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1 Samuel 20

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 20 of 31

1 And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? What is my iniquity, and what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my soul?

2 And he said to him, Far be it! You shall not die. Behold, my father shall not do a great thing or a small thing and not reveal it to my ear. And why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so.

3 And David again swore and said, Your father has certainly known that I have found favor in your eyes; and he said, Do not let Jonathan know this, that he not be grieved. And yet, as Jehovah lives, and your soul lives, there is only a step between me and death.

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Chapter Summary

David talks with Jonathan about his safety. Jonathan and David renew their promise. Jonathan's token to David. Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan. Jonathan leaves David.

Key Hebrew Words

זֶ֧בַח sacrifice H2077 · TWOT 525a
רֵעֵ֗ friend H7453 · TWOT 2186a
עִיר֔ excitement H5892 · TWOT 1587a
שָׁל֣וֹם completeness H7965 · TWOT 2401a
חֵן֙ favour H2580 · TWOT 694a

People & Context

David Confides in Jonathan

David flees Naioth and meets Jonathan, desperate to know why Saul seeks his life. They plot to test Saul's disposition during the upcoming New Moon fe…

The Field Covenant and Arrow Plan

Jonathan and David go to a field, renew their covenant extending to their descendants, and agree on a signal involving three arrows to safely inform D…

Saul Notes David's Absence

During the New Moon feast, David's seat is empty. Saul says nothing the first day, but questions Jonathan on the second day, prompting Jonathan to use…

Timeline

David Confides in Jonathan

David flees Naioth and meets Jonathan, desperate to know why Saul seeks his life. They plot to test Saul's disposition during the upcoming New Moon feast.

1 Samuel 20:1-10
The Field Covenant and Arrow Plan

Jonathan and David go to a field, renew their covenant extending to their descendants, and agree on a signal involving three arrows to safely inform David of Saul's intentions.

1 Samuel 20:11-23
Saul Notes David's Absence

During the New Moon feast, David's seat is empty. Saul says nothing the first day, but questions Jonathan on the second day, prompting Jonathan to use the agreed-upon excuse of a family sacrifice.

1 Samuel 20:24-29

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Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

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