1 Samuel 20:16

Verse

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”

American Standard Version (1901)

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, And Jehovah will require it at the hand of David’s enemies.

Bible in Basic English

And if it comes about that the name of Jonathan is cut off from the family of David, the Lord will make David responsible.

Free Bible Version

Jonathan made a solemn agreement with the family of David, saying, “May the Lord impose retribution on David's enemies.”

King James (Authorized) Version

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David’s enemies.

Translation for Translators

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.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David and said, “May Yahweh require an accounting from the hand of the enemies of David.”

Noah Webster Bible

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying , Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.

World English Bible

So Jonathan made a covenant with David’s house, saying, “Yahweh will require it at the hand of David’s enemies.”

Young's Literal Translation

And Jonathan covenanteth with the house of David, and Jehovah hath sought [it] from the hand of the enemies of David;

Context

Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant

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.

Summary

In this verse, Jonathan reaffirms his covenant loyalty to David by reminding him of their enduring friendship and the promise to show kindness to each other's descendants. Jonathan's commitment to David despite his father Saul's hostility demonstrates true loyalty and sacrificial love. This verse highlights the importance of faithful friendships and the power of keeping promises even in the face of adversity. It also foreshadows the future lineage of David and the fulfillment of God's plan through their enduring bond.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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 David's enemies; take vengeance on Jonathan, or on any of his posterity, should they break this covenant, by showing themselves enemies to David, and his crown; and, on the other hand, also on David, and his posterity, should they not show kindness to Jonathan and his seed, according to the tenor of this covenant.