What is the context of 1 Samuel 20:8?

1 Samuel 20:8 is part of 1 Samuel chapter 20, which contains 42 verses. This verse has 6 cross-references to other scriptures, showing its connections throughout the Bible.

King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:8 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:8 in the King James Version says “Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with th...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

1 Samuel 20:8 · KJV

Context

If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. sacrifice: or, feast

If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him.

And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?

Read 1 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

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?

David's appeal to 'the covenant of the LORD' grounds their relationship in sacred commitment. His willingness to be slain by Jonathan if guilty ('if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself') demonstrates confident innocence. The phrase 'deal kindly' (chesed - covenant loyalty) invokes the faithful love that binds covenant partners. David trusted Jonathan's integrity enough to place his life in covenant hands.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Covenant terminology (berit YHWH) indicated the most sacred of relationships. Allowing a friend to execute judgment demonstrated ultimate trust. The request to be killed personally rather than delivered to Saul preserved David's honor.

Reflection Questions

How does covenant commitment provide security that mere friendship cannot?
What does David's trust in Jonathan's integrity teach about relationships built on shared faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words

וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ1 of 22

“Therefore thou shalt deal”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חֶ֙סֶד֙2 of 22

“kindly”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

עַל3 of 22

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַבְדְּךָ֖4 of 22

“thy servant”

H5650

a servant

כִּ֚י5 of 22

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בִּבְרִ֣ית6 of 22

“into a covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֔ה7 of 22

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

תְבִיאֵֽנִי׃8 of 22

“for thou hast brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶֽת9 of 22

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַבְדְּךָ֖10 of 22

“thy servant”

H5650

a servant

עִמָּ֑ךְ11 of 22

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְאִם12 of 22

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֶשׁ13 of 22

“with thee notwithstanding if there be”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

בִּ֤י14 of 22

עָוֹן֙15 of 22

“in me iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

הֲמִיתֵ֣נִי16 of 22

“slay”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אַ֔תָּה17 of 22

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְעַד18 of 22

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אָבִ֖יךָ19 of 22

“me to thy father”

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לָמָּה20 of 22

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

זֶּ֥ה21 of 22

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

תְבִיאֵֽנִי׃22 of 22

“for thou hast brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 20:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 20:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 18:3 2 Samuel 14:32 1 Samuel 23:18 1 Samuel 20:16 Psalms 116:11 Psalms 7:4-5

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