1 Samuel 20:13
The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
1 Samuel 20:13 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Bible, we witness a powerful expression of friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, has just promised to protect David from any harm that may come to him. He acknowledges that his father, King Saul, may have ill intentions towards David, and vows to inform him if that is the case. Jonathan's love for David is so strong that he is willing to go against his own father to ensure David's safety and well-being. By saying "The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan," Jonathan is invoking a divine witness to their agreement, emphasizing the gravity of his promise. This verse highlights the importance of loyalty, trust, and selflessness in true friendship, as well as the role of God in guiding and protecting those who remain faithful to Him. It serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of true friendship and the power of God's presence in our lives.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see the loyalty and friendship between Jonathan and David. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the bond between the two men and the trust they have in each other. Jonathan expresses his desire for God to bless David and promises to inform him if his father, King Saul, plans any harm against him. This passage showcases the importance of honesty and loyalty in relationships, as well as the belief in God's protection and guidance. The phrase "The LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father" emphasizes the faithfulness of God in safeguarding His people throughout generations. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the original Hebrew text to uncover nuances in the meaning of the words used, such as the significance of God's presence ('be with thee') and the assurance of His past faithfulness ('hath been with'). Overall, this verse serves as a testament to the power of friendship, trust, and divine providence in the lives of believers.
1 Samuel 20:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
Jehovah do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do thee evil, if I disclose it not unto thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and Jehovah be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
World English Bible
Yahweh do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do you evil, if I don’t disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace: and Yahweh be with you, as he has been with my father.
Douay-Rheims
May the Lord do so and so to Jonathan, and add still more. But if my father shall continue in malice against thee, I will discover it to thy ear, and will send thee away, that thou mayst go in peace, and the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord doe so and much more vnto Ionathan: but if my father haue minde to doe thee euill, I will shew thee also, and sende thee away, that thou mayest goe in peace: and the Lord be with thee as he hath bene with my father.