1 Samuel 20:16
1 Samuel 20:16 in Multiple Translations
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David’s enemies.
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, And Jehovah will require it at the hand of David’s enemies.
And if it comes about that the name of Jonathan is cut off from the family of David, the Lord will make David responsible.
Jonathan made a solemn agreement with the family of David, saying, “May the Lord impose retribution on David's enemies.”
So Ionathan made a bond with the house of Dauid, saying, Let the Lord require it at the hands of Dauids enemies.
And Jonathan covenanteth with the house of David, and Jehovah hath sought [it] from the hand of the enemies of David;
So Jonathan made a covenant with David’s house, saying, “The LORD will require it at the hand of David’s enemies.”
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying , Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.
Jonathan therefore made a covenant with the house of David: and the Lord required it at the hands of David’s enemies.
David agreed. So Jonathan made a solemn agreement with David. And he said, “I hope/desire that Yahweh will get rid of all your enemies.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 20:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֥ת
יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן
עִם
בֵּ֣ית
דָּוִ֑ד
וּ/בִקֵּ֣שׁ
יְהוָ֔ה
מִ/יַּ֖ד
אֹיְבֵ֥י
דָוִֽד
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֥ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
דָּוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וּ/בִקֵּ֣שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/יַּ֖ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
אֹיְבֵ֥י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal
דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:16
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֥ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
דָּוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וּ/בִקֵּ֣שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/יַּ֖ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֹיְבֵ֥י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:16
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:16
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:16
Context — Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
14And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die,
15and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”
16So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”
17And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. 18Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 25:22 | May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one of Nabal’s men survive until morning.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 18:3 | Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 21:8 | But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 4:7–8 | They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed, and having stabbed and killed him, they beheaded him, took his head, and traveled all night by way of the Arabah. They brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, your enemy who sought your life. Today the LORD has granted vengeance to my lord the king against Saul and his offspring.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 31:2 | The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. |
| 6 | Genesis 15:18 | On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— |
1 Samuel 20:16 Summary
In this verse, Jonathan makes a promise to David, asking God to protect him from his enemies. This shows that Jonathan trusts in God's power and goodness, and is committed to caring for David. Just like Jonathan, we can trust God to take care of us and those we love, as it says in Psalms 23:4, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.' We can also learn from Jonathan's example to prioritize loyalty and devotion to others, just as God is loyal and devoted to us, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9, which says that God 'keeps his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jonathan making a covenant with the house of David?
By making a covenant, Jonathan is committing to a lifelong promise to protect and support David, just as God made covenants with His people in the Bible, such as in Genesis 15:18 and Exodus 19:5-6.
How does this covenant relate to Jonathan's love for David?
Jonathan's love for David is evident in his actions, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:17, where he has David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, demonstrating a deep and selfless commitment to their friendship, much like the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
What does it mean for the LORD to hold David's enemies accountable?
This means that Jonathan is trusting in God's justice and sovereignty, asking Him to deal with those who oppose David, much like the Psalmist's cry for justice in Psalms 35:1-8, where he asks God to contend with his enemies.
How does this verse demonstrate Jonathan's faith in God?
Jonathan's actions demonstrate his faith in God's power and goodness, as he entrusts David's well-being to God's care, showing a trust similar to that expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the LORD with all our heart.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to make a covenant with someone, and how can I apply this concept to my own relationships?
- How can I demonstrate selfless love and commitment to my friends and family, as Jonathan did for David?
- In what ways can I trust God to hold my enemies accountable, rather than taking matters into my own hands?
- What does it look like to prioritize loyalty and devotion to others, as Jonathan did for David, in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:16
So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of David,.... Not with David himself only, which was now renewed, but with his family also: [saying], let the Lord even require [it] at the hand of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:16
And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:16
The covenant which before was personal, he now extends to the whole house of David, expecting a reciprocal enlargement of it on David’ s side, which doubtless he obtained. Let the Lord even require it at the hand of David’ s enemies; if either I or any of my house shall break this covenant, and shall prove enemies to David, or to his house, let the Lord, the witness of this covenant, severely punish the violators of it, whoever they are. Others thus, Let the Lord require and punish the breach of this covenant in David, if he break it. But because it was ominous and reproachful to suppose such a thing of David, by a figure called euphemismus, he names David’ s enemies for David; as they also expound . But the former sense seems more probable, because this verse contains only Jonathan’ s stipulation or covenant with David and his house, which being expressed in the former part of it, is in this latter part confirmed by the usual form of imprecation; and the restipulation or covenant of David to Jonathan and his house is mentioned in the next verse. Yet may that other sense stand well enough; taking these words for Jonathan’ s adjuration of David to be kind to him, confirmed with an imprecation in case he do otherwise; as if he should say, I adjure thee, as thou hopest to escape such a mischief, (which I had rather might befall thine enemies than thee,) that thou deal not so ungratefully with me or my house: which adjuration of Jonathan David seconds by an oath in the next verse, at the request of Jonathan.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:16
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. Ver. 16. Let the Lord even require it at the hands of David’ s enemies.] And more especially at my hands, if I keep not touch with thee, and do all the offices of a faithful friend towards thee.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:16
(16) So Jonathan made a covenant.—It is not necessary to supply (as in the English Version) “saying,” but it is better to understand this verse as a remark interposed in the dialogue by the narrator, and to translate the Hebrew literally, “So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, and Jehovah required it at the hand of David’s enemies.”
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:16
16. So Jonathan, &c.] (1) The E. V. treats this as a remark of the historian: and apparently understands Jonathan’s words “Let the Lord, &c.” to mean “Let the Lord exact vengeance from David by the hand of his enemies if he fails to fulfil the covenant.” But this involves an unusual construction. We should expect, “Let the Lord require it at the hand of David,” if he fails to fulfil the covenant (cp. Deuteronomy 23:21): and possibly “David’s enemies” is an euphemism for “David,” substituted by a scribe in later times. Cp. note on 1 Samuel 25:22. (2) The Sept. points to a text making the whole of 1 Samuel 20:16 part of Jonathan’s speech: “And when the Lord hath cut off, &c. let not the name of Jonathan be cut off from the house of David, and may the Lord take vengeance on the enemies of David.”
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Provision of the Covenant - Part 2 by Bill Stafford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's covenant with His people. He explains that through the covenant, believers become one with Christ and |
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Genesis #13 Ch. 14-15 Contrast of Abraham and Lot by Chuck Missler | In this sermon on Genesis chapters 14 and 15, Chuck Misler explores the relationship between Abraham and Lot. He introduces the concept of the law of first mention, which suggests |
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Abraham - Only God Matters by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He expresses the need for prayers and acknowledges the challenges and effort tha |
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(Exodus) Exodus 32:30-35 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights the concept of atonement, which was a way to cover up sin before |
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(Exodus) Exodus 2:25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's love and grace are the reasons for our salvation. He explains that God didn't save us because of our attractiveness or goodness, |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an |
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I Can't Take It by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbol emphasizes the importance of shining as believers by doing everything without complaining or arguing. He acknowledges that this is not an easy task, b |