King James Version
1 Samuel 20:16 in the King James Version says “So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies. made: Heb. cut”
1 Samuel 20:16 · KJV
And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:
But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies. made: Heb. cut
And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul. because: or, by his love toward him
Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. empty: Heb. missed
KJV Study — Public Domain
“made”
H3772to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
“a covenant with the house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
“even require”
H1245to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
“saying Let the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
“it at the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
1 Samuel 20:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Samuel 20:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge