1 Samuel 20:42
1 Samuel 20:42 in Multiple Translations
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.
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah shall be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed, for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, for we two have taken an oath, in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord will be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed for ever. Then David went away, and Jonathan went into the town.
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn a solemn oath in the name of the Lord. We said, ‘The Lord will be a witness between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to town.
Therefore Ionathan said to Dauid, Goe in peace: that which we haue sworne both of vs in the Name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be betweene me and thee, and betweene my seede and betweene thy seede, let it stand for euer.
and Jonathan saith to David, 'Go in peace, in that we have sworn — we two — in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah is between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed — unto the age;' and he riseth and goeth; and Jonathan hath gone in to the city.
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in the LORD’s name, saying, ‘The LORD is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city.
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
And Jonathan said to David: Go in peace: and let all stand that we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying: The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever.
Jonathan said to David, “May things go well for you as you go. Yahweh has heard what we solemnly promised to always do for each other, and what we said that our descendants must do for each other.” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.
Jonathan said, “Go carefully now. God will take care of you. You and I will be friends for ever. And God hears us whenever we talk like this. He will help your mob and my mob to live quietly for ever.” So David went away then, and Jonathan went back again to his home.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:42
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1 Samuel 20:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:42
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:42
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:42 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:42
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:42
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:42
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:42
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:42
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:42
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:42
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:42
Context — Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan
42And 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.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 1:17 | “Go in peace,” Eli replied, “and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 23:18 | So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 20:22–23 | But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away. And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.” |
| 4 | Acts 16:36 | The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.” |
| 5 | Luke 7:50 | And Jesus told the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 20:15 | 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.” |
| 7 | Numbers 6:26 | may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ |
1 Samuel 20:42 Summary
This verse shows the deep friendship and commitment between Jonathan and David, as they make a promise to each other with God as their witness. They are saying that they will always be loyal to each other, no matter what happens, and that God will hold them accountable to keep their promise. This is similar to the idea of making a vow or promise to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:21, where we are reminded to be careful with our words and actions. By making this covenant, Jonathan and David are showing that their friendship is not just about them, but also about their relationship with God, and their desire to honor Him in all they do, as described in 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to swear in the name of the LORD?
To swear in the name of the LORD means to make a promise or vow with God as a witness, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:42, and is a serious commitment, as warned in Leviticus 19:12 and Deuteronomy 23:21.
Why did Jonathan and David make this covenant?
Jonathan and David made this covenant as a pledge of their friendship and loyalty to each other, despite the danger and uncertainty of their situation, as a testament to the power of godly friendship, similar to the friendship between David and Jonathan, as described in 1 Samuel 18:1-4.
What does it mean for the LORD to be a witness between them?
For the LORD to be a witness between Jonathan and David means that God is aware of their promises and will hold them accountable to keep their vows, as seen in Hebrews 12:1, where God is described as a witness to our actions.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
This verse is an example of a covenant between two individuals, Jonathan and David, and is similar to the covenants made between God and his people, such as the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:1-21, where God makes promises and expects faithfulness in return.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate loyalty and commitment to my friends, just like Jonathan and David?
- How can I apply the principle of making promises 'in the name of the LORD' to my own relationships and decisions?
- What does it mean for me to have God as a witness to my actions and promises, and how should that impact my behavior?
- How can I cultivate deep and meaningful friendships like the one between Jonathan and David, and what role should God play in those relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:42
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:42
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:42
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:42
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:42
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:42
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:42
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:42
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Gospel Meetings s.h.c.- 04 the Forgiveness of Sin by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a rough man who had recently been converted to Christianity. The man attended a prayer meeting and was moved by the expres |
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Believers and Professors by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches about the presence of false believers among true believers, as depicted in the Bible, and how this will continue until the final judgment when the righteous |
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Concerning Salvation by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound concept of salvation as taught by Jesus, emphasizing that salvation is not merely a state of being safe but a transformative process that d |
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An Open Heaven (Revelation 22:4) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of seeing God's face, tracing the journey from humanity's expulsion from Eden to the promise of seeing God's face in Revelation. He hig |




