The Covenant of David and Jonathan

1 Samuel 20

David and Jonathan use David's absence from the new moon feast to test Saul's intentions, and when Saul reveals murderous anger toward David even against his own son, Jonathan signals David through a prearranged arrow code to flee; the two part after renewing their covenant of loyalty before the Lord.

About these editions

The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.

Thomson 1808Septuagint

Brenton 1851Septuagint

Greek · BrentonSeptuagint

KJV 1769Masoretic

JPS 1917Masoretic

ThomsonAND David fled from Navath in Rama, and came to Jonathan, and said, What have I done? And what is my offense? And wherein have I sinned in the sight of thy father, that he seeketh my life?

BrentonAnd David fled from Navath in Rama, and comes into the presence of Jonathan; and he said, What have I done, and what is my fault, and wherein have I sinned before thy father, that he seeks my life?

GreekΚαὶ ἀπέδρα Δαυὶδ ἐκ Ναυὰθ ἐν Ῥαμᾷ, καὶ ἔρχεται ἐνώπιον Ἰωνάθαν, καὶ εἶπε, τί πεποίηκα, καὶ τί τὸ ἀδίκημά μου, καὶ τί ἡμάρτηκα ἐνώπιον τοῦ πατρός σου, ὅτι ἐπιζητεῖ τὴν ψυχήν μου;

KJVAnd David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?

JPSAnd David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan: ‘What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?’

ThomsonAnd Jonathan said to him, God forbid! Thou must not die. Behold my father can do nothing, great or small, without telling me. Why then should he conceal from me such a thing as this? It is not so.

BrentonAnd Jonathan said to him, Far be it from thee: thou shalt not die: behold, my father will not do any thing great or small without discovering it to me; and why should my father hide this matter from me? this thing is not so.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Ἰωνάθαν, μηδαμῶς σοι, οὐ μὴ ἀποθάνῃς· ἰδοὺ οὐ μὴ ποιήσῃ ὁ πατήρ μου ῥῆμα μέγα ἢ μικρὸν, καὶ οὐκ ἀποκαλύψει τὸ ὠτίον μου· καὶ τί ὅτι κρύψει ὁ πατήρ μου ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο; οὐκ ἔστι τοῦτο.

KJVAnd he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.

JPSAnd he said unto him: ‘Far from it; thou shalt not die; behold, my father doeth nothing either great or small, but that he discloseth it unto me; and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.’

ThomsonAnd David in reply to Jonathan, said, Thy father knoweth well, that I have found favour in thy sight, therefore he said, Jonathan must not know this. He will not consent. But as the Lord liveth, and thy soul liveth, it is as I said. There is but a step between me and death.

BrentonAnd David answered Jonathan, and said, Thy father knows surely that I have found grace in thy sight, and he said, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he refuse his consent: but as the Lord lives and thy soul lives, as I said, the space is filled up between me and death.

GreekΚαὶ ἀπεκρίθη Δαυὶδ τῷ Ἰωνάθαν, καὶ εἶπε, γινώσκων οἶδεν ὁ πατήρ σου, ὅτι, εὕρηκα χάριν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς σου, καὶ εἶπε, μὴ γνῶναι τοῦτο Ἰωνάθαν, μὴ οὐ βούληται· ἀλλὰ ζῇ Κύριος καὶ ζῇ ἡ ψυχή σου, ὅτι καθὼς εἶπον, ἐμπέπλησται ἀναμέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ τοῦ θανάτου.

KJVAnd 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.

JPSAnd David swore moreover, and said: ‘Thy father knoweth well that I have found favour 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.’

ThomsonThen Jonathan said to David, What doth thy soul desire? And, What shall I do for thee?

BrentonAnd Jonathan said to David, What does thy soul desire, and what shall I do for thee?

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν Ἰωνάθαν πρὸς Δαυὶδ, τί ἐπιθυμεῖ ἡ ψυχή σου, καὶ τί ποιήσω σοι;

KJVThen said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.

JPSThen said Jonathan unto David: ‘What doth thy soul desire, that I should do it for thee?’

ThomsonAnd David said to Jonathan, Behold, to-morrow is the new moon. As for me, I will not sit down to eat. Thou shalt let me go, and I will hide myself in the field till evening.

BrentonAnd David said to Jonathan, Behold, to-morrow is the new moon, and I shall not on any account sit down to eat, but thou shalt let me go, and I will hide in the plain till the evening.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε Δαυὶδ πρὸς Ἰωνάθαν, ἰδοὺ δὴ νεομηνία αὔριον, καὶ ἐγὼ καθίσας οὐ καθήσομαι φαγεῖν, καὶ ἐξαποστελεῖς με, καὶ κρυβήσομαι ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ ἕως δείλης.

KJVAnd David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even.

JPSAnd David said unto Jonathan: ‘Behold, to-morrow is the new moon, when I should sit with the king to eat; so let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even.

ThomsonAnd if thy father look and inquire for me, thou shalt say, David earnestly intreated me, that he might run to Bethlehem, his city, because there is an annual sacrifice there, for the whole community.

BrentonAnd if thy father do in anywise enquire for me, then shalt thou say, David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethleem his city, for there is there a yearly sacrifice for all the family.

GreekΚαὶ ἐὰν ἐπισκεπτόμενος ἐπισκέψηταί με ὁ πατήρ σου, καὶ ἐρεῖς, παραιτούμενος παρῃτήσατο ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ Δαυὶδ δραμεῖν ἕως εἰς Βηθλεὲμ τὴν πόλιν αὐτοῦ, ὅτι θυσία τῶν ἡμερῶν ἐκεῖ ὅλῃ τῇ φυλῇ.

KJVIf 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.

JPSIf thy father miss me at all, then say: David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Beth-lehem his city; for it is the yearly sacrifice there for all the family.

ThomsonIf he say, Very well, there is peace for thy servant. But if he answer thee sharply, be assured that this mischief is fully determined on by him.

BrentonIf he shall say thus, Well,— all is safe for thy servant: but if he shall answer harshly to thee, know that evil is determined by him.

GreekἘὰν τάδε εἴπῃ, ἀγαθῶς, εἰρήνη τῷ δούλῳ σου· καὶ ἐὰν σκληρῶς ἀποκριθῇ σοι, γνῶθι ὅτι συντετέλεσται ἡ κακία παρʼ αὐτοῦ.

KJVIf 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.

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

ThomsonNow thou must deal mercifully with thy servant, because thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee. If indeed there be iniquity in thy servant, put me to death thyself. Why shouldst thou in that case bring me to thy father?

BrentonAnd thou shalt deal mercifully with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thyself: and if there is iniquity in thy servant, slay me thyself; but why dost thou thus bring me to thy father?

GreekΚαὶ ποιήσεις ἔλεος μετὰ δούλου σου, ὅτι εἰσήγαγες εἰς διαθήκην Κυρίου τὸν δοῦλόν σου μετὰ σεαυτοῦ· καὶ εἰ ἔστιν ἀδικία ἐν τῷ δούλῳ σου, θανάτωσόν με σὺ, καὶ ἕως τοῦ πατρός σου ἱνατί οὕτως εἰσάγεις με;

KJVTherefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

JPSTherefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee; but if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?’

ThomsonAnd Jonathan said, Far be it from thee. For if I know certainly that this mischief is fully determined on by my father, to come upon thee, provided it be not against thy cities, I will tell thee.

BrentonAnd Jonathan said, That be far from thee: for if I surely know that evil is determined by my father to come upon thee, although it should not be against thy cities, I will tell thee.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν Ἰωνάθαν, μηδαμῶς σοι· ὅτι ἐὰν γινῶσκων γνῶ ὅτι συντετέλεσται ἡ κακία παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ ἐλθεῖν ἐπὶ σὲ, καὶ ἐὰν μὴ ᾖ εἰς τὰς πόλεις σου, ἐγὼ ἀπαγγελῶ σοι.

KJVAnd Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

JPSAnd Jonathan said: ‘Far be it from thee; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

ThomsonThen David said to Jonathan, Who shall tell me, if thy father hath answered roughly?

BrentonAnd David said to Jonathan, Who can tell me if thy father should answer roughly?

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε Δαυὶδ πρὸς Ἰωνάθαν, τίς ἀπαγγείλῃ μοι, ἐὰν ἀποκριθῇ ὁ πατήρ σου σκληρῶς;

KJVThen said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?

JPSThen said David to Jonathan: ‘Who shall tell me if perchance thy father answer thee roughly?’

ThomsonWhereupon Jonathan said to David, Come and stay in the field. So they both went out to the field.

BrentonAnd Jonathan said to David, Go, and abide in the field. And they went out both into the field.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν Ἰωνάθαν πρὸς Δαυὶδ, πορεύου, καὶ μὲνε εἰς ἀγρόν· καὶ ἐκπορεύονται ἀμφότεροι εἰς ἀγρόν.

KJVAnd Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

JPSAnd Jonathan said unto David: ‘Come and let us go out into the field.’ And they went out both of them into the field.

ThomsonThen Jonathan said to David, The Lord God of Israel knoweth, that I will, as occasion offereth, during the three days, sound my father, and whether good or ill be determined in respect to David, I will send thee word into this field.

BrentonAnd Jonathan said to David, The Lord God of Israel knows that I will sound my father as I have an opportunity, three several times, and, behold, if good should be determined concerning David, and I do not send to thee to the field,

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν Ἰωνάθαν πρὸς Δαυὶδ, Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς Ἰσραὴλ οἶδεν, ὅτι ἀνακρινῶ τὸν πάτερα μου ὡς ἂν ὁ καιρὸς, τρισσῶς, καὶ ἰδοὺ ἀγαθὸν ᾖ περὶ Δαυὶδ, καὶ οὐ μὴ ἀποστείλω πρὸς σὲ εἰς ἀγρὸν,

KJVAnd Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;

JPSAnd Jonathan said unto David: ‘The LORD, the God of Israel—when I have sounded my father about this time to-morrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee?

ThomsonGod do so to Jonathan, and more also, if I do not disclose the evils against thee, and send thee away that thou mayst go in peace. And the Lord be with thee as He hath been with my father;

BrentonGod do so to Jonathan and more also: as I shall also report the evil to thee, and make it known to thee, and I will let thee go; and thou shalt depart in peace, and the Lord shall be with thee, as he was with my father.

Greekτάδε ποιήσαι ὁ Θεὸς τῷ Ἰωνάθαν καὶ τάδε προσθείη· ὅτι ἀνοίσω τὰ κακὰ ἐπὶ σὲ, καὶ ἀποκαλύψω τὸ ὠτίον σου, καὶ ἐξαποστελῶ σε καὶ ἀπελεύσῃ εἰς εἰρήνην, καὶ ἔσται Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ καθὼς ἦν μετὰ τοῦ πατρός μου.

KJVThe 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.

JPSThe LORD 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 the LORD be with thee, as He hath been with my father.

Thomson—

BrentonAnd if indeed I continue to live, then shalt thou deal mercifully with me; and if I indeed die,

GreekΚαὶ ἐὰν μὲν ἔτι μου ζῶντος, καὶ ποιήσεις ἔλεος μετʼ ἐμοῦ· καὶ ἐὰν θανάτῳ ἀποθάνω,

KJVAnd thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:

JPSAnd thou shalt not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not;

Thomsonthou withdraw not thy kindness from my house forever; and with this further proviso, that when the Lord removeth the enemies of David, every one [of them] from the face of the earth, the family of Jonathan be not sought for by the house of David,

Brentonthou shalt not withdraw thy mercy from my house for ever: and if thou doest not, when the Lord cuts off the enemies of David each from the face of the earth,

Greekοὐκ ἐξαρεῖς ἔλεός σου ἀπὸ τοῦ οἴκου μου ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος· καὶ εἰ μὴ, ἐν τῷ ἐξαίρειν Κύριον τοὺς ἐχθροὺς Δαυὶδ ἔκαστον ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου τῆς γῆς,

KJVBut also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.

JPSbut also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever; no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.’

Thomsonmay the Lord search out the enemies of David.

Brentonshould it happen that the name of Jonathan be discovered by the house of David, then let the Lord seek out the enemies of David.

Greekεὑρεθῆναι τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Ἰωνάθαν ἀπὸ τοῦ οἴκου Δαυὶδ, καὶ ἐκζητῆσαι Κύριος ἐχθροὺς τοῦ Δαυίδ.

KJVSo Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David’s enemies.

JPSSo Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David: ‘The LORD even require it at the hand of David’s enemies.’

ThomsonAnd Jonathan repeated again his oath to David, for he loved the soul of one who loved him.

BrentonAnd Jonathan swore yet again to David, because he loved the soul of him that loved him.

GreekΚαὶ προσέθετο ἔτι Ἰωνάθαν ὀμόσαι τῷ Δαυίδ, ὅτι ἠγάπησε ψυχὴν ἀγαπῶντος αὐτόν.

KJVAnd Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

JPSAnd Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

ThomsonThen Jonathan said, To-morrow is new moon, therefore thou shalt hide thyself, that thy seat may be vacant;

BrentonAnd Jonathan said, To-morrow is the new moon, and thou wilt be enquired for, because thy seat will be observed as vacant.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν Ἰωνάθαν, αὔριον νεομηνία, καὶ ἐπισκεπήσῃ, ὅτι ἐπισκεπήσεται καθέδρα σου.

KJVThen Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

JPSAnd Jonathan said unto him: ‘To-morrow is the new moon; and thou wilt be missed, thy seat will be empty.

Thomsonand when thou hast done so for three days, thou shalt watch an opportunity, and come to this place, where thou mayst conceal thyself on that busy day, and thou shalt sit near that Ergab.

BrentonAnd thou shalt stay three days, and watch an opportunity, and shalt come to thy place where thou mayest hide thyself in the day of thy business, and thou shalt wait by that ergab.

GreekΚαὶ τρισσεύσεις καὶ ἐπισκεψῃ καὶ ἥξεις εἰς τὸν τόπον σου οὗ κρυβῇς ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ ἐργασίμῃ, καὶ καθήσῃ παρὰ τὸ ἐργὰβ ἐκεῖνο.

KJVAnd when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.

JPSAnd in the third day thou shalt hide thyself well, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself in the day of work, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.

Thomson—

BrentonAnd I will shoot three arrows, aiming them at a mark.

GreekΚαὶ ἐγὼ τρισσεύσω ταῖς σχίζαις ἀκοντίζων, ἐκπέμπων εἰς τὴν ʼΑματταρί.

KJVAnd I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.

JPSAnd I will shoot three arrows to the side-ward, as though I shot at a mark.

ThomsonAnd behold I will send a servant and say, Go, find me the dart. If I say to the servant, “Here, the dart is from thee, even here,” pick it up. Come thou to me, for there is peace for thee. And the matter is over, as the Lord liveth.

BrentonAnd behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go find me the arrow.

GreekΚαὶ ἰδοὺ ἀποστέλλω τὸ παιδάριον, λέγων, δεῦρο, εὗρέ μοι τὴν σχίζαν. Ἐὰν εἴπω λέγων τῷ παιδαρίῳ, ὧδε ἡ σχίζα ἀπὸ σοῦ καὶ ὧδε, λάβε αὐτήν· παραγίνου, ὅτι εἰρήνη σοι, καὶ οὐκ ἔστι λόγος, ζῇ Κύριος·

KJVAnd, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.

JPSAnd, behold, I will send the lad: Go, find the arrows. If I say unto the lad: Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee; take them, and come; for there is peace to thee and no hurt, as the LORD liveth.

ThomsonBut if I say to the lad, “Here, the dart is from thee there,” Go thou away, for the Lord hath sent thee away.

BrentonIf I should expressly say to the lad, The arrow is here, and on this side of thee, take it; then come, for it is well with thee, and there is no reason for fear, as the Lord lives: but if I should say thus to the young man, The arrow is on that side of thee, and beyond; go, for the Lord hath sent thee away.

Greekἐὰν τάδε εἴπω τῷ νεανίσκῳ, ὧδε ἡ σχίζα ἀπὸ σοῦ καὶ ἐπέκεινα· πορεύου, ὅτι ἐξαπέσταλκέ σε Κύριος.

KJVBut if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.

JPSBut if I say thus unto the boy: Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way; for the LORD hath sent thee away.

ThomsonNow touching the matter of which I and thou have spoken, behold the Lord is witness between me and thee forever.

BrentonAnd as for the word which thou and I have spoken, behold, the Lord is witness between me and thee for ever.

GreekΚαὶ τὸ ῥῆμα ὃ ἐλαλήσαμεν ἐγὼ καὶ σὺ, ἰδοὺ Κύριος μάρτυς ἀναμέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ ἕως αἰῶνος.

KJVAnd as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.

JPSAnd as touching the matter which I and thou have spoken of, behold, the LORD is between me and thee for ever.’

ThomsonSo David hid himself in the field, and when the new moon came,

BrentonSo David hides himself in the field, and the new month arrives, and the king comes to the table to eat.

GreekΚαὶ κρύπτεται Δαυὶδ ἐν ἀγρῷ, καὶ παραγίνεται ὁ μὴν, καὶ ἔρχεται ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐπὶ τὴν τράπεζαν τοῦ φαγεῖν.

KJVSo David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.

JPSSo David hid himself in the field; and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to the meal to eat.

Thomsonthe king came to the table to dine. And when he had seated himself as heretofore, on the seat by the wall, he faced Jonathan, and Abenner sat by Saul’s side, but David’s seat was vacant.

BrentonAnd he sat upon his seat as in former times, even on his seat by the wall, and he went before Jonathan; and Abenner sat on one side of Saul, and the place of David was empty.

GreekΚαὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐπὶ τὴν καθέδραν αὐτοῦ ὡς ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ ἐπὶ τῆς καθέδρας παρὰ τοῖχον, καὶ προέφθασε τὸν Ἰωνάθαν, καὶ ἐκάθισεν Ἀβεννὴρ ἐκ πλαγίων Σαοὺλ, καὶ ἐπεσκέπη ὁ τόπος Δαυίδ.

KJVAnd the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, and David’s place was empty.

JPSAnd the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon the seat by the wall; and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat by Saul’s side; but David’s place was empty.

ThomsonAnd on that day Saul said nothing, for he thought it was accidental—that being unclean he had not purified himself.

BrentonAnd Saul said nothing on that day, for he said, It seems to have fallen out that he is not clean, because he has not purified himself.

GreekΚαὶ οὐκ ἐλάλησε Σαοὺλ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ, ὅτι εἴρηκε, σύμπτωμα φαίνεται, μὴ καθαρὸς εἶναι, ὅτι οὐ κεκαθάρισται.

KJV—

JPS—

ThomsonBut on the morrow, the second day of the moon, when David’s seat was vacant, Saul said to his son Jonathan, Why hath not the son of Jessai come to table yesterday and to-day?

BrentonAnd it came to pass on the morrow, on the second day of the month, that the place of David was empty; and Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why has not the son of Jessæ attended both yesterday and to-day at the table?

GreekΚαὶ ἐγενήθη τῇ ἐπαύριον τοῦ μηνὸς τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ δευτέρᾳ, καὶ ἐπεσκέπη ὁ τόπος τοῦ Δαυίδ· καὶ εἶπε Σαοὺλ πρὸς Ἰωνάθαν τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ, τί ὅτι οὐ παραγέγονεν ὁ υἱὸς Ἰεσσαὶ καὶ ἐχθὲς καὶ σήμερον ἐπὶ τὴν τράπεζαν;

KJVAnd it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David’s place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

JPSAnd it came to pass on the morrow after the new moon, which was the second day, that David’s place was empty; and Saul said unto Jonathan his son: ‘Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to the meal, neither yesterday, nor to-day?’

ThomsonAnd Jonathan answered Saul and said to him, David earnestly entreated me, that he might go to his city Bethlehem,

BrentonAnd Jonathan answered Saul, and said to him, David asked leave of me to go as far as Bethleem his city;

GreekΚαὶ ἀπεκρίθη Ἰωνάθαν τῷ Σαοὺλ, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, παρῄτηται παρʼ ἐμοῦ Δαυὶδ ἕως εἰς Βηθλεὲμ τὴν πόλιν αὐτοῦ πορευθῆναι.

KJVAnd Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:

JPSAnd Jonathan answered Saul: ‘David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem;

Thomsonand said, Let me go, I entreat thee, for we have a sacrifice of our community in the city, and my brethren have sent for me. Now therefore if I have found favour in thy sight, let me, I pray thee, go down and see my brethren. For this cause he hath not come to the king’s table.

Brentonand he said, Let me go, I pray thee, for we have a family sacrifice in the city, and my brethren have sent for me; and now, if I have found grace in thine eyes, I will even go over and see my brethren: therefore he is not present at the table of the king.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν, ἐξαπόστειλον δή με, ὅτι θυσία τῆς φυλῆς ἡμῖν ἐν τῇ πόλει, καὶ ἐνετείλαντο πρὸς μὲ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου· καὶ νῦν εἰ εὕρηκα χάριν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς σου, διαβήσομαι δὴ καὶ ὄψομαι τοὺς ἀδελφούς μου· διὰ τοῦτο οὐ παραγέγονεν ἐπὶ τὴν τράπεζαν τοῦ βασιλέως.

KJVAnd he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king’s table.

JPSand he said: Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me; and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he is not come unto the king’s table.’

ThomsonUpon this Saul was greatly enraged at Jonathan, and said to him, Thou son of the perverse and rebellious! For do I not know that thou art an accomplice of the son of Jessai, to thy own shame, and the confusion of thy mother?

BrentonAnd Saul was exceedingly angry with Jonathan, and said to him, Thou son of traitorous damsels! for do I not know that thou art an accomplice with the son of Jessæ to thy shame, and to the shame of thy mother's nakedness?

GreekΚαὶ ἐθυμώθη ὀργῇ Σαοὺλ ἐπὶ Ἰωνάθαν σφόδρα, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, υἱὲ κορασίων αὐτομολούντων, οὐ γὰρ οἶδα ὅτι μέτοχος εἶ σὺ τῷ υἱῷ Ἰεσσαὶ εἰς αἰσχύνην σου, καὶ εἰς αἰσχύνην ἀποκαλύψεως μητρός σου;

KJVThen Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother’s nakedness?

JPSThen Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him: ‘Thou son of perverse rebellion, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own shame, and unto the shame of thy mother’s nakedness?

ThomsonFor as long as the son of Jessai liveth, thy kingdom will not be established. Now therefore send and seize that young man, for he shall surely die.

BrentonFor so long as the son of Jessæ lives upon the earth, thy kingdom shall not be established: now then send and take the young man, for he shall surely die.

Greekὅτι πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας ἃς ὁ υἱὸς Ἰεσσαὶ ζῇ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οὐχ ἑτοιμασθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία σου· νῦν οὖν ἀποστείλας λάβε τὸν νεανίαν, ὅτι υἱὸς θανάτου οὗτος.

KJVFor as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.

JPSFor as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the earth, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he deserveth to die.’

ThomsonAnd when Jonathan in reply said to Saul, Why must he die? What hath he done?

BrentonAnd Jonathan answered Saul, Why is he to die? what has he done?

GreekΚαὶ ἀπεκρίθη Ἰωνάθαν τῷ Σαοὺλ, ἵνατί ἀποθνήσκει; τί πεποίηκε;

KJVAnd Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?

JPSAnd Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him: ‘Wherefore should he be put to death? what hath he done?’

ThomsonSaul lifted up his spear against Jonathan, to put him to death. So Jonathan knew that his father was fully bent on this mischief, to slay David,

BrentonAnd Saul lifted up his spear against Jonathan to slay him: so Jonathan knew that this evil was determined on by his father to slay David.

GreekΚαὶ ἐπῇρε Σαοὺλ τὸ δόρυ ἐπὶ Ἰωνάθαν τοῦ θανατῶσαι αὐτόν· καὶ ἔγνω Ἰωνάθαν ὅτι συντετέλεσται ἡ κακία αὕτη παρὰ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ θανατῶσαι τὸν Δαυίδ.

KJVAnd Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

JPSAnd Saul cast his spear at him to smite him; whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to put David to death.

Thomsonand started up from the table in great wrath, and did not eat bread the second day of the moon: for he was grieved for David, because his father was determinedly set against him.

BrentonAnd Jonathan sprang up from the table in great anger, and did not eat bread on the second day of the month, for he grieved bitterly for David, because his father determined on mischief against him.

GreekΚαὶ ἀνεπήδησεν Ἰωνάθαν ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης ἐν ὀργῇ θυμοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἔφαγεν ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ τοῦ μηνὸς ἄρτον, ὅτι ἐθρανσθη ἐπὶ τὸν Δαυὶδ, ὅτι συνετέλεσεν ἐπʼ αὐτὸν ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ.

KJVSo Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.

JPSSo Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no food the second day of the month; for he was grieved for David, and because his father had put him to shame.

ThomsonAnd when it was morning Jonathan went out to the field, as he had fixed by appointment with David, and a little boy with him.

BrentonAnd morning came, and Jonathan went out to the field, as he appointed to do for a signal to David, and a little boy was with him.

GreekΚαὶ ἐγενήθη πρωὶ, καὶ ἐξῆλθεν Ἰωνάθαν εἰς ἀγρόν, καθὼς ἐτάξατο εἰς τὸ μαρτύριον Δαυίδ, καὶ παιδάριον μικρὸν μετʼ αὐτοῦ.

KJVAnd it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.

JPSAnd it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.

ThomsonAnd he said to the lad, Run, find for me the dart which I threw. And as the boy was running, he threw a dart, and it passed the other;

BrentonAnd he said to the boy, Run, find me the arrows which I shoot: and the boy ran, and Jonathan shot an arrow, and sent it beyond him.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε τῷ παιδαρίω, δράυε, εὗρέ μοι τὰς σχίζας ἐν αἷς ἐγὼ ἀκοντίζω· και τὸ παιδάμε ἔδραυε, και αὐτὸς ἠκόντισε τῇ σχίζῃ, καὶ παρήγαγεν αὐτήν.

KJVAnd he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

JPSAnd he said unto his lad: ‘Run, find now the arrows which I shoot.’ And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

Thomsonand when the boy came to the place where the dart lay which Jonathan had thrown, Jonathan cried with a loud voice after the boy, and said, There: the dart is from thee, even there.

BrentonAnd the boy came to the place where the arrow was which Jonathan shot; and Jonathan cried out after the lad, and said, The arrow is on that side of thee and beyond thee.

GreekΚαὶ ἦλθεν τὸ παιδάριον ἕως τοῦ τόπου τῆς σχίζης οὗ ἠκόντιζεν Ἰωνάθαν· καὶ ἀνεβόησεν Ἰωνάθαν ὀπίσω τοῦ νεανίου, καὶ εἶπεν, ἐκεῖ ἡ σχίζα ἀπὸ σοῦ καὶ ἐπέκεινα·

KJVAnd when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?

JPSAnd when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said: ‘Is not the arrow beyond thee?’

ThomsonThen Jonathan cried with a loud voice after the boy, saying, Haste with all speed. Tarry not. So when Jonathan’s servant had picked up the darts, and brought them to his master

BrentonAnd Jonathan cried out after his boy, saying, Make all speed, and stay not. And Jonathan's boy gathered up the arrows, and brought the arrows to his master.

GreekΚαὶ ἀνεβόησεν Ἰωνάθαν ὀπίσω τοῦ παιδαρίου αὐτοῦ, λέγων, ταχύνας σπεῦσον, καὶ μὴ στῇς· καὶ ἀνέλεξε τὸ παιδάριον Ἰωνάθαν τὰς σχίζας, καὶ ἤνεγκε τὰς σχίζας πρὸς τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ.

KJVAnd Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan’s lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.

JPSAnd Jonathan cried after the lad: ‘Make speed, hasten, stay not.’ And Jonathan’s lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.

Thomson(Now the boy knew nothing, Jonathan and David only understood the matter)

BrentonAnd the boy knew nothing, only Jonathan and David knew.

Greekκαὶ τὸ παιδάριον οὐκ ἔγνω οὐθὲν, πάρεξ Ἰωνάθαν καὶ Δαυίδ.

KJVBut the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

JPSBut the lad knew not any thing; only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

ThomsonJonathan gave his weapons to the servant, and said to him, Go, return to the city.

BrentonAnd Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy, and said to his boy, Go, enter into the city.

Greekκαὶ Ἰωνάθαν ἔδωκε τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὸ παιδάριον αὐτοῦ, καὶ εἶπε τῷ παιδαρίῳ αὐτοῦ, πορεύου, εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν πόλιν.

KJVAnd Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.

JPSAnd Jonathan gave his weapons unto his lad, and said unto him: ‘Go, carry them to the city.’

ThomsonAnd when the servant was gone, David arose from the Argab, and fell on his face, and made obeisance to him three times. And when they had kissed each other, and wept over each other a great while,

BrentonAnd when the lad went in, then David arose from the argab, and fell upon his face, and did obeisance to him three times, and they kissed each other, and wept for each other, for a great while.

GreekΚαὶ ὡς εἰσῆλθε τὸ παιδάριον, καὶ Δαυὶδ ἀνέστη ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀργὰβ, καὶ ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ, καὶ προσεκύνησεν αὐτῷ τρίς, καὶ κατεφίλησεν ἕκαστος τὸν πλησίον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔκλαυσεν ἕκαστος τῷ πλησίον αὐτοῦ, ἕως συντελείας μεγάλης.

KJVAnd as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

JPSAnd as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the South, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down three times; and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

ThomsonJonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have both sworn by the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be a witness between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed, forever. Then David arose and departed, and Jonathan returned to the city.

BrentonAnd Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, and as we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord shall be witness between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever— even so let it be.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν Ἰωνάθαν τῷ Δαυὶδ, πορεύου εἰς εἰρήνην, καὶ ὡς ὀμωμόκαμεν ἡμεῖς ἀμφότεροι ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου, λέγοντες, Κύριος ἔσται μάρτυς ἀνὰμέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ, καὶ ἀνὰμέσον τοῦ σηέρματός μου καὶ ἀναμέσον τοῦ σπέρματός σον ἕως αἰῶνος·

KJV—

JPSAnd Jonathan said to David: ‘Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying: The LORD shall be between me and thee, and Between my seed and thy seed, for ever.’