1 samuel 20:3 - 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 Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 samuel 20:3" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 20:3 reveals the deep and dangerous situation David finds himself in, and the intensity of his friendship with Jonathan. Let's break it down:
"David swore moreover, and said...": This highlights David's urgency and conviction. He's making a solemn oath, underscoring the seriousness of his concerns.
"Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes...": David is reminding Jonathan that King Saul is aware of the deep bond of affection and loyalty between David and Jonathan. Saul recognizes that Jonathan favors and protects David.
"...and he says, ‘Don’t let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved:’": This is the crux of the problem. Saul is actively trying to hide his murderous intentions from Jonathan. He knows that if Jonathan knew the extent of Saul's hatred and desire to kill David, Jonathan would be deeply hurt and distressed. Saul is essentially manipulating Jonathan's love for David.
"but truly as Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives...": This is a powerful oath. David swears by God (Yahweh) and by the life of Jonathan himself. This emphasizes the absolute truthfulness of what he's about to say. Using "as your soul lives" is a strong appeal to the bond they share.
"...there is but a step between me and death.": This is the core statement of the verse. It means David is incredibly close to being killed. He is saying that he is on the brink of death. Saul's pursuit is so relentless that David feels he could die at any moment. The phrase "but a step" creates a vivid image of how precarious his situation is.
In essence, the verse means:
David is making a desperate appeal to Jonathan, assuring him that he understands Saul is hiding his true intentions. David swears by God and Jonathan's life that he is in imminent danger of being killed. He needs Jonathan's help because his life hangs by a thread.
Context is Important:
This verse is part of a larger conversation between David and Jonathan. Saul's jealousy and paranoia have driven him to try to kill David repeatedly. Jonathan, torn between his loyalty to his father and his love for David, is struggling to understand the full extent of Saul's hatred. David is trying to convince Jonathan of the true danger he is in, knowing that Jonathan's intervention is vital for his survival.
1 samuel 20:3 - 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 Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.”
What does "1 samuel 20:3" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 20:3 reveals the deep and dangerous situation David finds himself in, and the intensity of his friendship with Jonathan. Let's break it down:
"David swore moreover, and said...": This highlights David's urgency and conviction. He's making a solemn oath, underscoring the seriousness of his concerns.
"Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes...": David is reminding Jonathan that King Saul is aware of the deep bond of affection and loyalty between David and Jonathan. Saul recognizes that Jonathan favors and protects David.
"...and he says, ‘Don’t let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved:’": This is the crux of the problem. Saul is actively trying to hide his murderous intentions from Jonathan. He knows that if Jonathan knew the extent of Saul's hatred and desire to kill David, Jonathan would be deeply hurt and distressed. Saul is essentially manipulating Jonathan's love for David.
"but truly as Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives...": This is a powerful oath. David swears by God (Yahweh) and by the life of Jonathan himself. This emphasizes the absolute truthfulness of what he's about to say. Using "as your soul lives" is a strong appeal to the bond they share.
"...there is but a step between me and death.": This is the core statement of the verse. It means David is incredibly close to being killed. He is saying that he is on the brink of death. Saul's pursuit is so relentless that David feels he could die at any moment. The phrase "but a step" creates a vivid image of how precarious his situation is.
In essence, the verse means:
David is making a desperate appeal to Jonathan, assuring him that he understands Saul is hiding his true intentions. David swears by God and Jonathan's life that he is in imminent danger of being killed. He needs Jonathan's help because his life hangs by a thread.
Context is Important:
This verse is part of a larger conversation between David and Jonathan. Saul's jealousy and paranoia have driven him to try to kill David repeatedly. Jonathan, torn between his loyalty to his father and his love for David, is struggling to understand the full extent of Saul's hatred. David is trying to convince Jonathan of the true danger he is in, knowing that Jonathan's intervention is vital for his survival.