Old Testament
1 Samuel 20:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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;
What 1 Samuel 20:12 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Jonathan's Arrows (1 Samuel 20:1–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 20:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 20:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.