1 Samuel 20:8
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?
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ
Therefore thou shalt deal
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ
Therefore thou shalt deal
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֶ֙סֶד֙
kindly
H2617
חֶ֙סֶד֙
kindly
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
2 of 22
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בִּבְרִ֣ית
into a covenant
H1285
בִּבְרִ֣ית
into a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
6 of 22
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
תְבִיאֵֽנִי׃
for thou hast brought
H935
תְבִיאֵֽנִי׃
for thou hast brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
8 of 22
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עִמָּ֑ךְ
H5973
עִמָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
11 of 22
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
12 of 22
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֶשׁ
with thee notwithstanding if there be
H3426
יֶשׁ
with thee notwithstanding if there be
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
13 of 22
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
הֲמִיתֵ֣נִי
slay
H4191
הֲמִיתֵ֣נִי
slay
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
16 of 22
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
18 of 22
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אָבִ֖יךָ
me to thy father
H1
אָבִ֖יךָ
me to thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
19 of 22
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לָמָּה
H4100
לָמָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
זֶּ֥ה
H2088
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:3Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.2 Samuel 14:32And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.1 Samuel 23:18And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.1 Samuel 20:16So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.