David and Jonathan's Covenant
1 Samuel 20:1-42
1 S.20.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויברח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מניות: PREP
- ברמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- עשיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- עוני: NOUN,m,sg,cs+1s
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- חטאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- כי: CONJ
- מבקש: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
Parallels
- 1Sam.19.18-24 (structural): Same setting—David at Naioth in Ramah; immediately preceding events in which David fled from Saul and remained with Samuel, providing immediate narrative parallel and context for 1 Sam 20:1.
- 1Sam.18.10-11 (thematic): Earlier attempt by Saul to kill David (throws a javelin); parallels the charge in 20:1 that Saul is seeking David’s life and shows a pattern of hostile action.
- 1Sam.19.1-7 (thematic): Jonathan’s earlier intervention on David’s behalf before Saul and Saul’s expressed intent to kill David; connects Jonathan’s protective role and the threat David describes in 20:1.
- 1Sam.23.15-18 (structural): Later episode in which Jonathan visits and encourages David in the wilderness and renews their covenant—parallels the Jonathan–David friendship and Jonathan’s role as protector and ally reflected in 20:1–21.
- Ps.59.1-2 (thematic): A Davidic lament pleading for deliverance from men set against him to kill him; thematically parallels David’s cry in 1 Sam 20:1 about being pursued and seeking protection.
Alternative generated candidates
- David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and he came and said before Jonathan, 'What have I done? What is my offense, or my sin, before your father, that he seeks my life?'
- David fled from Naioth at Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, 'What have I done? What is my offense or my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?'
1 S.20.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- חלילה: INTJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- תמות: VERB,qal,yiqtol,2,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- לא: PART_NEG
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קטן: ADJ,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- יגלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אזני: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- ומדוע: CONJ+ADV
- יסתיר: VERB,hiph,imperf,3,m,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אין: PART,neg
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.19:4-7 (thematic): Earlier episode where Jonathan intercedes for David with his father Saul and promises to protect/warn David — parallels the same concern for David’s safety and Jonathan’s role as intermediary.
- 1 Sam.20:3 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: David responds to Jonathan’s assurance. The pair of verses form a unit about Jonathan’s confidence that his father will not conceal or do harm.
- 1 Sam.23:16-18 (thematic): Jonathan again seeks out and strengthens David, making a covenant and expressing confidence in David’s safety — repeats the motif of Jonathan’s loyalty and protection.
- 1 Sam.24:16-22 (thematic): After David spares Saul, Saul acknowledges David’s righteousness and appears to promise no further pursuit — another episode dealing with assurances about Saul’s intentions toward David.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan said to him, 'Far be it from you; you shall not die. My father will not do anything great or small without telling me; why should my father hide this from me? It shall not be so.'
- Jonathan said to him, 'Far be it from you—you shall not die. My father will not do a great or small thing without revealing it to me; and why would my father hide this thing from me? It shall not be so.'
1 S.20.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- כי: CONJ
- מצאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- פן: CONJ
- יעצב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ואולם: CONJ
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וחי: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- כי: CONJ
- כפשע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- המות: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (structural): Earliest establishment of the Jonathan–David covenant (Jonathan loves David as his own soul and gives him his robe/armour). Provides the original context for the sworn friendship referenced in 20:3.
- 1 Samuel 19:4-7 (thematic): Jonathan intercedes with Saul on David’s behalf and protects him—an earlier demonstration of Jonathan’s loyalty that parallels his insistence on secrecy and his personal risk in 20:3.
- 1 Samuel 20:16-17 (structural): Immediate chapter parallel where Jonathan and David explicitly renew their covenant and exchange tokens; directly connected to the oath-language and mutual commitment in 20:3.
- 1 Samuel 20:42 (thematic): The farewell scene in which the covenant and promises between Jonathan and David are reaffirmed amid tears—echoes the solemn oath-formula and the precariousness of Jonathan’s situation expressed in 20:3.
- 2 Samuel 1:26 (thematic): David’s lament for Jonathan extols their love and covenantal bond (‘wonderful, passing the love of women’), underscoring the depth and tragic outcome of the sworn friendship first asserted in 1 Samuel 20:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David again swore, 'Your father certainly knows that I have found favor in your eyes.' Jonathan said, 'Do not let him know this, lest he be grieved.' And David swore again, 'As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.'
- David swore again and said, 'May your father know that I have found favor in your eyes.' Jonathan said, 'Do not let it be known; lest my father be grieved. But as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is but a single step between me and death.'
1 S.20.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- תאמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- ואעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (verbal): Earliest expression of Jonathan's commitment to David — they 'became one in spirit' and Jonathan 'made a covenant' and gave David his robe and armor, prefiguring the pledge in 1 Sam 20:4.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (structural): Direct continuance of the same episode: Jonathan explicitly promises to show kindness to David (and his descendants), specifying future actions that fulfill 'whatever your soul desires.'
- 2 Samuel 9:1-13 (thematic): David's later acts of kindness toward Mephibosheth (Jonathan's son) are the tangible fulfillment of the covenantal commitment Jonathan offered to David.
- Ruth 1:16 (thematic): Ruth's vow 'Where you go I will go...' parallels the personal, self-giving loyalty expressed by Jonathan in offering to do whatever David's soul desires.
- 2 Samuel 1:26 (thematic): David's lament for Jonathan — noting Jonathan's extraordinary love for him — echoes and retrospectively confirms the depth of loyalty implicit in Jonathan's promise in 1 Sam 20:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan said to David, 'Whatever your soul desires, I will do for you.'
- Jonathan said to David, 'What do you want me to do for you?'
1 S.20.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- חדש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מחר: ADV
- ואנכי: PRON,1,sg
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אשב: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,sg
- עם: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאכול: VERB,qal,inf
- ושלחתני: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ונסתרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- הערב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- השלשית: ADJ,ord,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.20.18 (structural): Same scene (the new moon); Jonathan and David coordinate a signal and David again prepares to be absent/hide—continuation of the exact plan mentioned in v.5.
- 1 Sam.20.27 (structural): Immediate sequel in the narrative: David does not eat at the king's table and Jonathan is confronted about David's absence, confirming the action described in v.5.
- 1 Sam.19:11-12 (thematic): Earlier episode of David's escape: Saul sends messengers to seize David and Michal helps him slip away and hide—parallels the theme of evasion and concealment for survival.
- 1 Sam.21:10-15 (thematic): David's later ruse before Achish of Gath (feigning madness) to avoid harm—another instance of David using absence/deception to escape danger from Saul and enemies.
- Ps.142:1-7 (thematic): A psalm explicitly associated with David 'when he was in the cave'; expresses crying for refuge and concealment—thematically parallels David's hiding and dependence on a friend/God while endangered.
Alternative generated candidates
- David said to Jonathan, 'Behold, tomorrow is the new moon; and I shall sit with the king to eat. Let me sit at my place until the third evening, and then I will hide myself in the field until the evening of the third day.'
- David said to Jonathan, 'Tomorrow is the new moon, and I shall sit with the king at the table. If I am conspicuous—then you shall send me away, and I will hide myself in the field until the evening of the third day.'
1 S.20.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- פקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יפקדני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- ואמרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- נשאל: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- נשאל: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לרוץ: VERB,qal,inf
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עירו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- שם: ADV
- לכל: PREP
- המשפחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam 20:5 (verbal): Immediate context: Jonathan instructs David with the same ruse (asking leave to run to Bethlehem for a family sacrifice); closely parallels wording and intent.
- Judges 21:19 (thematic): Mentions a yearly festival where people gather (in Shiloh) — parallels the idea of an annual family/communal sacrifice used here as a plausible reason to leave town.
- Deuteronomy 16:16 (thematic): Law requiring males to appear at the appointed festivals three times a year; provides the broader legal/ritual background for claiming attendance at a yearly sacrifice in one’s hometown.
- 1 Sam 16:4-5 (structural): Samuel summons Jesse’s family to sacrifice in Bethlehem to anoint the king’s successor; parallels motif of a family sacrifice in Bethlehem as the setting for significant events concerning David.
- 1 Sam 17:12-15 (thematic): Identifies David as a Bethlehemite and depicts his movements between the royal sphere and his family in Bethlehem, underscoring Bethlehem as David’s home and the plausibility of visiting there for family rites.
Alternative generated candidates
- If your father misses me at all, then say, "David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city; for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family,"
- If your father inquires, say, "David asked leave to run to Bethlehem, his city; for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all his household."
1 S.20.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- כה: ADV
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעבדך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ואם: CONJ
- חרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יחרה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- דע: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- כלתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מעמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:24-26 (verbal): Speaks of those who disguise hatred with flattering words—'when he speaks fair, believe him not'—parallel to using peaceful words to conceal hostile intent.
- Proverbs 27:6 (thematic): Contrasts treacherous, flattering speech with the honest wounds of a friend—echoes the concern to discern true intent behind words of peace.
- Jeremiah 6:14 (allusion): Condemns leaders who proclaim 'Peace, peace' while there is no peace—closely parallels the motif of false assurances masking disaster.
- Ezekiel 13:10-11 (allusion): Accuses false prophets who say 'Peace' when there is no peace and thus lead people astray—similar language and the idea of speech as a sign of hidden harm.
- Romans 16:18 (thematic): Paul warns of people who 'deceive with good words and fair speeches,' which parallels the New Testament echo of deceptive peaceable language hiding malicious ends.
Alternative generated candidates
- and if he says, "It is well," then your servant is at peace; but if he becomes very angry, know that evil is determined by him.
- If he says, "It is well," your servant is at peace; but if he becomes very angry, know that mischief is determined against you from him.
1 S.20.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- כי: CONJ
- בברית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הבאת: VERB,hifil,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- ואם: CONJ
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המיתני: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg+suff:1,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- למה: ADV
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- תביאני: VERB,hifil,impf,2,m,sg+suff:1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:3-4 (structural): Narrative establishment of the covenant between Jonathan and David (the long garment/armour gift), which is the background for David’s appeal to that covenant in 20:8.
- 1 Samuel 20:16-17 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same episode where Jonathan and David reaffirm their oath and love for one another—echoes the covenantal language and mutual protection invoked in 20:8.
- 1 Samuel 19:4-7 (thematic): Jonathan intercedes for David before Saul and protects him, illustrating the same loyalty and covenant-faithfulness David appeals to in 20:8.
- John 15:13 (thematic): Jesus’ saying that the greatest love is to lay down one’s life for friends parallels the self-sacrificial loyalty and protective commitment expressed in Jonathan and David’s covenant relationship.
- Proverbs 18:24 (thematic): The proverb about a friend who sticks closer than a brother resonates with the extraordinary closeness and covenantal fidelity between Jonathan and David reflected in 20:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do me this kindness: because you have brought your servant into the LORD's covenant with you, if there is guilt in me, strike me dead yourself—do not bring me to your father; why should you bring me to him?
- And you shall show kindness to your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. If there is in me wickedness, slay me yourself; why then should you bring me to your father?
1 S.20.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חלילה: INTJ
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדע: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,sg
- כי: CONJ
- כלתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מעם: PREP
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- ולא: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אגיד: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:8 (verbal): Immediate context — Jonathan immediately before and after 20:9 pledges openness and offers to act on whatever David instructs, underscoring the same promise not to conceal his father's designs.
- 1 Samuel 19:4-7 (thematic): Earlier instance of Jonathan interceding for David before Saul; like 20:9 it shows Jonathan's loyalty and willingness to expose or defuse Saul's hostile intent on David's behalf.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (structural): Part of the same episode: the covenant between Jonathan and David highlights the loyalty behind Jonathan’s declaration in 20:9 — a sworn commitment to protect and be frank with David.
- 1 Samuel 23:16-18 (thematic): A later episode where Jonathan seeks out David to strengthen and reassure him, reiterating the covenantal loyalty and Jonathan’s continued readiness to warn and support David.
- 2 Samuel 9:1-7 (thematic): Outcome of Jonathan’s loyal relationship: David’s later kindness to Mephibosheth ‘for Jonathan’s sake’ reflects the enduring bond and protective fidelity that Jonathan affirms in 20:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan said to David, 'Far be it from me; if I knew that your father had determined evil against you, would I not tell you?'
- Jonathan said, 'Far be it from me! If under any thought my father intended mischief to you, would I not tell you?'
1 S.20.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- יגיד: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- או: CONJ
- מה: PRON,int
- יענך: VERB,qal,yiqtol,3,m,sg,obj:2,ms
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- קשה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.20.11 (structural): Immediate continuation: Jonathan replies about his father’s mood and they arrange a sign, directly answering David’s question about what Saul will say.
- 1 Sam.19.4-7 (thematic): Earlier episode in which Jonathan intercedes for David before Saul, showing Jonathan’s role as mediator and the pattern of negotiating with Saul on David’s behalf.
- 1 Sam.18.10-11 (thematic): Describes Saul’s hostile disposition toward David (an evil spirit and murderous intent), providing background for David’s fear about how Saul will react.
- 1 Sam.20.30-34 (thematic): Later scene in which Saul angrily confronts Jonathan and nearly kills him—concrete evidence of the harsh response David anticipated.
Alternative generated candidates
- David said to Jonathan, 'Who will tell me? Or what will your father answer you? He is a hard man.'
- David said to Jonathan, 'Who will tell me? Or what if your father answers you harshly?'
1 S.20.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכה: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
- ונצא: VERB,qal,cohort,1,pl
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:35-42 (structural): Same episode — the field meeting is resumed and concluded there; the sign between Jonathan and David is confirmed and they take leave (direct continuation of the scene).
- 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (thematic): Earliest account of the covenant/friendship between Jonathan and David (Jonathan’s love, gifts, and oath) that provides the background for their secret field meeting.
- 1 Samuel 23:16-18 (thematic): Jonathan again seeks out David in the wilderness/wood to encourage and strengthen him — a parallel instance of private, supportive meetings between the two outside the court.
- Genesis 24:62-67 (allusion): Isaac goes out to the field in the evening and meets Rebekah — illustrates a recurring biblical motif of important, private encounters and covenantal/relational turning points taking place 'in the field.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan said to David, 'Come, let us go out into the field.' So they went out both of them into the field.
- Jonathan said to David, 'Come, let us go out into the field.' And they went out both of them into the field.
1 S.20.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אחקר: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- כעת: ADV
- מחר: ADV
- השלשית: ADJ,f,sg,def
- והנה: ADV
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- אז: ADV
- אשלח: VERB,qal,imperf,1,_,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- וגליתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אזנך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (thematic): Jonathan first forms a covenant with David and gives him his robe and weapons — establishes the same bond of loyalty and protection that underlies Jonathan’s promise in 1 Sam 20:12.
- 1 Samuel 20:3 (verbal): Earlier in the same episode David and Jonathan swear by the LORD; the oath language and mutual pledges here are directly connected to the oath-formula and assurance in v.12.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the scene: Jonathan explicitly promises to show David the 'kindness of my father' and to protect him — these verses repeat and amplify the commitment expressed in v.12.
- 2 Samuel 9:1-13 (thematic): David’s later care for Mephibosheth 'for Jonathan’s sake' is the concrete fulfillment of the covenantal loyalty and promise of protection that Jonathan makes to David in 1 Sam 20:12.
- Ruth 1:16-17 (thematic): Ruth’s pledge ('Do not urge me to leave you… may the LORD do so to me') echoes the biblical motif of invoking God as witness to a solemn personal pledge of loyalty, similar to Jonathan’s oath to David.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jonathan said to David, 'The LORD, the God of Israel, is witness: when I have inquired of my father tomorrow, or the third day, and behold it is well toward David, shall I not then send and tell you?'
- And Jonathan said, 'O LORD, the God of Israel, I will inquire of my father at this time tomorrow. If the king is well toward David, will I not then send and make it known to you?'
1 S.20.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ליהונתן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכה: CONJ+ADV
- יסיף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- ייטב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- את: PRT,acc
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- וגליתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אזנך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- ושלחתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- והלכת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לשלום: PREP
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- כאשר: CONJ
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same exchange—David’s explicit covenant with Jonathan promising protection, warning, and kindness to Jonathan’s house; this verse is part of that oathic sequence.
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (thematic): Earlier establishment of the covenant between Jonathan and David (‘Jonathan made a covenant with David’), providing background for the pledge of mutual care and loyalty expressed in 1 Sam 20:13.
- 1 Samuel 19:4-7 (thematic): Jonathan’s prior intervention on David’s behalf before Saul (pleading and arguing to spare him) parallels the present promise that Jonathan will be warned and sent away to safety—both passages highlight Jonathan’s protective role toward David.
- Genesis 28:15 (verbal): God’s assurance ‘I am with you…’ echoes the blessing ‘may the LORD be with you as he was with my father,’ invoking continuity of divine presence and protection from one generation to the next.
Alternative generated candidates
- May the LORD do so to Jonathan, and more also, if I do not disclose to you all I learn of my father and send you away, and you go in peace; and may the LORD be with you as he has been with my father.
- So may the LORD do to Jonathan—and more also—if my father takes pleasure in doing you harm and I disclose it to you and send you away, and you go in peace; and may the LORD be with you, even as he has been with my father.
1 S.20.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- עודני: PART
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- עמדי: PREP+1cs
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:15 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same scene — Jonathan’s explicit promise: 'You shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever,' repeating the covenantal pledge of hesed.
- 1 Samuel 18:3-4 (structural): Earlier description of the covenant between Jonathan and David (friendship oath and exchange of garments/armour) provides the relational background for the plea and promise of lifelong kindness to each other’s house.
- 2 Samuel 9:7 (verbal): David’s later enactment of hesed toward Mephibosheth 'for Jonathan’s sake' fulfills the pledge to show kindness to Jonathan’s house — same verbal theme of showing loyal kindness (hesed).
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (thematic): God’s promise to establish David’s house forever contrasts and frames human pledges about preserving a household; both concern covenantal preservation of a dynastic line (house).
Alternative generated candidates
- And not only while I live shall you not withhold your steadfast love from me—show me the LORD's loyal kindness.
- And if I am still alive, do show me steadfast love; do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever.
1 S.20.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- תכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- חסדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- מעם: PREP
- ביתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1cs
- עד: PREP
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- בהכרת: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- איבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss=1s
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעל: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- האדמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:14 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same scene—Jonathan pledges 'do not cut off your kindness from my house forever,' repeating the exact promise preserved in v.15.
- 1 Samuel 20:42 (verbal): Jonathan again affirms the covenant of loyalty and kindness to David, restating and confirming the same pledge at the close of their meeting.
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (thematic): Earliest statement of the Jonathan–David covenant: Jonathan 'made a covenant with David' because of his deep love, establishing the bond of loyal kindness (chesed) underlying 20:15.
- 1 Samuel 23:17 (structural): Another episode where Jonathan and David make a covenant before the LORD, reaffirming mutual protection and loyalty—same covenantal structure and intent as 20:15.
- 2 Samuel 9:1–7 (thematic): David's later action to show kindness to Mephibosheth 'for Jonathan's sake' fulfills the promise that Jonathan's house would receive steadfast loyalty and kindness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not cut off your steadfast love from the house of your servant forever; not even when the LORD has cut off every one of David's enemies from the face of the earth.
- Do not cut off the covenant of your kindness from my descendants—no, not when the LORD has cut off every one of David's enemies from the face of the earth.
1 S.20.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובקש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מיד: PREP
- איבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss=1s
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (verbal): Jonathan makes a covenant with David and loves him as his own soul — closely parallels the covenant language and mutual affection.
- 1 Samuel 20:17 (structural): Immediate continuation/reciprocal oath regarding the covenant and Jonathan’s enduring loyalty to David.
- 1 Samuel 19:4–7 (thematic): Jonathan intercedes for David before Saul, demonstrating the covenant loyalty and protection Jonathan extends to David.
- 1 Samuel 23:16–18 (thematic): Jonathan strengthens David’s hand and renews encouragement rooted in their covenant and God’s protection.
- 2 Samuel 1:26 (allusion): David’s lament for Jonathan recalls the extraordinary love and bond between them, reflecting the covenantal relationship celebrated in 1 Samuel 20:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, and the LORD was entreated on behalf of David's enemies.
- Then Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, 'May the LORD require it at the hand of David's enemies.'
1 S.20.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להשביע: VERB,hif,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באהבתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- כי: CONJ
- אהבת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אהבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,3ms.obj
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (verbal): Earliest description of the David–Jonathan bond: their souls are joined and Jonathan makes a covenant with David (gift of garments), paralleling 20:17's oath and mutual love.
- 2 Samuel 1:26 (thematic): David's lament for Jonathan later recalls the extraordinary nature of Jonathan's love for him — 'your love to me was wonderful' — echoing the deep affection named in 1 Samuel 20:17.
- Proverbs 18:24 (thematic): Speaks of a friend who sticks closer than a brother, thematically paralleling Jonathan's devoted, covenantal love for David that exceeds ordinary kinship.
- John 13:23 (allusion): The phrase 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' in the Johannine tradition resonates with biblical language of intimate, personal love (cf. 'loved his soul' in 1 Sam 20:17), illustrating a similar type of devoted relational language in Scripture.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan again made David swear, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
- Jonathan again made David swear, because he loved him; for he loved him as his own soul.
1 S.20.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מחר: ADV
- חדש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ונפקדת: VERB,niphal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יפקד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מושבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:5 (verbal): Earlier in the same dialogue David proposes the plan, using the same timing—'tomorrow is the new moon'—and the idea that he will be missed if he does not attend the king's table.
- 1 Samuel 20:27 (verbal): The immediate fulfillment of Jonathan's warning: 'on the morrow... David's place was empty,' echoing Jonathan's prediction that David's seat would be missed.
- 1 Samuel 20:33 (structural): Shows the consequence Jonathan anticipated—Saul's violent reaction when David is absent (Saul strikes Jonathan), linking the missed seat to a breakdown in father–son and Jonathan–David relations.
- Psalm 81:3 (thematic): References the new moon as a liturgical, communal occasion ('blow the trumpet at the new moon'), illustrating why an absence from the royal/new-month feast would be conspicuous and socially significant.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan said to him, 'Tomorrow is the new moon; you will be missed, because your seat will be missed.'
- Jonathan said to him, 'Tomorrow is the new moon; you will be missed, because your seat will be missed.'
1 S.20.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושלשת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- תרד: VERB,qal,juss,2,m,sg
- מאד: ADV
- ובאת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נסתרת: VERB,niphal,perf,2,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- ביום: PREP
- המעשה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישבת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אצל: PREP
- האבן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- האזל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam 20:18 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same scene: Jonathan gives the same instructions about David hiding and the meeting by the stone Ezel (the planned signal and place are repeated).
- 1 Sam 20:35-36 (structural): The actual fulfillment of the instruction: David hides and Jonathan comes to the stone Ezel to test Saul’s mood and confirm the signal, completing the episode begun in v.19.
- 1 Sam 24:3-7 (thematic): David hides in the cave of Engedi and unexpectedly comes into close proximity with Saul; thematically similar (hiding from Saul, a tense encounter where David could be discovered).
- 1 Sam 22:1-2 (thematic): David seeks refuge in the cave of Adullam and gathers followers—another episode of David fleeing Saul and finding hidden places of safety, reflecting the broader motif of concealment and pursuit.
Alternative generated candidates
- When you have stayed three days, go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself on the day of the deed; and sit by the stone Ezel.
- And on the third day you shall go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself the day of the appointment; and you shall sit by the stone Ezel.
1 S.20.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- החצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- צדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אורה: ADV,loc
- לשלח: VERB,qal,inf
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- למטרה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Sam.20.18 (structural): Immediate preparatory verse setting up the same signal plan between David and Jonathan (arrangement to meet at the stone and the signal by arrows).
- 1Sam.20.21 (verbal): Jonathan explicitly interprets the meaning of the arrow signals for David—explains how the ‘beyond you’/‘on this side’ phrasing will indicate danger or safety, directly tied to v.20.
- 1Sam.20.22 (structural): Narrates the execution of the arrow-sign plan (Jonathan shoots and the boy runs), completing the sequence begun in v.20 and showing the practical outcome of the signal.
- 1Sam.23.16 (thematic): Jonathan again aids and encourages David (strengthening his hand), paralleling the covenantal friendship and protective intent behind the arrow signal in 1 Sam 20.
- 2Sam.1.26 (thematic): David’s lament for Jonathan emphasizes the depth of their covenant bond and love—theme underlying the care and secret signaling that v.20 enacts.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will shoot three arrows to the side as though I shot at a target.
- And I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though at a mark; and I will send the lad, saying, "Go, find the arrows."
1 S.20.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- אשלח: VERB,qal,imperf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- מצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- החצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אם: CONJ
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לנער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- החצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- והנה: ADV
- קחנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
- ובאה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.20.22 (verbal): Direct fulfillment of the signal arrangement: Jonathan sends the boy, shoots the arrows, and speaks the same words/signs that David had prescribed.
- 1 Sam.20.17 (structural): Immediate context in which David and Jonathan confirm their covenant and oath—this covenant provides the basis for the secret signaling plan.
- 1 Sam.18:3 (thematic): The original formation of Jonathan's covenant/friendship with David (love and oath) that underlies Jonathan’s protective actions and the secret arrangement.
- 2 Sam.9:1-13 (thematic): Later fulfillment of covenantal loyalty: David shows kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth because of the oath between David and Jonathan, illustrating the enduring consequences of their covenant.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will send the lad, saying, "Go, find the arrows." If I say to the lad, "Behold, the arrows are beyond you," then take them; for peace to you; there is nothing—so may the LORD live.
- And behold, I will send the lad to you. If I say to the lad, "Behold, the arrows are beyond you," then you shall go; for the LORD has sent you away—peace be with you; there is nothing, as the LORD lives.
1 S.20.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעלם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- החצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- והלאה: ADV
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שלחך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 20:18-21 (structural): Immediate context laying out the signaling plan (shooting arrows, sending the boy) and the instructions that 20:22 restates — same scene and procedural detail.
- 1 Sam 20:40-42 (verbal): The actual carrying out of the arrow signal and the follow‑up words (including the covenantal formula 'the LORD be between thee and me'), which confirm the meaning of the signal in 20:22.
- 1 Sam 18:1-4 (thematic): Earlier covenant and deep friendship between David and Jonathan (exchange of garments/arms) that undergirds the secret signaling and mutual protection evident in 20:22.
- 1 Sam 23:16-18 (thematic): Jonathan seeks out and strengthens David again and reiterates their covenantal loyalty, echoing the protective intent behind the arrow signal in 20:22.
- 2 Sam 1:26 (thematic): David's lament for Jonathan highlights the depth and seriousness of their bond — the same bond that motivates Jonathan's warning and the coded arrow message of 1 Sam 20:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if I say to the lad, "Behold, the arrows are before you," then go your way; for the LORD has sent you away.
- But if I say to the lad, "Behold, the arrows are on this side of you," then you shall stay; for the LORD has sent me.
1 S.20.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והדבר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברנו: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf_1pl
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ובינך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 20:14-17 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: Jonathan and David exchange an oath/covenant using the formula that the LORD be between them and their descendants forever (same covenant language).
- Gen 21:22-34 (thematic): Abraham and Abimelech make a formal covenant/compact and invoke God as witness between the parties ('let there be a covenant between us'), paralleling the idea of God standing between two human parties as guarantor of an agreement.
- Gen 31:44-52 (structural): Jacob and Laban set up a witness‑heap and invoke God as judge between them, a structural parallel of two individuals establishing a binding agreement with God as the guarantor/witness.
- Josh 9:15-20 (thematic): Israel’s treaty with the Gibeonites involves sworn covenants and oaths between human parties (administered before God), reflecting the practice of invoking divine witness to secure mutual pledges.
- 2 Sam 3:12-21 (thematic): Abner’s negotiation to bring Israel to David involves making covenants/treaties on behalf of the people; like 1 Sam 20:23 it reflects the political/religious practice of formal agreements in which God’s will or witness legitimizes the bond between parties.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as for the matter which we have spoken of, the LORD be between you and me forever.
- And the matter which we have spoken of shall be between me and you and the LORD forever.
1 S.20.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסתר: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- החדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- הלחם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאכול: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:18 (verbal): Same episode — the new moon feast and David’s planned absence/return are set up earlier (Jonathan’s arrangement), directly parallels the mention of David hiding at the new moon.
- 1 Samuel 20:29-33 (structural): Continuation of the scene: the king sits to eat, notices David’s absence, and reacts angrily — shows the immediate consequences of the king’s meal and David’s hiding.
- 1 Samuel 24:3 (thematic): David again hides from Saul (takes refuge in a cave) while Saul seeks him — parallels the motif of David’s flight and concealment from the pursuing king.
- Numbers 28:11-15 (allusion): Prescribes sacrifices/observance for the new moon — provides cultic background for the ‘new moon’ feast mentioned in 1 Sam 20:24 (the royal/table context of the day).
Alternative generated candidates
- David hid himself in the field. The new moon came, and the king sat down to eat.
- So David hid himself in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat.
1 S.20.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- מושבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- כפעם: PREP
- בפעם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- מושב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקיר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצד: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מקום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:23 (verbal): Almost identical wording earlier in the same pericope: the king 'sat upon his seat, as at other times, upon the seat by the wall' — the phrase is repeated here to mark the ritual court setting.
- 1 Samuel 20:42 (structural): Immediate conclusion of the scene: Jonathan and David's parting and covenant; explains the outcome of David's having an assigned place and his departure from the court.
- 2 Samuel 3:6-21 (thematic): Abner's later change of allegiance from Saul's house to David (negotiating to make David king over all Israel) contrasts with his earlier position sitting at Saul's side in the court.
- Psalm 110:1 (thematic): Shares the royal motif of sitting at a privileged place at the ruler's side (cf. 'sit at my right hand'); thematically related to the significance of seating and placement in royal ideology.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king sat upon his seat as at other times, by the wall; Jonathan arose and Abner sat by Saul's side, while David's place was empty.
- And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, upon a seat by the wall; and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side; and David's place was empty.
1 S.20.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מקרה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- בלתי: NEG
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:27 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation — Saul observes Jonathan's absence and begins to form a judgment that explains his earlier silence in 20:26.
- 1 Samuel 20:31-33 (thematic): Saul’s subsequent confrontation and accusation of Jonathan shows how his silent assumption in 20:26 (that something is wrong/that Jonathan is ‘unclean’ or afflicted) hardens into suspicion and hostility.
- 1 Samuel 14:45 (thematic): Earlier instance of Saul reproving Jonathan and interpreting Jonathan’s actions as wrong or rebellious — parallels Saul’s readiness here to interpret apparent illness or odd behaviour as culpable.
- Leviticus 15:19,31 (verbal): Uses the legal language of ritual impurity/‘uncleanness’ (tahor/tameʼ) that underlies the phrase in 1 Sam 20:26; helps explain the term’s cultic/health connotations that inform Saul’s inference.
- 1 Samuel 21:12-15 (thematic): David’s later tactic of feigning madness/illness to escape danger parallels the motif of ‘being unwell/unclean’ as a social/strategic category — here showing both perception and performative use of illness/uncleanness in the narrative world.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul said nothing that day; for he thought, 'Something has befallen him; he is unclean; surely he is unclean.'
- But Saul did not say anything that day, for he thought, "Something has happened to him: he is not clean; surely he is not clean."
1 S.20.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ממחרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- החדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ויפקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מקום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- מדוע: ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- גם: ADV
- תמול: ADV
- גם: ADV
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- הלחם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:5 (structural): Same scene—Jonathan and David plan around the new moon to test Saul’s intentions; it sets up why David’s absence at the new moon meal is significant.
- 1 Samuel 20:30-31 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel: Saul angrily rebukes Jonathan for David’s absence and denounces David as a 'son of Belial'—continuation of the confrontation begun in v.27.
- 1 Samuel 21:1-2 (thematic): Explains what David does instead of attending the new moon meal—his flight to Nob and seeking provisions from Ahimelech, accounting for his absence from Saul’s table.
- Numbers 28:11-15 (thematic): Prescribes the offerings and cultic observance for the new moon—background for the 'new moon' meal/ceremony that David was expected to attend.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was the second day of the new moon; David's place was empty; and Saul said to his son Jonathan, 'Why has the son of Jesse not come to the table, neither yesterday nor today?'
- And it came to pass on the next day, the second day of the month, that David's place was empty; and Saul said to Jonathan his son, 'Why has not the son of Jesse come to the table, either yesterday or today?'
1 S.20.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נשאל: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- נשאל: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעמדי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1,ms
- עד: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:5 (verbal): Earlier in the same episode David asks Jonathan for leave to go to Bethlehem because of a family sacrifice—this is the request Jonathan reports to Saul in v.28.
- 1 Samuel 16:11-13 (thematic): Samuel's visit to Jesse at Bethlehem and the anointing of David establishes David's origin in Bethlehem, the family context invoked in v.28.
- 1 Samuel 17:12-15 (thematic): These verses locate Jesse and his sons in Bethlehem and describe David as the youngest who tended the sheep, underlining the familial/home ties that explain David's trip to Bethlehem.
- 1 Samuel 20:41-42 (structural): The immediate narrative continuation (Jonathan's farewell and covenant with David) frames Jonathan's explanation to Saul in v.28 and shows the plan and relationship behind the reported trip.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan answered Saul, 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family; and my brother commanded me to be there.
- Jonathan answered Saul, 'David asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city; for there is a yearly sacrifice there for the family; and he commanded me to let him go, and he said, "Let me go; for our family has obligation there."'
1 S.20.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- כי: CONJ
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משפחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- בעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- ועתה: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- מצאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- אמלטה: VERB,qal,imprf,1,sg
- נא: PART
- ואראה: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,com,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- שלחן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:16 (structural): Earlier in the same episode Jonathan makes a covenant with David — explains his protective attitude and motivation for avoiding the king's table.
- 1 Samuel 19:1-2 (thematic): Saul's prior intent to kill David provides the background pressure that makes Jonathan fearful for David's safety and motivates his secretive actions.
- 1 Samuel 20:42 (structural): The chapter's closing scene where Jonathan and David reaffirm their covenant and part ways — shows the outcome of Jonathan's excuse and his loyalty to David.
- 1 Samuel 23:16-18 (thematic): Later Jonathan seeks out and encourages David in the wilderness, echoing the same loyalty and protective friendship that led him to avoid the king's table.
Alternative generated candidates
- So I went; therefore he has not come to the king's table.'
- Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness?'
1 S.20.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביהונתן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נעות: VERB,qal,part,3,f,pl
- המרדות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- הלוא: PART
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- כי: CONJ
- בחר: VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- לבשתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ולבשת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ערות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- אמך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (structural): Describes the close covenant and friendship between Jonathan and David (Jonathan giving David his robe, armor etc.), which is the basis for Saul's charge that Jonathan has 'chosen the son of Jesse.'
- 1 Samuel 18:8-11 (thematic): Reports Saul's growing jealousy and hostile actions toward David (including an attempt to pin him with a spear), paralleling Saul's anger and violent intent in 1 Sam 20:30–33.
- 1 Samuel 19:1-7 (structural): Shows Saul's explicit determination to kill David and Jonathan's efforts to protect him, providing immediate narrative background for Saul's accusation against Jonathan in ch.20.
- 1 Samuel 20:31-33 (verbal): The immediate continuation of the scene: Saul repeats his denunciation and hurls a spear at Jonathan (vv.31–33), directly connected to the outburst of 20:30.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness?
1 S.20.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- כל: DET
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- על: PREP
- האדמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- תכון: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ומלכותך: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def,poss2,m,sg
- ועתה: CONJ
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וקח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:8-11 (verbal): Saul's growing jealousy and hostile intent toward David is first expressed here (he 'looked at David with a bad eye' and even hurled a spear), paralleling the threat that David's life prevents Jonathan's establishment.
- 1 Samuel 19:1-2 (thematic): Saul explicitly tells his son Jonathan to kill David (or arranges his death), showing the same hostile determination reflected in 20:31 to have David seized and put to death.
- 1 Samuel 19:11-17 (structural): Saul sends messengers and a guard to seize David at night (and Michal helps David escape), a directly parallel sequence of attempts to capture/kill David similar to the command in 20:31 to 'send and bring him' as a dead man.
- 1 Samuel 31:2-6 (thematic): The account of Saul's death on Gilboa and the collapse of his house provides an ironic outcome to Saul's threats — though he vowed David's death would prevent another's establishment, Saul himself falls and his line is extinguished.
- 2 Samuel 5:3-5 (allusion): David's eventual anointing and consolidation as king over Israel contrasts and answers Saul's earlier proclamation in 20:31 that 'neither you nor your kingdom shall be established' while David lived; despite Saul's hostility, David ultimately inherits the throne.
Alternative generated candidates
- For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither shall your kingdom be established, nor your rule; therefore now send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.'
- For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established; therefore now send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.'
1 S.20.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- למה: ADV
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 19:4-6 (verbal): Jonathan earlier defends David before Saul with similar language, insisting David has done no wrong to the king and urging mercy (directly parallels Jonathan's plea here).
- 1 Samuel 20:13-16 (structural): Immediate context in which Jonathan and David make a covenant and Jonathan vows loyalty and protection—background for Jonathan's protest against killing David in v.32.
- 1 Samuel 24:10-11 (thematic): David protests his innocence to Saul and asks why he should be pursued or killed—same theme of an unjust accusation and plea for explanation.
- 1 Samuel 26:8-11 (thematic): David again refuses to harm Saul and challenges the justification for being treated as an enemy, echoing the question 'what has he done?' about persecution of the anointed.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, 'Why shall he be put to death? What has he done?'
- Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, 'Why shall he be put to death? What has he done?'
1 S.20.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויטל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- החנית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- להכתו: PREP+VERB,qal,infc,3,m,sg
- וידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- כלה: ADV
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- מעם: PREP
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- להמית: VERB,hiphil,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 18:11 (verbal): Saul hurls a spear at David in Jonathan's house with intent to pin him to the wall — nearly identical action and motive (Saul's murderous jealousy).
- 1 Sam 19:10-11 (verbal): Saul, seized by an evil spirit, again attempts to strike/pin David with a spear; Jonathan intervenes — a close parallel in sequence and in Jonathan's protective role.
- Gen 37:18-20 (thematic): Joseph's brothers conspire to kill him out of envy — thematically parallels Saul's murderous jealousy toward a favored younger man (David).
- 1 Sam 31:4-5 (structural): Saul's violent trajectory culminates in his death by his own hand on the battlefield; thematically contrasts Saul's attempts to kill David with the king's ultimate downfall.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul cast a spear at him to strike him down; whereby Jonathan knew that his father had determined to kill David.
- Then Saul cast his spear at him to strike him; and Jonathan knew that his father had determined to attempt to kill David.
1 S.20.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מעם: PREP
- השלחן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בחרי: PREP
- אף: ADV
- ולא: CONJ
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- החדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נעצב: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הכלמו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,pl
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.20:30–31 (structural): Immediate context: Saul publicly shames Jonathan at the new‑moon feast, which explains Jonathan’s anger, rising from the table, and refusal to eat.
- 1 Sam.18:1–4 (thematic): Jonathan’s deep covenant love for David is established here, giving motive for Jonathan’s distress and solidarity with David when David is dishonored.
- 2 Sam.1:11–12 (thematic): David and his men mourn and fast for Saul and Jonathan — a parallel instance of mourning expressed by abstaining from food in connection with grief for a close companion.
- 2 Sam.12:16 (thematic): David fasts and prays when his child is dying — another example of refusing food as an expression of acute sorrow and intercessory anguish.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger and did not eat food on the second day of the new moon, for he was grieved for David because his father had shamed him.
- And Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day, for he was grieved for David because his father had brought him shame.
1 S.20.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בבקר: PREP
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למועד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונער: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קטן: ADJ,m,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.20.18-19 (structural): Immediate narrative setup for the rendezvous — Jonathan arranges the time/place and signals for David, providing the context for the morning meeting in the field.
- 1 Sam.20.40 (verbal): Continuation of the same action: Jonathan sends the young lad to fetch the arrows after shooting them — mirrors the presence and role of the boy mentioned in v.35.
- 1 Sam.20.41-42 (thematic): The actual meeting, sign, and emotional farewell between Jonathan and David at the appointed spot — completes the secret rendezvous begun in v.35.
- 1 Sam.23.16-18 (thematic): Jonathan again leaves his place to come to David and encourage/strengthen him in secret — a parallel instance of Jonathan's personal support and covenantal friendship outside the royal court.
Alternative generated candidates
- In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and a little lad was with him.
- In the morning Jonathan went out into the field at the appointed time with David, and a little lad was with him.
1 S.20.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לנערו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- רץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- את: PRT,acc
- החצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- מורה: VERB,qal,ptcp,NA,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- ירה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- החצי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להעברו: PREP+VERB,hiph,inf+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:18 (verbal): Jonathan’s earlier instruction to David about the arrow-sign — the same motif of shooting arrows as a prearranged signal between the two (planning and meaning of the shot).
- 1 Samuel 20:41-42 (structural): The immediate narrative resolution of the episode (final meeting and covenant) that follows the arrow-sign; shows the same sequence of sending a boy, the arrow as signal, and the parting of Jonathan and David.
- Genesis 21:20 (thematic): Ishmael ‘became an archer’ — another instance where a person is connected with the skill of shooting arrows; thematically links archery with movement, signaling or martial competence in the patriarchal narratives.
- Psalm 127:4 (thematic): Uses arrows as a metaphor for children — highlights the broader biblical symbolism of arrows as things shot forth and recovered/placed, resonating with the image of sending/receiving arrows in the Jonathan–David episode.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to his lad, 'Run, find now the arrows which I shoot.' As the lad ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
- And he said to his lad, 'Run, find now the arrows which I shoot.' As the lad ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
1 S.20.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- מקום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החצי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ירה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הלוא: PART
- החצי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- והלאה: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:40 (structural): Immediate continuation of the signal episode—Jonathan shoots the arrows and gives the boy instructions, showing 20:37 part of the arranged sign for David’s escape.
- 1 Samuel 20:41 (structural): The aftermath of the signaling: David and Jonathan reaffirm their covenant and part, showing the purpose and result of the signal described in 20:37.
- 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (thematic): Earlier account of Jonathan’s deep friendship and covenant with David; provides the motive for Jonathan’s elaborate signaling to protect David.
- 1 Samuel 19:11-12 (thematic): Another episode of covert protection/escape (Michal helping David flee through a window), paralleling the theme of secret arrangements made to save David from Saul.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lad came to the place where Jonathan had shot, and Jonathan cried after the lad, 'Is not the arrow beyond you?'
- And the lad came to the place where Jonathan had shot; Jonathan cried after the lad, 'Is not the arrow beyond you?'
1 S.20.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מהרה: ADV
- חושה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תעמד: VERB,qal,juss,2,m,sg
- וילקט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- החצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1Sam.20.18 (verbal): Same signal plan: Jonathan instructs David about arrows and the boy’s role—shared wording and immediate narrative context (use of arrows, boy, and hurrying).
- 1Sam.20.21 (structural): Description of David hiding and the prescribed arrow-sign; sets up the action that culminates in 20:38 when the boy gathers the arrows and returns.
- 1Sam.20.22 (verbal): Jonathan’s command to the lad to run and bring the arrows mirrors 20:38’s depiction of the youth retrieving the arrows and coming to his master (same motifs and verbs).
- 1Sam.20.40 (thematic): After the arrow episode the text notes that the boy knew nothing of the plan—connects to 20:38’s emphasis on the lad’s role as an unwitting messenger and the secrecy between Jonathan and David.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan cried after the lad, 'Hurry, make sure, do not stand still.' And the lad gathered up the arrows and came to his master.
- Jonathan called after the lad, 'Hurry, speed! Do not stand still.' So the lad gathered up the arrows and came to his master.
1 S.20.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנער: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אך: PART
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ידעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam 20:18-22 (structural): Immediate context: the passage describing Jonathan's arranged signal with arrows and his instructions to the boy — explains how only Jonathan and David understood the plan while the youth remained unaware.
- 2 Sam 1:26 (thematic): David's lament for Jonathan highlights the deep, exclusive bond between them ('your love to me was wonderful'), explaining why they alone shared secret knowledge and plans.
- 1 Sam 23:16 (thematic): Jonathan privately visits and encourages David in the wilderness, another instance of confidential support and communication known to the two friends but not to others.
- Luke 2:44-45 (thematic): A parallel example of someone (a child) being left behind/unknown to others during a planned movement — 'they did not know it' — echoing the motif of key participants being unaware except for a few.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the lad knew nothing; only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
- But the lad knew nothing; only Jonathan and David knew the thing.
1 S.20.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- אל: NEG
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- הביא: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam 18:4 (verbal): Jonathan gives David his robe and also his weapons (sword, bow, belt); a direct narrative and verbal parallel in which Jonathan transfers personal arms/attire to another man.
- 1 Sam 17:38-40 (verbal): Saul puts his armor on David (offers his weapons/gear to another) before David goes out to fight Goliath; similar language and motif of giving weapons/armor to a younger man.
- 1 Kings 19:19-21 (thematic): Elijah casts his mantle on Elisha and Elisha cuts the yoke of oxen, taking leave to follow Elijah — a thematic parallel of passing symbolic garments/implements and a younger attendant assuming a new role.
- Gen 41:42 (thematic): Pharaoh bestows his signet ring, garments, and a chariot on Joseph as tokens of authority and favor; thematically parallels the giving of personal items as marks of status and transfer.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jonathan gave his weapons to the lad who was with him and said, 'Go, carry them into the city.'
- Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the lad who was with him and said to him, 'Go, carry them to the city.'
1 S.20.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאצל: PREP
- הנגב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לאפיו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+sfx3,m
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- פעמים: NOUN,m,du,abs
- וישקו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ויבכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- עד: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגדיל: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (thematic): Sets the background for Jonathan and David’s close bond and covenant that makes the emotional farewell in 1 Sam 20:41 intelligible (love, covenantal gestures, gift of garments).
- Genesis 33:4 (verbal): Jacob and Esau ‘kissed’ and ‘wept’ on reuniting—directly parallels the kissing and mutual weeping language and emotional reconciliation/parting motif in 1 Sam 20:41.
- Genesis 45:14-15 (verbal): Joseph embraces and kisses his brothers and weeps loudly at the reunion—similar sequence of kissing and weeping that marks high-emotion family/ally encounters.
- Ruth 1:9, 1:14 (verbal): Naomi and Ruth’s parting includes weeping and expressions of affection (kissing), paralleling the tearful farewell and physical gestures of 1 Sam 20:41.
- 2 Samuel 1:26 (thematic): David’s later lament for Jonathan emphasizes the depth of Jonathan’s love for David (‘more wonderful…than the love of women’), thematically echoing the intimate bond and intense grief implied in the farewell scene.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lad went, and David arose from beside the south and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. They kissed one another and wept with one another, until David wept the more.
- Now the lad was gone; and David arose from beside the south and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. Then they kissed one another and wept with each other, even David wept the more.
1 S.20.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- לשלום: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נשבענו: VERB,niphal,perf,1,c,pl
- שנינו: PRON,1,du
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ובינך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- זרעי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- זרעך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (structural): Earliest statement that Jonathan made a covenant with David and loved him as his own soul; provides the background for the sworn relationship invoked in 20:42.
- 1 Samuel 23:18 (verbal): Reiterates almost the same oath-formula — 'the LORD be between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants' — a direct repetition of the covenant language of 20:42.
- 2 Samuel 9:1-7 (thematic): David's extension of kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan's sake demonstrates the covenantal loyalty between David and Jonathan continuing to the next generation.
- Ruth 1:16-17 (allusion): Ruth's sworn pledge before the LORD uses covenant/oath language of enduring loyalty ('the LORD do so to me...'), paralleling the solemn, theologically anchored vow between Jonathan and David.
- Genesis 21:27-34 (verbal): Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant 'between us and you and your descendants,' echoing the intergenerational covenantal formula found in 1 Samuel 20:42.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, for as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'
- And Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, as we 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."' So he arose and departed; and David went on his way, and Jonathan went into the city.
David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, 'What have I done? What is my offense and my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?'
Jonathan said to him, 'Far be it from you to die; my father will do nothing great or small without disclosing it to me. Why should my father hide this thing from me? It shall not be so.'
David swore again and said, 'Indeed your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes; and he said, “Let not Jonathan know this,” lest he be grieved. Yet as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.'"
Jonathan said to David, 'What do you desire? I will do it for you.'
David said to Jonathan, 'Tomorrow is the new moon; I shall sit with the king to eat. Let me sit where I am, and hide myself in the field until the third evening.
If your father misses me, and you say, “David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, for there is a family sacrifice there,”
if he says, “It is well,” your servant is safe; but if he is angry, know that disaster is determined by him.'
'Therefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought your servant within the covenant of the LORD with you. If there is guilt in me, kill me yourself; why then should you bring me to your father?'
Jonathan said, 'Far be it from you; if my father ever knew, he would be very angry, but I would not tell him.'
David said to Jonathan, 'Who will tell me? Or who will inform your father that my ways have changed?'
Jonathan said to David, 'Come, let us go out into the field.' So both of them went out into the field.
Jonathan said to David, 'O LORD, God of Israel, when I have inquired of my father at this time tomorrow, whatever he does about you I will make known to you.'
'Thus may the LORD do to me and more also, if my father means to do you harm and I do not disclose it to you and send you away that you may go in peace. And may the LORD be with you as he has been with my father.'
'And if—I am yet alive—do not show the kindness of the LORD to me, then may I die.'
'Do not cut off your steadfast love from the house of my father forever; do not cut it off—even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.' So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, and Jonathan caused David to swear again because he loved him; for he loved him as his own soul.
Jonathan repeated the oath to David because he loved him; and he loved him as he loved his own life.
Then Jonathan said to David, 'Tomorrow is the new moon; you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.'
'And on the third day go down quickly to the place where you hid yourself; and stay by the stone Ezel.'
'I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a mark.'
'And I will send the lad, saying, “Go, find the arrows.” If I say to the lad, “Look, the arrows are on this side of you,” take them and come; for the LORD has sent you away.
'But if I say to the lad, “Look, the arrows are beyond you,” then you shall go, for the LORD has sent you away.'
'And concerning the matter that we have spoken of—behold, the LORD is between you and me forever.' So David hid in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat.
The king sat upon his seat by the wall, as at other times; Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, while David’s place was empty.
Saul said nothing on that day, for he thought, 'Something has happened—he is unclean; surely he is unclean.' But on the next day, the second day of the month, David’s place was empty again; and Saul said to Jonathan his son, 'Why has the son of Jesse not come to the table either yesterday or today?'
Jonathan answered Saul, 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem.
He said, “Let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. Now therefore I have come about this reason”; hence he has not yet come to the king’s table.'
Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness?'
'As long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.'
Jonathan answered Saul his father, 'Why should he be put to death? What has he done?'
Saul threw his spear at him to strike him; and Jonathan knew that it was his father’s intention to slay David.
Jonathan rose from the table in fierce indignation; he did not eat food on the second day of the new moon, for he was grieved for David, because his father had put him to shame.
In the morning Jonathan went out into the field at the appointed time with David, and a little lad was with him.
He said to his lad, 'Run, find the arrows that I shoot.' As the lad ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.
When the lad came to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, 'Hurry, stop!' The lad gathered up the arrows and came to his master. But the lad knew nothing of the matter; only Jonathan and David knew the thing.
Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the lad who was with him and said, 'Go, carry them to the city.'
When the lad had gone, David rose from beside the southward rock and bowed three times to Jonathan; they kissed one another, and wept together—David the more.
Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, “The LORD shall be between you and me, and between your offspring and my offspring, forever.”' So David left, and Jonathan went into the city.