1 Samuel 19:4
And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 23
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
טוֹב
good
H2896
טוֹב
good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
4 of 23
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אָבִ֑יו
his father
H1
אָבִ֑יו
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 23
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
10 of 23
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
חָטָא֙
because he hath not sinned
H2398
חָטָא֙
because he hath not sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ל֤וֹא
H3808
ל֤וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָטָא֙
because he hath not sinned
H2398
חָטָא֙
because he hath not sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
וְכִ֥י
H3588
וְכִ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
19 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מַֽעֲשָׂ֖יו
against thee and because his works
H4639
מַֽעֲשָׂ֖יו
against thee and because his works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
20 of 23
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
Cross References
Jeremiah 18:20Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.Genesis 42:22And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.Proverbs 17:13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.1 Samuel 20:32And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?Psalms 35:12They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.1 Samuel 22:14Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?
Historical Context
Defending accused persons before kings required diplomatic skill. Jonathan built his case on observable facts rather than emotional appeals. The covenant concept of 'innocent blood' carried significant weight in Israelite jurisprudence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you frame truthful advocacy to be heard by those in power?
- What does Jonathan's appeal to Saul's own spiritual welfare teach about loving confrontation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:
Jonathan's defense of David employs careful rhetoric: David has 'not sinned against thee,' his works 'have been to thee-ward very good,' and the warning 'let not the king sin against his servant.' He appeals to justice, benefit, and Saul's own spiritual welfare. The phrase 'innocent blood' invokes covenant law against murder. Jonathan demonstrates how truth can be spoken to power wisely and courageously.