1 Samuel 20:3

1 Samuel 20:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”

King James Version KJV

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

American Standard Version ASV

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father knoweth well that I have found favor in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But David took his oath again and said, Your father sees that I am dear to you; so he says to himself, Let Jonathan have no idea of this, for it will be a grief to him; but as the Lord is living, and as your soul is living, there is only a step between me and death.

Free Bible Version FBV

But David swore an oath again, saying, “Your father knows very well that I'm your friend, and so he's told himself, ‘Jonathan can't find out about this, otherwise he'll be really upset.’ I swear on the life of the Lord, and on your own life, my life is hanging by a thread.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Dauid sware againe and sayd, Thy father knoweth that I haue found grace in thine eyes: therefore he thinketh, Ionathan shall not knowe it, lest he be sorie: but in deede, as the Lord liueth, and as thy soule liueth, there is but a step betweene me and death.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David sweareth again, and saith, 'Thy father hath certainly known that I have found grace in thine eyes, and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved; and yet, Jehovah liveth, and thy soul liveth, but — as a step between me and death.'

World English Bible WEB

David swore moreover, and said, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes; and he says, ‘Don’t let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved;’ but truly as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And David swore moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thy eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he should be grieved: But truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he swore again to David. And David said: Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, and he will say: Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved. But truly as the Lord liveth, and thy soul liveth, there is but one step (as I may say) between me and death.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then David solemnly declared this to Jonathan: “Your father knows very well that you and I are very good friends, so he says to himself, ‘I will not tell Jonathan what I am going to do. If I tell Jonathan, he will be upset/distressed, and then he will tell David.’ But just as certain as Yahweh lives and you live, I am only one step away from being killed.”

Plain English Version PEV

But David said, “Listen. Let God punish me if what I said is not true. Your father knows that you and I are close friends. We are also brothers-in-law. He might think like this, ‘I can’t tell my son. He might get upset.’ No, listen to me. God is listening, so I can’t tell lies. Today I might die.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:3

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 20:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֨ע ע֜וֹד דָּוִ֗ד וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ יָדֹ֨עַ יָדַ֜ע אָבִ֗י/ךָ כִּֽי מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּ/עֵינֶ֔י/ךָ וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר אַל יֵֽדַע זֹ֥את יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן פֶּן יֵֽעָצֵ֑ב וְ/אוּלָ֗ם חַי יְהוָה֙ וְ/חֵ֣י נַפְשֶׁ֔/ךָ כִּ֣י כְ/פֶ֔שַׂע בֵּינִ֖/י וּ/בֵ֥ין הַ/מָּֽוֶת

וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֨ע shâbaʻ H7650 to swear Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ע֜וֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv

דָּוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יָדֹ֨עַ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Ptc

יָדַ֜ע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אָבִ֗י/ךָ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

מָצָ֤אתִי mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Perf-1cs

חֵן֙ chên H2580 favor N-ms

בְּ/עֵינֶ֔י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

יֵֽדַע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Juss-3ms

זֹ֥את zôʼth H2063 this Pron

יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן Yᵉhôwnâthân H3083 Jonathan N-proper

פֶּן pên H6435 lest Conj

יֵֽעָצֵ֑ב ʻâtsab H6087 to hurt V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/אוּלָ֗ם ʼûwlâm H199 but Conj | Adv

חַי chay H2416 alive Adj

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וְ/חֵ֣י chay H2416 alive Conj | Adj

נַפְשֶׁ֔/ךָ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

כְ/פֶ֔שַׂע pesaʻ H6587 step Prep | N-ms

בֵּינִ֖/י bêyn H996 between Prep | Suff

וּ/בֵ֥ין bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep

הַ/מָּֽוֶת mâveth H4194 death Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:3

וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֨ע 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.

ע֜וֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

דָּוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יָדֹ֨עַ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Ptc

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

יָדַ֜ע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

אָבִ֗י/ךָ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

מָצָ֤אתִי mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

חֵן֙ chên H2580 "favor" N-ms

This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.

Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance

Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.

בְּ/עֵינֶ֔י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

יֵֽדַע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Juss-3ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

זֹ֥את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן 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.

פֶּן pên H6435 "lest" Conj

This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.

Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.

יֵֽעָצֵ֑ב ʻâtsab H6087 "to hurt" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

To shape or carve something, like a craftsman forming wood or stone, can also mean to worry or cause pain, as in the emotional distress of King David in Psalm 38:18.

Definition: 1) to hurt, pain, grieve, displease, vex, wrest 1a) (Qal) to hurt, pain 1b)(Niphal) to be in pain, be pained, be grieved 1c) (Piel) to vex, torture 1d) (Hiphil) to cause pain 1e) (Hithpael) to feel grieved, be vexed Aramaic equivalent: a.tsav (עֲצַב "to pain" H6088)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: displease, grieve, hurt, make, be sorry, vex, worship, wrest. See also: Genesis 6:6; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 56:6.

וְ/אוּלָ֗ם ʼûwlâm H199 "but" Conj | Adv

This word is used to show contrast, like 'but' or 'however', and is often used to emphasize a point, as seen in its various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) but, but indeed (a strong adversative) 2) however, nevertheless

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: as for, but, howbeit, in very deed, surely, truly, wherefore. See also: Genesis 28:19; Job 2:5; Micah 3:8.

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.

יְהוָה֙ 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.

וְ/חֵ֣י chay H2416 "alive" Conj | 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.

נַפְשֶׁ֔/ךָ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

כְ/פֶ֔שַׂע pesaʻ H6587 "step" Prep | N-ms

A step refers to a stride or pace, like taking a walk, as in 2 Kings 20:10. It's a simple movement forward.

Definition: step

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: step. See also: 1 Samuel 20:3.

בֵּינִ֖/י bêyn H996 "between" Prep | Suff

Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.

Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between

Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.

וּ/בֵ֥ין bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep

Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.

Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between

הַ/מָּֽוֶת mâveth H4194 "death" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.

Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 20:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:3
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:3
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:3
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:3
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:3
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:3

Context — Jonathan Helps David

1Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” 2“Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!”

3But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”

4Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you.” 5So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 25:26	Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hand. May your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal.
2	Deuteronomy 6:13	Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.
3	2 Kings 2:6	And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.
4	1 Samuel 27:1	David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.”
5	1 Samuel 1:26	“Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.
6	2 Kings 2:4	And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.
7	2 Kings 2:2	and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
8	Jeremiah 38:16	But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.”
9	1 Corinthians 15:30–31	And why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I face death every day, brothers, as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
10	Psalms 116:3	The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow.

1 Samuel 20:3 Summary

[In this verse, David is telling Jonathan that he is in grave danger and that King Saul wants to kill him. David is so sure of this that he swears by the LORD and Jonathan's life, which shows how desperate and serious he is. This is similar to when the Psalmist in Psalms 38:9 says that his sorrow is before the LORD, and it shows that David is trusting in God's providence, just as we are called to do in Proverbs 3:5-6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David think King Saul wanted to kill him?

David believed King Saul wanted to kill him because he had found favor in Jonathan's eyes, and King Saul was afraid of losing Jonathan's loyalty, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:3 and also in 1 Samuel 18:8-9 where King Saul's jealousy is first mentioned.

What does it mean that 'there is but a step between me and death'?

This means that David felt his life was in great danger and that he could die at any moment, much like the Psalmist in Psalms 119:87 who felt his life was being threatened by his enemies, and it emphasizes David's desperation and trust in God's providence.

Why did David swear by the LORD and Jonathan's life?

David swore by the LORD and Jonathan's life to emphasize the gravity of his situation and to assure Jonathan of his honesty, much like in Deuteronomy 6:13 where the Israelites were commanded to fear and serve the LORD, and to invoke His name in truth and sincerity.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 1 Samuel?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of David and Jonathan's friendship, as it shows David's trust in Jonathan and Jonathan's loyalty to David, despite the danger posed by King Saul, and it sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the rest of 1 Samuel 20.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have felt like there was 'but a step between me and death', and how did I respond to those situations?
How can I, like David, trust in God's providence even when my life seems to be in danger or uncertain?
What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty and friendship to those around me, just as Jonathan did for David?
What can I learn from David's example about being honest and transparent with those I trust, and how can I apply that to my own relationships?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:3

And David sware moreover, and said,.... To assure Jonathan of the truth of it, that he did most certainly seek after his life, of which, as he had no doubt himself, by an oath he endeavoured to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:3

And he said unto him God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold my father will do nothing either great or And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:3

The matter being of great moment, and Jonathan doubting the truth of it, David confirms his word with an oath, which follows in the end of the verse; only he interposeth a reason why Saul concealed it from Jonathan.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:3

1 Samuel 20:3 And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death.Ver. 3. And David sware moreover.] Since Jonathan was so hard of belief, and the matter of so great importance, for better assurance David gave him, as he might do, a private oath. Ex animi sui sententia, was instead of such an oath among the heathens. But truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth,] i.e., By the life of God; that is his oath: and, As sure as thou art alive; that is his asseveration added to his oath. See the like, 1 Samuel 1:26; 1 Samuel 17:55; 2 Samuel 11:11; 2 Samuel 14:19 Jeremiah 31:3. There is but a step between me and death.] Praesentissimum est periculum meum in quo versor, As we use to say of seafaring men, that there is but an inch board, or a handbreadth between them and death, and that they have fortunam rudentibus aptam, their estates hanging on ropes; so is it with man in his best estate; o quam exigui sunt mortalium termini! o quam exigui sunt mortalium animi! but especially with such as are proscribed and sought after to be slaughtered. But here David’ s faith began to flag, as indeed it is a hard thing for the best faith, after long and sharp trial, not to buckle and hang the wing: Adeo nihil est in nobis magni, quod non queat minui; adeo nihil est ex omni parte beatum. Jun.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:3

(3) Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes.—David urges that his fall, and even his death, had been decided upon by Saul, who, knowing how Jonathan loved him, would shrink from confiding to his son his deadly plans respecting his loved friend. David, with his clear, bright intellect, looked deeper into Saul’s heart than did the heroic, guileless son. He recognised only too vividly the intensity of the king’s hatred of him; and we see in the next verse that the mournful earnestness of the son of Jesse had its effect upon the prince, who consented to make the public trial of Saul’s real mind which his friend asked for.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:3

Verse 3. There is but a step between me and death.] My life is in the most imminent danger. Your father has, most assuredly, determined to destroy me. The same figure used here, there is but a step between me and death, may be found in Juvenal, who, satirizing those who risk their lives for the sake of gain in perilous voyages, speaks thus: - I nune et ventis animam committe, dolato Confisus ligno, digitis a morte remotus Quatuor aut septem, si sit latissima teda. SAT. xii., ver. 57. "Go now, and commit thy life to the winds, trusting to a hewn plank, four or seven fingers thick, if the beam out of which it has been cut have been large enough."

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:3

3. And David sware moreover] Added an oath to the assertion in 1 Samuel 20:1. The Sept. however reads simply, “And David answered Jonathan and said.” Thy father certainly knoweth, &c.] Jonathan’s confidence that Saul would tell him all beforehand clearly implies that be supposed his father to be ignorant of the close friendship between him and David. David undeceives him on this point. there is but a step, &c.] He stands, as it were, upon the very brink of a precipice.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:3

And David sware moreover - Rather, “yet again.” He met Jonathan’s denial by repeating his statement and confirming it with an oath.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:3

	Sermon	Description
	(Depressed Disciples) Permanent Physical Infirmity by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. The preacher emphasizes that Mephibosheth was chosen by God and given fa
	The Future Life - "The Home of the Soul" by W.B. Dunkum	W.B. Dunkum preaches about the probationary nature of time, emphasizing the importance of preparing for eternity while we are still in time. He discusses the indistinct knowledge o
	Your Reasonable Service by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and achievements of Blaise Pascal, whom he considers the greatest intellectual in world history. He highlights Pascal's early mathema
	The Humiliation of Manna by George Warnock	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus being led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The preacher emphasizes that this event signifies God's anger to
	(Luke) 12 - Intro to the Temptation by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Gospel of Luke and presents Jesus as the Son of all mankind and the Savior of everybody. The key verse is Luke 19:10, which states that
	Motivating Factors in Service by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the two motivating factors that influence our service to God: the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. He encourages listeners to examine
	(Following the Footsteps of Christ) by the Lake of Genesaret by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Peter and Jesus in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that salvation comes from the Lord and not from our