1 Samuel 20:15
But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְּהַכְרִ֤ת
But also thou shalt not cut off
H3772
בְּהַכְרִ֤ת
But also thou shalt not cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
2 of 18
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חַסְדְּךָ֛
thy kindness
H2617
חַסְדְּךָ֛
thy kindness
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
4 of 18
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
מֵעִ֥ם
H5973
מֵעִ֥ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 18
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בֵּיתִ֖י
from my house
H1004
בֵּיתִ֖י
from my house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
עַד
for
H5704
עַד
for
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 18
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עוֹלָ֑ם
ever
H5769
עוֹלָ֑ם
ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
וְלֹ֗א
H3808
וְלֹ֗א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְּהַכְרִ֤ת
But also thou shalt not cut off
H3772
בְּהַכְרִ֤ת
But also thou shalt not cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
10 of 18
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
יְהוָה֙
no not when the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
no not when the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִ֕ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֕ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מֵעַ֖ל
H5921
מֵעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern succession often involved eliminating previous royal families. Jonathan's request acknowledged realistic danger his descendants would face under a new dynasty. The covenant extended protection beyond personal friendship to family obligation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your commitments extend to benefit future generations beyond your immediate relationships?
- What does Jonathan's forward-thinking covenant-making teach about securing blessing for descendants?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
Jonathan's remarkable request anticipates David's complete victory: 'when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one.' This acknowledges both David's future triumph and the potential danger to Saul's house. The phrase 'cut off thy kindness' (karat chesed) uses covenant language - Jonathan asks that David's covenant loyalty continue to his descendants. David would fulfill this promise through Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9). Jonathan secured future protection for his house by trusting David's covenant faithfulness even when David was still a hunted fugitive.