1 Samuel 20:16

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD call David’s enemies to account.”

1 Samuel 20:16 in Other Translations

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

16 And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the LORD take vengeance on David's enemies."

16 So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, “May the LORD destroy all your enemies!”

16

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, [saying], And Jehovah will require it at the hand of David's enemies.

16 At that time, if Jonathan's name is cut off from David's family, then may the LORD punish David's house."

16 Then Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the Lord hold David's enemies accountable."

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with David and his family. He said, "May the LORD make David's enemies accountable for what they've done."

1 Samuel 20:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:16

So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of David
Not with David himself only, which was now renewed, but with his family also:

[saying], let the Lord even require [it] at the hand of David's
enemies;
take vengeance on Jonathan, or on any of his posterity, should they break this covenant, by showing themselves enemies to David, and his crown; and, on the other hand, also on David, and his posterity, should they not show kindness to Jonathan and his seed, according to the tenor of this covenant.

1 Samuel 20:16 In-Context

14 But show me unfailing kindness like the LORD’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed,

15 and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the LORD has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD call David’s enemies to account.”

17 And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

18 Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon feast. You will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

Cross References

• 1. S 1 Samuel 18:1
• 2. S 1 Samuel 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:22
• 3. S Joshua 22:23