1 Samuel 19:6
1 Samuel 19:6 in Multiple Translations
Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.”
And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.
And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As Jehovah liveth, he shall not be put to death.
And Saul gave ear to the voice of Jonathan, and said with an oath, By the living Lord, he is not to be put to death.
Saul accepted what Jonathan had to say, and promised with an oath: “I swear on the life of the Lord, he won't be put to death.”
Then Saul hearkened vnto the voyce of Ionathan, and Saul sware, As the Lord liueth, he shall not dye.
And Saul hearkeneth to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul sweareth, 'Jehovah liveth — he doth not die.'
Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan; and Saul swore, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death.”
And Saul hearkened to the voice of Jonathan: and Saul swore, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.
And when Saul heard this he was appeased with the words of Jonathan, and swore: As the Lord liveth he shall not be slain.
Saul listened to what Jonathan said. Then Saul said, “I solemnly promise that just as certain as Yahweh lives, I will not kill David.”
Saul listened to his son Jonathan, and he said, “God hears us, so I’m talking straight to you. I will not try to kill David.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 19:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 19:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
שָׁא֖וּל
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
יְהוֹנָתָ֑ן
וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֣ע
שָׁא֔וּל
חַי
יְהוָ֖ה
אִם
יוּמָֽת
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
יְהוֹנָתָ֑ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֣ע
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
חַי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 19:6
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
יְהוֹנָתָ֑ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֣ע
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
חַי
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 19:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 19:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 19:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 19:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 19:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 19:6
Context — Saul Tries to Kill David
4Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you.
5He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”
6Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.”
7So Jonathan summoned David and told him all these things. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul, and David was with Saul as before. 8When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 26:24–25 | A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 5:2 | Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ they are swearing falsely.” |
| 3 | Psalms 15:4 | who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath, |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 28:10 | Then Saul swore to her by the LORD: “As surely as the LORD lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 14:39 | As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 19:10–11 | Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But the spear struck the wall and David eluded him, ran away, and escaped that night. Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” |
1 Samuel 19:6 Summary
In 1 Samuel 19:6, Saul promises not to harm David because Jonathan spoke up for him, reminding Saul of David's good deeds and the Lord's work through him. This shows that our words can have a big impact on others and that standing up for what is right is important. Just like Jonathan, we can trust in God's sovereignty and have the courage to do what is right, even if it's difficult, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4. By keeping our promises and being truthful, we reflect God's character and build trust with others, just as God is faithful to His promises in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Saul to spare David's life in 1 Samuel 19:6?
Saul listened to Jonathan's words of defense on behalf of David, reminding him of David's bravery and the Lord's work through him, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:4-5, and this led Saul to swear an oath to spare David's life.
What does the phrase 'As surely as the LORD lives' mean in 1 Samuel 19:6?
This phrase is an oath formula where Saul invokes the name of the Lord, emphasizing the certainty of his promise, similar to the way God swears by His own name in Isaiah 45:23, indicating the gravity and solemnity of the promise.
Is Saul's oath in 1 Samuel 19:6 a guarantee of David's safety?
While Saul's oath seems to guarantee David's safety, it does not necessarily mean David is out of danger, as seen in subsequent events where Saul's actions contradict his oath, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty as in Proverbs 21:1.
How does Jonathan's intervention in 1 Samuel 19:4-6 demonstrate his character?
Jonathan's actions show his loyalty, courage, and compassion, as he stands up for what is right, even if it means going against his father, illustrating a strong commitment to justice and righteousness, similar to the virtues encouraged in Micah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- What role does loyalty play in our relationships, and how can we, like Jonathan, stand up for those who are being unfairly treated?
- In what ways can we, like David, trust in God's sovereignty even when our circumstances seem uncertain or dangerous?
- How can we balance the desire to obey authority with the need to stand up for what is right, as Jonathan did in this passage?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of keeping our promises and being truthful in our words and actions?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 19:6
And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan,.... Not only heard him out what he had to say, but was affected with it, and wrought upon by it, and was convicted for the present that he was wrong in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 19:6
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
This great change is not to be ascribed to any true repentance for his sin against David, or any better affection which he now had to him; but merely to his own worldly interest, because he was convinced by Jonathan’ s discourse that he could not kill him without great inconvenience and shame to himself.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
1 Samuel 19:6 And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, [As] the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.Ver. 6. And Saul hearkened to the voice of Jonathan.] So far did Jonathan’ s oratory and David’ s innocency together triumph in Saul’ s conscience. And Saul sware.] He was a customary swearer, and made little reckoning of an oath. His bare word should have been as the laws of the Medes and Persians: how much more when bound thus with an oath? That was a great dishonour to the heathen Romans, that it should be said of them by Mirrhanes the Persian general, Romanis promittere promptum est, promissis autem quanquam iuramento fermatis minime stare, they are free of their fair promises, but careless of performing the same, yea, although they have sworn to them. But what a base shame is it to the modern Romanists, those pseudo-Christians, that they should so break their promises and oaths made not to Turks only, as did Ladislaus, king of Hungary, by the consent and counsel of the Pope’ s legate, - but to Protestants: witness their proceedings against John Huss, and Jerome of Prague, contrary to the emperor’ s safe conduct; and the horrible massacre in France, &e. He shall not be slain.] And it is very likely Saul now spake as he thought. But if good thoughts look at any time into a wicked heart, they stay not there, as those that like not their lodging. The flashes of lightning may be discerned in the darkest prisons, but they are soon gone thence again: so here. Procop., lib. i., De Bell.
Pers.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
(6) And Saul hearkened.—The moving eloquence of Jonathan touched Saul’s heart, and for a brief space something of the old noble spirit influenced the king, and he swore he would not attempt his life.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
Verse 6. He shall not be slain.] In consequence of this oath, we may suppose he issued orders contrary to those which he had given the preceding day.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 19:6
6. Saul sware] Sincerely no doubt for the time, but with no real repentance for his murderous design.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:6
’S FOR DAVID, 1 Samuel 19:1-7.Finding that the snares laid for David’s life all fail, Saul no longer conceals his dark designs.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 19:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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And Saul Hearkened Unto the Voice of Jonathan. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the noble act of Jonathan in advocating for David despite the potential fallout with his father, Saul. Jonathan's willingness to stand up for his friend illus |
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The Evil Tongue by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the |
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Studies in Joshua 03 - Conquering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the preparation and conquest of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The sermon begins by discussing Joshua's encounte |
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Two Churches-Babylon and Jerusalem by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It em |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 67 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into Matthew 23, focusing on Jesus' teachings about the Pharisees. It emphasizes the importance of aligning inner beliefs with outward actions, warning against h |
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(Sex, Love & Marriage) 8. by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of preparation for marriage, likening it to the meticulous planning required for a space mission. He advocates for a period of engagement that |
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A Miserable Estate by Christopher Love | Christopher Love preaches about the eight particular properties of a man without Jesus Christ, highlighting how such a person is base, a bondman, beggarly, blind, deformed, discons |