1 Samuel 20:14
And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֖א
H3808
וְלֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִם
And thou shalt not only while yet
H518
אִם
And thou shalt not only while yet
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
עוֹדֶ֣נִּי
H5750
עוֹדֶ֣נִּי
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
חָ֑י
I live
H2416
חָ֑י
I live
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
4 of 11
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲשֶׂ֧ה
shew
H6213
תַעֲשֶׂ֧ה
shew
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֶ֥סֶד
me the kindness
H2617
חֶ֥סֶד
me the kindness
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
8 of 11
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern succession often involved eliminating the previous dynasty's descendants. Jonathan's request acknowledged this danger while trusting David's character. The covenant extended to 'seed' (descendants) in perpetuity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your commitments extend beyond immediate relationships to future generations?
- What does Jonathan's trust in David's future faithfulness teach about the long-term nature of covenant love?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:
Jonathan's request for 'the kindness of the LORD' (chesed YHWH) anticipates his own death and David's eventual kingship. He asks David to show covenant faithfulness ('that I die not') - a request David would later honor through Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9). This forward-looking concern for future generations demonstrates how covenant thinking extends beyond individual relationships to enduring commitments.