 1 Samuel 26:25 Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son. You will accomplish great things and will surely prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home. 1 Samuel 20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” 1 Samuel 18:4 And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt. Treasury of Scripture And he said to him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; and that also Saul my father knows. Fear not Isaiah 41:10,14 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness… Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. shall not Job 5:11-15 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety… Psalm 27:1-3 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? … Psalm 46:1,2 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… thou shalt be Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. I shall be Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. Acts 28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. Romans 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. that also Saul 1 Samuel 20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. 1 Samuel 24:20 And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. Jump to Previous Afraid Hand Israel Lay Power Reign Saul Second Side WiltJump to Next Afraid Hand Israel Lay Power Reign Saul Second Side Wilt1 Samuel 23 1. David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah7. God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, 13. he escapes from Keilah 14. In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him 19. The Ziphites discover him to Saul 25. At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines 29. He dwells at En Gedi saying, “Do not be afraid, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, speaks these words to David, who is in hiding from Saul. The phrase "Do not be afraid" is a common biblical exhortation, often used by God or His messengers to reassure His people (e.g., Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10). It reflects a divine assurance of protection and guidance, encouraging trust in God's plan despite present dangers. 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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by God, and currently fleeing from King Saul who seeks his life. 2. Jonathan The son of King Saul, a loyal friend to David, and a man of faith who recognizes God's plan for David. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, who is in pursuit of David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 4. Israel The nation over which David is prophesied to become king. 5. Wilderness of Ziph The location where Jonathan meets David to encourage him. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesJonathan's words to David reflect a deep trust in God's plan. We are encouraged to have faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire. Courage in Adversity Jonathan tells David not to be afraid, reminding us that courage is rooted in faith and trust in God's sovereignty. True Friendship Jonathan exemplifies selfless friendship, prioritizing God's will and David's well-being over his own potential claim to the throne. God's Sovereignty Despite Saul's pursuit, Jonathan acknowledges God's ultimate control over who will be king, teaching us to trust in God's timing and plan. Servant Leadership Jonathan's willingness to be second-in-command under David shows humility and a servant's heart, a model for Christian leadership. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 23:17?2. How does Jonathan's encouragement in 1 Samuel 23:17 inspire your faith today? 3. What does Jonathan's loyalty teach about true friendship and godly relationships? 4. How does Jonathan's assurance reflect God's sovereignty in 1 Samuel 23:17? 5. Compare Jonathan's faithfulness to David with Jesus' faithfulness to believers. 6. How can you emulate Jonathan's support in your relationships this week? 7. How does 1 Samuel 23:17 demonstrate God's sovereignty in David's life? 8. What does Jonathan's reassurance in 1 Samuel 23:17 reveal about true friendship? 9. How does 1 Samuel 23:17 reflect God's protection over His chosen leaders? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 23? 11. How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9-12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament? 12. How could David justify seeking refuge among Israel's enemies in 1 Samuel 27:1? 13. Does Nathan and Bathsheba's intervention (1 Kings 1:11-27) contradict earlier portrayals of divine appointment of kings in Israel? 14. In 1 Samuel 29:3-5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time? What Does 1 Samuel 23:17 Mean Do not be afraidJonathan meets David in the wilderness and begins with a clear, comforting command. This is the same reassurance the Lord gave Abram (Genesis 15:1), Joshua (Joshua 1:9), and later His disciples (John 14:27). Fear is unnecessary when God’s plan is certain. Jonathan calls David to rest in that certainty rather than in shifting circumstances. • David has already seen divine deliverance (1 Samuel 23:14); Jonathan simply reminds him of what is consistently true. • Like Isaiah 41:10, the phrase ties courage directly to God’s active presence and promise. for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you Jonathan states an outcome that looks impossible to the human eye—Saul is actively hunting David—yet he speaks with settled conviction. Psalm 34:7 records David’s own testimony that “the angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” Saul’s murderous intent cannot override God’s protective decree. • Later events vindicate Jonathan’s words: twice David stands within arm’s reach of Saul yet remains untouched (1 Samuel 24:10; 26:23). • God’s sovereignty over human hostility is echoed in Proverbs 21:1. And you will be king over Israel Jonathan affirms what God had already declared when Samuel anointed David (1 Samuel 16:13). The line of succession is therefore settled in heaven, not by palace politics. This promise ultimately looks forward to the everlasting covenant with David’s house (Psalm 89:20-29) and the birth of David’s greater Son (Luke 1:32-33). • Jonathan speaks as witness, not merely as friend; he aligns himself with divine revelation. • David’s eventual coronation in Hebron (2 Samuel 5:3) proves the literal fulfillment of this word. and I will be your second-in-command Jonathan, the rightful heir in human terms, willingly takes the lesser place. His humility mirrors the self-emptying mindset urged in Philippians 2:3-4. He chooses covenant loyalty over personal advancement (1 Samuel 18:3-4; 20:4). • Jonathan’s stance highlights genuine faith: he submits to God’s plan even when it costs him the throne. • His offer models servant leadership, anticipating New-Testament calls to esteem others above self. Even my father Saul knows this is true Jonathan’s final line underscores how undeniable David’s destiny has become. Saul himself will later confess, “I know for certain that you will be king” (1 Samuel 24:20). The very adversary grudgingly validates the prophecy. • This admission reveals the futility of fighting God’s decree. Acts 5:39 echoes the principle: “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop them.” • Saul’s knowledge increases his accountability; opposing David equates to opposing God’s word. summary 1 Samuel 23:17 is a Spirit-inspired reminder that God’s promises stand firm, fear can be laid aside, hostile plans cannot thwart divine purpose, humility is the right response to God’s choice, and even opponents eventually acknowledge the truth. Jonathan’s words call believers to the same confidence, submission, and courage today. (17) And I shall be next unto thee.--To us--who read a few pages on in the record of these times how this same generous, loving friend found a grave on Mount Gilboa instead of a home with David, whom he admired with so ungrudging an admiration--these words of Jonathan possess a pathetic interest of their own. That brave, romantic career was nearly run when he met David for the last time in the woods of Ziph. As far as we can judge, if Jonathan had lived he would have certainly ceded any rights he had to the throne of his father Saul in favour of David, unlike that other comparatively unknown son of Saul, Ishbosheth, who set up as a rival claimant to the son of Jesse. But his generosity was not to be exposed to any such severe test, and David was spared the presence of such a rival as the gallant and gifted Jonathan would assuredly have been to him.And that also Saul my father knoweth.--It is very likely by this time that the circumstance of Samuel's mysterious anointing of the son of Jesse years before at Bethlehem had become known to Saul. Now that David had been openly proclaimed a public enemy, and that the king had repeatedly and openly sought his life, there was no reason for any concealment. No doubt, by this time very many in Israel looked on him as the anointed successor of Saul. The covenant alluded to in the next verse was, of course, the old covenant of eternal friendship which they had made when they parted outside Gibeah at the New Moon feast, as we find related at length in 1 Samuel 20. After this meeting David never looked on Jonathan's face in life again. "Oh, heart of fire! misjudged by wilful man, Thou flower of Jesse's race! What woe was thine when thou and Jonathan Last greeted face to face! He doomed to die, thou on us to impress The portent of a blood-stained holiness." Lyra Apostolica. |
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