1 Samuel 20:23
1 Samuel 20:23 in Multiple Translations
And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.”
And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, Jehovah is between thee and me for ever.
As for what you and I were talking of, the Lord is between you and me for ever.
As for what you and I talked about, remember that the Lord is a witness between you and me forever.”
As touching the thing which thou and I haue spoken of, beholde, the Lord be betweene thee and me for euer.
as to the thing which we have spoken, I and thou, lo, Jehovah [is] between me and thee — unto the age.'
Concerning the matter which you and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever.”
And as to the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
And concerning the word which I and thou have spoken, the Lord be between thee and me for ever.
I hope/desire that Yahweh will watch you and me and enable us to never forget what we have promised each other.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:23
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 20:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ֨/דָּבָ֔ר
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
דִּבַּ֖רְנוּ
אֲנִ֣י
וָ/אָ֑תָּה
הִנֵּ֧ה
יְהוָ֛ה
בֵּינִ֥/י
וּ/בֵינְ/ךָ֖
עַד
עוֹלָֽם
וְ/הַ֨/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
דִּבַּ֖רְנוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-1cp
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וָ/אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
הִנֵּ֧ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בֵּינִ֥/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵינְ/ךָ֖
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:23
וְ/הַ֨/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבַּ֖רְנוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-1cp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וָ/אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
הִנֵּ֧ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
יְהוָ֛ה
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.
בֵּינִ֥/י
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵינְ/ךָ֖
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
21Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you, and there is no danger.
22But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away.
23And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.”
24So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat. 25He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 20:14–15 | And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, and 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.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 20:42 | And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. |
| 3 | Genesis 31:50 | If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.” |
| 4 | Genesis 16:5 | Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be upon you! I delivered my servant into your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me.” |
1 Samuel 20:23 Summary
This verse is about Jonathan and David making a promise to each other, with God as their witness. They are saying that no matter what happens, they will always be friends and trust each other, just like they agreed in 1 Samuel 20:16-17. It's like when we make a promise to someone we care about, and we ask God to help us keep that promise, as seen in Psalm 119:106. By invoking God as a witness, Jonathan and David are showing that they take their promise very seriously, and that they trust God to help them keep it, just as God is faithful to His promises in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the matter that Jonathan and David discussed?
The matter Jonathan and David discussed refers to their plan to determine whether King Saul still intended to harm David, as outlined in 1 Samuel 20:21-22. This plan was based on Jonathan's signal to David using arrows, which would indicate whether it was safe for David to return to the king's presence.
Why does Jonathan invoke the Lord as a witness?
Jonathan invokes the Lord as a witness to emphasize the gravity and permanence of their agreement, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:23. By doing so, he is calling upon God to bear witness to their conversation and to hold them accountable for their actions, much like God is a witness to covenants in other biblical contexts, such as Genesis 31:50.
What does it mean for the Lord to be a witness between Jonathan and David forever?
The Lord being a witness between Jonathan and David forever means that their agreement is not just a temporary or earthly arrangement, but a sacred and eternal one, with God Himself testifying to its validity and significance, as seen in Hebrews 6:13-18 where God's oath is a guarantee of His promise.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of David and Jonathan's friendship?
This verse highlights the depth of trust and loyalty between David and Jonathan, as they rely on each other and on God to navigate the complexities and dangers of their situation, much like the friendship and covenant between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18:3 and 1 Samuel 20:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate my commitment to my friends and loved ones, just as Jonathan and David did in this verse?
- How can I, like Jonathan, invoke the Lord as a witness to my relationships and agreements, and what difference might this make in my interactions with others?
- In what ways can I trust God to be a witness to my conversations and actions, and to hold me accountable for my words and deeds?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of honesty, loyalty, and integrity in my relationships, and how can I apply these principles in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:23
And [as touching] the matter which thou and I have spoken of,.... The covenant they had made between them and their families: behold, the Lord [be] between me and thee for ever: as a witness of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:23
And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever. As touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:23
1 Samuel 20:23 And [as touching] the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD [be] between thee and me for ever.Ver. 23. And as touching the matter.] The mutual covenant, see that it be kept inviolable, or the Lord will require it.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:23
23. as touching the matter, &c.] The reciprocal covenant of friendship just renewed and ratified. the Lord, &c.] As the witness of our covenant, and the avenger of any breach of it. Cp. Genesis 31:49; Genesis 31:53.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Thou Shalt Eat Bread at My Table Continually. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound blessings of God's love through the story of Mephibosheth, who, despite his lameness and perceived worthlessness, is invited to eat at King David |