Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

1 Samuel 20:42

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.

1 Samuel 20:42 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse from the Book of Samuel, we witness a poignant moment between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, who is destined to become the future king of Israel. Jonathan, despite knowing that his own destiny is not to be king, forms a deep and enduring friendship with David. In this particular exchange, Jonathan affirms their bond by invoking the name of the Lord as witness to their oath of friendship. The mention of the Lord being "between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed forever" underscores the eternal nature of their commitment to each other. As Jonathan bids David to go in peace, it is a moment of parting filled with love, trust, and loyalty. Jonathan's gesture of blessing and sending David on his way is a testament to the strength of their friendship and the faith they have in God's plan for their lives.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see a profound example of the deep friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David. The theological interpretation of this verse points to the importance of covenant and faithfulness. The oath sworn in the name of the LORD signifies the sacred bond between the two men, their families, and future generations. The mention of the LORD being between them emphasizes the divine presence and protection over their relationship. The word study of "sworn" conveys the seriousness and commitment of their vow, highlighting the value placed on promises made in God's name. Jonathan's farewell to David, urging him to go in peace, reflects a sense of acceptance and support despite the challenges they may face. Ultimately, this verse exemplifies the power of love, loyalty, and faith in the context of a covenant relationship with God at the center.

1 Samuel 20:42 in other translations

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.

World English Bible

Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in Yahweh’s name, saying, ‘Yahweh shall be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed, forever.’” He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city.

Douay-Rheims

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.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Therefore Ionathan said to Dauid, Goe in peace: that which we haue sworne both of vs in the Name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be betweene me and thee, and betweene my seede and betweene thy seede, let it stand for euer. And he arose and departed, and Ionathan went into the citie.