What does 1 Samuel 20:13 mean?
"The 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." - 1 Samuel 20:13

The verse 1 Samuel 20:13 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "The 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."
This verse is part of a larger narrative in the Book of 1 Samuel that tells the story of the friendship between David and Jonathan, son of King Saul. The context of this particular verse is a conversation between David and Jonathan, in which they are discussing the intentions of King Saul towards David. King Saul had become jealous of David's popularity and success, and he sought to kill him out of fear that David would eventually take his throne. In this verse, Jonathan is assuring David that he will warn him if his father plans to harm him, and that he will do everything in his power to ensure David's safety.
One of the key themes of this verse is loyalty and friendship. Jonathan's loyalty to David is unwavering, even in the face of his father's anger and hatred towards David. Jonathan's willingness to stand by David's side and protect him demonstrates the depth of their friendship and the strength of their bond. This verse highlights the importance of loyalty and trust in relationships, and it serves as an example of true friendship and sacrificial love.
Another important theme in this verse is the sovereignty of God. Jonathan acknowledges that ultimately, it is up to God to decide the fate of both David and Saul. He places his trust in God and asks for His protection over David, recognizing that God's will is ultimately what matters most. This theme of divine sovereignty is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, and it serves as a reminder that ultimately, God is in control of all things.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. Jonathan's actions and words symbolize selflessness and courage. By choosing to protect David and warn him of his father's intentions, Jonathan is sacrificing his own relationship with his father and potentially putting himself in danger. His actions symbolize the kind of sacrificial love that Jesus later exemplifies in His own life and death. In this way, Jonathan's loyalty to David can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial love for humanity.
Overall, 1 Samuel 20:13 is a powerful verse that conveys important themes of loyalty, friendship, divine sovereignty, and sacrificial love. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing by those we care about, even in the face of adversity, and trusting in God's ultimate plan. The verse also offers a glimpse of the kind of selfless love that is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a verse that continues to inspire and challenge readers to embody the kind of love and loyalty demonstrated by Jonathan and ultimately by Christ.
Have questions about 1 Samuel 20:13?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
1 Samuel 20:13 Artwork
1 Samuel 20:13 - "The 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."
"The 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." - 1 Samuel 20:13
1 Samuel 13:20 - "But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock."
2 Samuel 20:13 - "When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri."
1 Samuel 20:27-29
1 Samuel 20:20 - "And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark."
1 Samuel 16:1–13
1 Samuel 28:15-20
Acts 13:20 - "And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet."
1 Samuel 20:27-30
1 Samuel 10:20 - "And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken."
1 Samuel 3:20 - "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."
1 Samuel 12:13
1 Samuel 12:13
1 Samuel 22:11-13
1 Samuel 15:13 - "And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD."
1 Samuel 13:8 - "¶ And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him."
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Samuel 13:23 - "And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash."
1 Samuel 20:39 - "But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter."
1 Samuel 13:1 - "Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,"
1 Samuel 13:13 - "And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever."
1 Samuel 13:12 Saul's disobedience
1 Samuel 7:13 - "¶ So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel."
1 Samuel 1:20 - "Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD."
1 Samuel 8:13 - "And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers."
1 Samuel 13:12 No face of persons
1 Samuel 20:28 - "And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:"
"But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock." - 1 Samuel 13:20
"When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri." - 2 Samuel 20:13