King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:9 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:9 in the King James Version says “And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

1 Samuel 20:9 · KJV

Context

7

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.

8

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?

9

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?

10

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

11

And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

Read 1 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

Jonathan's rhetorical question - 'would not I tell it thee?' - affirms absolute commitment to David's safety over loyalty to his father. The phrase 'Far be it from thee' (chalilah) expresses horror at the thought of concealing danger. Jonathan's integrity meant he would warn David even of his own father's murderous plans. Such commitment tested the limits of family loyalty, choosing righteousness over blood ties. The answer Jonathan expected was obvious: of course he would warn David. Genuine friendship includes uncomfortable truth-telling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sons were expected to protect family secrets and interests. Jonathan's commitment to warn David against his father reversed normal expectations. This pledge placed him in potential conflict with both filial duty and royal obligation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What loyalties might you need to subordinate to higher commitments to truth and righteousness?
  2. How does Jonathan's willingness to warn David against his own father challenge conventional family loyalty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֖ן2 of 19

“And Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

חָלִ֣ילָה3 of 19

“Far be it from thee”

H2486

literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!

לָּ֑ךְ4 of 19
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כִּ֣י׀5 of 19
H3588

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

אִם6 of 19
H518

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

אֵדַ֗ע7 of 19

“certainly”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵדַ֗ע8 of 19

“certainly”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי9 of 19
H3588

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

כָלְתָ֨ה10 of 19

“were determined”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

הָֽרָעָ֜ה11 of 19

“that evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

מֵעִ֤ם12 of 19
H5973

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

אָבִי֙13 of 19

“by my father”

H1

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

לָב֣וֹא14 of 19

“to come”

H935

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

עָלֶ֔יךָ15 of 19
H5921

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

וְלֹ֥א16 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֹתָ֖הּ17 of 19
H853

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

אַגִּ֥יד18 of 19

“upon thee then would not I tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָֽךְ׃19 of 19
H0

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 20:9 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 20:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 20:421 Samuel 20:381 Samuel 19:2

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