1 Samuel 20:8

Verse

Therefore deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?”

American Standard Version (1901)

Therefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of Jehovah with thee: but if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

Bible in Basic English

So, then, be kind to your servant; for you have been united with your servant in an agreement made before the Lord: but if there is any wrongdoing in me, put me to death yourself; why take me to your father?

Free Bible Version

So please treat me well, as you promised when you made a agreement with me before the Lord. If I've done wrong, then kill me yourself! Why take me to your father for him to do it?”

King James (Authorized) Version

Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

Translation for Translators

Please be kind to me. Yahweh heard you when you made a solemn agreement with me that you and I will always be loyal friends. If I deserve to be punished [MTY], kill me yourself. I do not want [RHQ] you to allow your father to punish [IDM] me.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Therefore deal kindly with your servant. For you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you. But if there is sin in me, kill me yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?”

Noah Webster Bible

Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there is in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldst thou bring me to thy father?

World English Bible

Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you; but if there is iniquity in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?”

Young's Literal Translation

and thou hast done kindness, to thy servant, for into a covenant of Jehovah thou hast brought thy servant with thee; — and if there is in me iniquity, put thou me to death; and unto thy father, why is this — thou dost bring me in?'

Context

Jonathan Helps David

⁷If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions.⁸Therefore deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?”

Summary

In this verse, Jonathan assures David of his loyalty and friendship by reminding him of their covenant before the Lord. Jonathan expresses his commitment to David's well-being and safety, acknowledging the potential danger David faces from his own father, King Saul. This verse highlights the deep bond between Jonathan and David, emphasizing the importance of trust and support in their relationship. Jonathan's willingness to protect David despite the risks reflects his integrity and selflessness as a friend. Ultimately, this verse showcases the enduring faithfulness and solidarity between these two individuals in the face of adversity.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

If there be in me iniquity - If thou seest that I am plotting either against the state, or the life of thy father, then slay me thyself.