1 Samuel 20:28

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem,

American Standard Version (1901)

And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:

Bible in Basic English

And answering Saul, Jonathan said, He made a request to me that he might go to Beth-lehem,

Free Bible Version

Jonathan answered, “David had to urgently ask my permission to go to Bethlehem.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:

Translation for Translators

Jonathan replied, “David earnestly requested me that I permit him to go to Bethlehem.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked permission from me to go to Bethlehem.

Noah Webster Bible

And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:

World English Bible

Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked permission of me to go to Bethlehem.

Young's Literal Translation

And Jonathan answereth Saul, 'David hath been earnestly asked of me unto Beth-Lehem,

Context

Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant

²⁷But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?”²⁸Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem,²⁹saying, ‘Please let me go, because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he did not come to the king’s table.”

Summary

In this verse, Jonathan asks his servant to shoot arrows as a signal to David regarding King Saul's intentions. Jonathan's actions demonstrate his loyalty and friendship towards David, risking his own safety to protect him. This passage showcases the deep bond between Jonathan and David, highlighting the importance of true friendship and selfless sacrifice. Jonathan's willingness to go to great lengths to warn and support David reflects the biblical principles of love, loyalty, and courage. Ultimately, this verse illustrates the power of genuine relationships and the value of standing by those we care about in times of trouble.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Jonathan answered Saul,.... In reply to Saul's question, and to excuse David, he said: David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem; his own city, his native place, where his family lived, whom he was desirous to see, and yet chose not to go without asking leave; and as Saul was not at home, he asked leave of Jonathan, who was next to him, and acted for him; and he was very pressing and importunate in his suit, and therefore Jonathan could not well deny him it; and he hoped this would ben sufficient excuse for his absence, especially when what follows should be observed.

1 Samuel 20:28

Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem,

American Standard Version (1901)

And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:

Bible in Basic English

And answering Saul, Jonathan said, He made a request to me that he might go to Beth-lehem,

Free Bible Version

Jonathan answered, “David had to urgently ask my permission to go to Bethlehem.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:

Translation for Translators

Jonathan replied, “David earnestly requested me that I permit him to go to Bethlehem.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked permission from me to go to Bethlehem.

Noah Webster Bible

And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:

World English Bible

Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked permission of me to go to Bethlehem.

Young's Literal Translation

And Jonathan answereth Saul, 'David hath been earnestly asked of me unto Beth-Lehem,