1 Samuel 20:7

1 Samuel 20:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions.

King James Version KJV

If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him.

American Standard Version ASV

If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be wroth, then know that evil is determined by him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

If he says, It is well, your servant will be at peace: but if he is angry, then it will be clear to you that he has an evil purpose in mind against me.

Free Bible Version FBV

If he says, ‘That's fine,’ then there's no problem for me, your servant, but if he gets mad, you'll know he intends to do me harm.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And if he say thus, It is well, thy seruant shall haue peace: but if he be angrie, be sure that wickednesse is concluded of him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

If thus he say: Good; peace [is] for thy servant; and if it be very displeasing to him — know that the evil hath been determined by him;

World English Bible WEB

If he says, ‘It is well,’ your servant shall have peace; but if he is angry, then know that evil is determined by him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

If he shall say thus, It is well; thy servant will have peace: but if he shall be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If he shall say, It is well: thy servant shall have peace: but if he be angry, know that his malice is come to its height.

Translation for Translators T4T

If your father says ‘That is okay’, then I know I will be safe. But if he becomes extremely angry, you will know that he is determined to harm me.

Plain English Version PEV

If he says, ‘All right,’ you will know that he will not hurt me. But if he gets angry, you will know that he wants to kill me.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:7

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 20:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אִם כֹּ֥ה יֹאמַ֛ר ט֖וֹב שָׁל֣וֹם לְ/עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ וְ/אִם חָרֹ֤ה יֶֽחֱרֶה֙ ל֔/וֹ דַּ֕ע כִּֽי כָלְתָ֥ה הָ/רָעָ֖ה מֵ/עִמּֽ/וֹ

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

יֹאמַ֛ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

ט֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj

שָׁל֣וֹם shâlôwm H7965 Peace N-ms

לְ/עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Prep | N-ms | Suff

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj

חָרֹ֤ה chârâh H2734 to be incensed V-Qal-Ptc

יֶֽחֱרֶה֙ chârâh H2734 to be incensed V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff

דַּ֕ע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Impv-2ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

כָלְתָ֥ה kâlâh H3615 to end V-Qal-Perf-3fs

הָ/רָעָ֖ה raʻ H7451 bad Art | N-fs

מֵ/עִמּֽ/וֹ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:7

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.

כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

יֹאמַ֛ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-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.

ט֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

שָׁל֣וֹם shâlôwm H7965 "Peace" N-ms

This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.

Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.

לְ/עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | Conj

חָרֹ֤ה chârâh H2734 "to be incensed" V-Qal-Ptc

To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation

Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.

יֶֽחֱרֶה֙ chârâh H2734 "to be incensed" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.

ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

דַּ֕ע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

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.

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.

כָלְתָ֥ה kâlâh H3615 "to end" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.

Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.

הָ/רָעָ֖ה raʻ H7451 "bad" Art | N-fs

Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.

Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions

Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.

מֵ/עִמּֽ/וֹ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 20:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:7
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:7

Context — Jonathan Helps David

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. 6If your father misses me at all, tell him, ‘David urgently requested my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan.’

7If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions.

8Therefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” 9“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 25:17	Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!”
2	Esther 7:7	In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him.
3	Deuteronomy 1:23	The plan seemed good to me, so I selected twelve men from among you, one from each tribe.
4	2 Samuel 17:4	This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
5	1 Samuel 20:9	“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?”

1 Samuel 20:7 Summary

This verse is saying that if King Saul is happy and says 'good', then David is safe, but if he is angry, it means he has bad plans for David. This is like when someone is mad at us, and we can tell by how they react, as in Ephesians 4:32. Jonathan is trying to help David figure out what his father is thinking, and this shows how much Jonathan cares about David, much like the friendship in 1 Samuel 18:1-4. It's a reminder that our reactions and emotions can reveal our true intentions, and we should strive to be like Jonathan, who is a good friend and shows kindness, as in Proverbs 22:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of King Saul's reaction in this verse?

King Saul's reaction will determine whether David is in danger or not, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:7, and this is a crucial moment in their relationship, highlighting the themes of trust and loyalty found in Proverbs 27:6.

How does Jonathan's statement relate to his character?

Jonathan's statement shows his commitment to David and his desire to protect him, demonstrating the kind of loyalty and friendship described in Proverbs 17:17 and the covenant they made before the Lord, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 20:8.

What does this verse reveal about David's situation?

This verse reveals that David is in a precarious situation, relying on Jonathan to gauge his father's mood and intentions, much like the prophet Jeremiah had to navigate the complexities of royal politics in Jeremiah 38:14-28.

How does this verse fit into the broader narrative of 1 Samuel?

This verse is part of the larger story of David's rise to power and his complex relationship with King Saul, which is a central theme in 1 Samuel, and is reminiscent of the struggles of other biblical leaders, such as Joseph in Genesis 37:18-36.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can apply Jonathan's loyalty and commitment to my own relationships, and what does 1 Corinthians 13:7 say about love and loyalty?
How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem uncertain, as in Psalm 23:4 or Jeremiah 29:11?
In what ways can I be more discerning about the intentions and emotions of those around me, as Jonathan is in this verse, and what does Proverbs 10:23 say about understanding and wisdom?
What are some times in my life when I have had to navigate difficult or uncertain situations, and how can I learn from David's example in this verse, considering also the wisdom in Isaiah 30:21?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:7

If he say thus, [it is] well,.... It is very well, it is very good and right in him to do so: thy servant shall have peace; it will be a token that the wrath of the king was removed, and that his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:7

If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:7

Then be sure, Heb. know thou; for indeed David knew well enough that Saul designed to kill him.; but he useth this course for Jonathan’ s information and satisfaction, and for his own greater vindication, if he did wholly withdraw himself from Saul, and from his wife; which he foresaw he should be forced to do.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:7

1 Samuel 20:7 If he say thus, [It is] well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, [then] be sure that evil is determined by him.Ver. 7. But if he be very wroth.] The Rabbis have a saying, that three ways men discover their dispositions - viz., bekis, bekos, becagnash, in their purses, cups, and passions.

← 1 Samuel 20:6 1 Samuel 20:8 →