Old Testament
1 Samuel 20:12
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, Jonathan is showing his deep loyalty and friendship to David.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Jonathan said to David, "I swear before the LORD, the God of Israel — by this time tomorrow or the day after, I will find out how my father feels about you. If things look good for you, I will absolutely send word and let you know.
And 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;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Jonathan is showing his deep loyalty and friendship to David. He promises to find out how his father, King Saul, feels about David's safety. Jonathan is committed to being honest and transparent with David, indicating that he will send a message if the news is good. This conversation highlights the trust and bond between Jonathan and David, as they navigate the dangerous political landscape together. Jonathan's willingness to risk his own safety for David's sake demonstrates true friendship. He is not just a prince; he is a friend who cares deeply about David's well-being. This promise reflects the importance of communication and support in relationships, especially during challenging times. Jonathan's actions remind us that having someone who looks out for us can make a significant difference in our lives. It’s a powerful example of standing by those we care about, even when circumstances are tough. Jonathan's commitment to David is a testament to the strength of their friendship, which is built on trust and loyalty.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Samuel 20:12 to your life
Consider how you can be a loyal friend to someone in your life. Are you willing to stand by them in difficult times? Make an effort to communicate openly and supportively, just as Jonathan did for David. Your friendship can be a source of strength for others when they need it most. Remember, true friends look out for each other, no matter the cost.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 20:12 mean?
1 Samuel 20:12 shows Jonathan's loyalty to David as he promises to find out how his father, King Saul, feels about David's safety. Jonathan commits to sending a message if the news is good, highlighting the trust and bond between them.
What is the meaning of loyalty in 1 Samuel 20:12?
In 1 Samuel 20:12, loyalty is demonstrated through Jonathan's willingness to risk his own safety to protect David. His promise to communicate any good news reflects the depth of their friendship and commitment to each other.
How does 1 Samuel 20:12 illustrate friendship?
1 Samuel 20:12 illustrates friendship through Jonathan's dedication to David's well-being. His willingness to act on David's behalf and keep him informed shows the strength of their bond and mutual support.
What can we learn from 1 Samuel 20:12?
From 1 Samuel 20:12, we learn the value of being a loyal friend. It encourages us to communicate openly and support those we care about, especially during difficult situations.

The Book of 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 1: The Birth of Samuel
The book opens during the time of the judges, introducing a man named Elkanah with two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah has children, Hannah is barren and is cruelly taunted by her rival. During their annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary at Shiloh, the deeply distressed Hannah prays silently to the Lord, weeping and vowing that if God will give her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. Eli, the high priest, sees her lips moving and initially mistakes her for a drunken woman, but after she explains her sorrowful prayer, he blesses her, saying, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition."
Unlock the full 1 Samuel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Samuel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 31 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Samuel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.