1 Samuel 20:9
And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?
Original Language Analysis
חָלִ֣ילָה
Far be it from thee
H2486
חָלִ֣ילָה
Far be it from thee
Strong's:
H2486
Word #:
3 of 19
literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!
לָּ֑ךְ
H1980
לָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 19
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּ֣י׀
H3588
כִּ֣י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 19
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֵדַ֗ע
certainly
H3045
אֵדַ֗ע
certainly
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 19
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵדַ֗ע
certainly
H3045
אֵדַ֗ע
certainly
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 19
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָלְתָ֨ה
were determined
H3615
כָלְתָ֨ה
were determined
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
10 of 19
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
מֵעִ֤ם
H5973
מֵעִ֤ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
12 of 19
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אָבִי֙
by my father
H1
אָבִי֙
by my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
13 of 19
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עָלֶ֔יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֔יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֹתָ֖הּ
H853
אֹתָ֖הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Sons were expected to protect family secrets and interests. Jonathan's commitment to warn David against his father reversed normal expectations. This pledge placed him in potential conflict with both filial duty and royal obligation.
Questions for Reflection
- What loyalties might you need to subordinate to higher commitments to truth and righteousness?
- How does Jonathan's willingness to warn David against his own father challenge conventional family loyalty?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?
Jonathan's rhetorical question - 'would not I tell it thee?' - affirms absolute commitment to David's safety over loyalty to his father. The phrase 'Far be it from thee' (chalilah) expresses horror at the thought of concealing danger. Jonathan's integrity meant he would warn David even of his own father's murderous plans. Such commitment tested the limits of family loyalty, choosing righteousness over blood ties. The answer Jonathan expected was obvious: of course he would warn David. Genuine friendship includes uncomfortable truth-telling.