1 Samuel 20:1
And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?
Original Language Analysis
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מֶ֤ה
H4100
מֶ֤ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָשִׂ֙יתִי֙
What have I done
H6213
עָשִׂ֙יתִי֙
What have I done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מֶֽה
H4100
מֶֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
וּמֶֽה
H4100
וּמֶֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
חַטָּאתִי֙
and what is my sin
H2403
חַטָּאתִי֙
and what is my sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
14 of 20
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
15 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אָבִ֔יךָ
thy father
H1
אָבִ֔יךָ
thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
16 of 20
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
that he seeketh
H1245
מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
that he seeketh
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
18 of 20
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
Cross References
2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:1 John 3:21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Historical Context
David's questions follow ancient Near Eastern legal form for establishing innocence. The threefold repetition emphasizes completeness. His flight from Naioth indicates awareness that miraculous protection might not continue indefinitely.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you process the experience of unjust persecution while maintaining clear conscience?
- What does David's need for Jonathan's help after miraculous escape teach about ongoing dependence on godly friends?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?
David's anguished questions to Jonathan - 'What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin?' - express the bewilderment of the unjustly persecuted. The threefold query emphasizes his clear conscience before God and man. Fleeing 'from Naioth in Ramah' suggests the Spirit's protection was temporary, requiring renewed wisdom for the next step. Even after divine deliverance, discernment remains necessary.