1 Samuel 20:23
And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַ֨דָּבָ֔ר
And as touching the matter
H1697
וְהַ֨דָּבָ֔ר
And as touching the matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבַּ֖רְנוּ
which thou and I have spoken
H1696
דִּבַּ֖רְנוּ
which thou and I have spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 11
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֛ה
of behold the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of behold the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֵּינִ֥י
H996
בֵּינִ֥י
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
8 of 11
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵֽינְךָ֖
H996
וּבֵֽינְךָ֖
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
9 of 11
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
Cross References
1 Samuel 20:42And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.Genesis 31:50If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.Genesis 16:5And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
Historical Context
Invoking deity as covenant witness and enforcer was standard ancient practice. Israel's distinctive contribution was understanding Yahweh as active participant in human relationships, not merely distant observer. The eternal dimension transcended mortal limitations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does placing God at the center of relationships transform them?
- What friendships in your life would benefit from explicit recognition of God's mediating presence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
Jonathan's declaration 'the LORD be between thee and me for ever' places God at the center of their covenant. This divine mediation transforms human friendship into sacred bond. The 'for ever' ('ad 'olam) extends commitment beyond their lifetimes to eternal significance. Human covenants grounded in divine presence gain stability that merely human arrangements lack.