1 Samuel 20:12
And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֞ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֞ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 25
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 25
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶחְקֹ֣ר
when I have sounded
H2713
אֶחְקֹ֣ר
when I have sounded
Strong's:
H2713
Word #:
9 of 25
properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָבִ֗י
my father
H1
אָבִ֗י
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
11 of 25
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כָּעֵ֤ת׀
any time
H6256
כָּעֵ֤ת׀
any time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
12 of 25
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
מָחָר֙
about to morrow
H4279
מָחָר֙
about to morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
13 of 25
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֔ית
or the third
H7992
הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֔ית
or the third
Strong's:
H7992
Word #:
14 of 25
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
ט֖וֹב
H2896
ט֖וֹב
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
16 of 25
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
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
19 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָז֙
H227
אֶשְׁלַ֣ח
and I then send
H7971
אֶשְׁלַ֣ח
and I then send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
21 of 25
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וְגָלִ֖יתִי
not unto thee and shew
H1540
וְגָלִ֖יתִי
not unto thee and shew
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
23 of 25
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
Historical Context
Invoking deity as witness created binding obligation with supernatural enforcement. Jonathan's plan involved family intelligence - learning his father's true intentions through the New Moon feast. Ancient royal courts relied on such information networks.
Questions for Reflection
- When is covert information gathering appropriate for protecting innocent people?
- How does Jonathan's formal oath strengthen his commitment to a dangerous course of action?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
Jonathan's oath beginning 'O LORD God of Israel' formally invokes divine witness to his commitment. The conditional structure - 'when I have sounded my father...if there be good toward David' - acknowledges uncertainty while pledging faithful intelligence. This proto-spy operation for godly purposes demonstrates that wisdom sometimes requires covert information gathering to protect the innocent.