1 Samuel 20:42
New International Version
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

New Living Translation
At last Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the LORD’s name. The LORD is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan returned to the town.

English Standard Version
Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.

Berean Standard Bible
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’ ” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

King James Bible
And 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.

New King James Version
Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’ ” So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.

New American Standard Bible
Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, since we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” So David set out and went on his way, while Jonathan went into the city.

NASB 1995
Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city.

NASB 1977
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of Yahweh, saying, ‘Yahweh will be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed forever.’” Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city.

Amplified Bible
Jonathan told David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and yours forever.’” Then he stood and left, while Jonathan went into the city.

Christian Standard Bible
Jonathan then said to David, “Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the LORD when we said, ‘The LORD will be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.’ ” Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jonathan then said to David, “Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the LORD when we said: The LORD will be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city.

American Standard Version
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah shall 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.

Contemporary English Version
Jonathan said, "Take care of yourself. And remember, we each have asked the LORD to watch and make sure that we and our descendants keep our promise forever." David left and Jonathan went back to town.

English Revised Version
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD shall 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Go in peace!" Jonathan told David. "We have both taken an oath in the LORD's name, saying, 'The LORD will be [a witness] between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants forever.' " So David left, and Jonathan went into the city.

Good News Translation
Then Jonathan said to David, "God be with you. The LORD will make sure that you and I, and your descendants and mine, will forever keep the sacred promise we have made to each other." Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

International Standard Version
Jonathan told David, "Go in peace since both of us swore in the name of the LORD: 'May the LORD be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.'" Then David got up and left, while Jonathan went to the city.

Majority Standard Bible
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

NET Bible
Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn together in the name of the LORD saying, 'The LORD will be between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants forever.'" Then David got up and left, while Jonathan went back to the city.

New Heart English Bible
Then Jonathan said, "Go in peace, because we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants, forever.'" He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city.

Webster's Bible Translation
And 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. :43 And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

World English Bible
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in Yahweh’s name, saying, ‘Yahweh is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Jonathan says to David, “Go in peace, in that we have sworn—the two of us—in the Name of YHWH, saying, YHWH is between me and you, and between my seed and your seed—for all time”; and he rises and goes; and Jonathan has gone into the city.

Young's Literal Translation
and Jonathan saith to David, 'Go in peace, in that we have sworn -- we two -- in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah is between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed -- unto the age;' and he riseth and goeth; and Jonathan hath gone in to the city.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jonathan will say to David, Go for peace, for we sware, we two, in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah will be between me and between thee, and between my seed and between thy seed, even forever. The original Julia E. Smith Bible records the following as a verse reference for 1 Sam 21:1 And he will rise and go: and Jonathan came to the city.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jonathan said to David: Go in peace: and let all stand that 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 David arose, and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Jonathan said to David: “Go in peace. And let us both keep all that we have ever sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘May the Lord be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, even forever.’ ” And David rose up and went away. But Jonathan entered into the city.

New American Bible
At length Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, in keeping with what the two of us have sworn by the name of the LORD: ‘The LORD shall be between you and me, and between your offspring and mine forever.’ ” Then David departed on his way, while Jonathan went back into the city.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since both of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants, forever.’” He got up and left; and Jonathan went into the city.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, inasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants forever. Then Jonathan arose and went into the city.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jonathan said to David: “Go in peace! We both have sworn in the name of LORD JEHOVAH, saying: “LORD JEHOVAH is between me and you and between my seed and your seed for eternity!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jonathan said to David: 'Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying: The LORD shall 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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, and as we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord shall be witness between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever - even so let it be. And David arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan
41When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. 42And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

Cross References
1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

1 Samuel 23:18
So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

2 Samuel 9:1
Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”

2 Samuel 21:7
Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.

Genesis 31:49
It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.

Genesis 31:53
May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.

2 Kings 2:2
and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:6
And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

John 15:13-15
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 26:49-50
Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. / “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.

Luke 1:17
And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, for as much as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

Go in peace

1 Samuel 20:22
But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.

1 Samuel 1:17
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

Numbers 6:26
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

forasmuch as.

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.

And he arose

1 Samuel 23:18
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

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City David Departed Descendants Inasmuch Jonathan Peace Rose Safety Seed Sworn
1 Samuel 20
1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety
11. Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath
18. Jonathan's token to David
23. Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan
35. Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David














Then Jonathan said to David
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the deep bond between Jonathan and David. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, speaks to David, who is destined to be king. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often conveys not just the act of speaking but the intention and emotion behind the words. Jonathan's words are filled with loyalty and love, reflecting a covenantal friendship that transcends familial and political tensions.

Go in peace
The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses more than the absence of conflict; it signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony. Jonathan's blessing of peace is profound, given the dangerous circumstances David faces. It is a declaration of trust in God's providence and a reminder of the peace that comes from faithfulness to God's promises.

for the two of us have sworn
The act of swearing an oath in ancient Israel was a solemn and binding commitment. The Hebrew root (שָׁבַע, shava) implies a deep sense of obligation and faithfulness. This oath between Jonathan and David is not merely a personal agreement but a sacred covenant made before God, underscoring the seriousness and sanctity of their bond.

in the name of the LORD
Invoking the name of the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh) signifies the highest level of accountability and reverence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, names were believed to carry the essence and authority of the person. By swearing in the name of Yahweh, Jonathan and David acknowledge God's sovereignty and their submission to His will, making their covenant unbreakable.

saying, ‘The LORD will be a witness
The concept of God as a witness (עֵד, ed) is significant in biblical covenants. It implies that God Himself observes and upholds the agreement, ensuring its fulfillment. This divine witness provides assurance that their covenant will endure beyond human limitations, rooted in the eternal nature of God.

between you and me
This phrase emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of the covenant. Despite the political and familial pressures, Jonathan and David's relationship is marked by mutual respect and love. Their bond is a testament to the power of godly friendship, which transcends earthly divisions and reflects the unity found in Christ.

and between your descendants and my descendants forever
The inclusion of their descendants in the covenant highlights the enduring nature of their agreement. The Hebrew word for "forever" (עוֹלָם, olam) suggests perpetuity and timelessness. This forward-looking promise reflects a biblical understanding of legacy and the importance of faithfulness across generations, pointing to the eternal covenant fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Then David got up and departed
David's departure marks a moment of transition and trust. The Hebrew verb for "got up" (קוּם, qum) often signifies rising to action or purpose. David's journey is not just physical but spiritual, as he steps into the path God has set before him, trusting in the covenant and the peace Jonathan has declared.

and Jonathan went back to the city
Jonathan's return to the city signifies his continued role within his father's house, despite the tension and danger. His actions demonstrate faithfulness to his responsibilities and trust in God's plan. This moment encapsulates the tension between earthly duties and divine allegiance, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

(42) Go in peace.--The abruptness of the closing words is most natural, and accords with the evident deep emotion of the speaker. David's heart was too full to reply to his friend's words; blinded with tears, he seems to have hurried away speechless.

"We may indeed wonder at the delicacy of feeling and the gentleness of the sentiments which these two men in those old rough times entertained for one another. No ancient writer has set before us so noble an example of a heartfelt, unselfish, and thoroughly human state of feeling, and none has described friendship with such entire truth in all its relations, and with such complete and profound knowledge of the human heart."--Phillipson, quoted by Payne Smith.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Jonathan
יְהוֹנָתָ֛ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

said
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to David,
לְדָוִ֖ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

“Go
לֵ֣ךְ (lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in peace,
לְשָׁל֑וֹם (lə·šā·lō·wm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

for
אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the two of us
שְׁנֵ֜ינוּ (šə·nê·nū)
Number - mdc | first person common plural
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

have sworn
נִשְׁבַּ֨עְנוּ (niš·ba‘·nū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

in the name
בְּשֵׁ֤ם (bə·šêm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

when we
אֲנַ֗חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū)
Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

said,
לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘May the LORD
יְהוָ֞ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

be
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה ׀ (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a witness between
בֵּינִ֣י (bê·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

you and me,
וּבֵינֶ֗ךָ (ū·ḇê·ne·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

and between
וּבֵ֥ין (ū·ḇên)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

your descendants
זַרְעֲךָ֖ (zar·‘ă·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

and
וּבֵ֥ין (ū·ḇên)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

mine
זַרְעִ֛י (zar·‘î)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

forever.’”
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

Then David got up
וַיָּ֖קָם (way·yā·qām)
0
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

and departed,
וַיֵּלַ֑ךְ (way·yê·laḵ)
0
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and Jonathan
וִיהוֹנָתָ֖ן (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
0
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

went back
בָּ֥א (bā)
0
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

into the city.
הָעִֽיר׃ (hā·‘îr)
0
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT History: 1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David Go in peace (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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