1 Samuel 19:6

Modern

Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.”

Traditional

And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain.

Literal

And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul swore, “As YHWH lives, he shall not be killed.”

Latin

Quod cum audisset Saul, placatus voce Jonathæ, juravit: Vivit Dominus, quia non occidetur.

Hebrew

English

Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.”

swore an oath: Breaking a vow is a serious offense against God (see Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21–23; compare Ecclesiastes 5:4–5). However, Saul soon ignored his promise and tried to kill David again (1 Samuel 19:9–24).

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 26:24–25
A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.
Jeremiah 5:2
Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ they are swearing falsely.”
1 Samuel 14:39
As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word.
Psalm 15:4
…who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,
1 Samuel 28:10
Then Saul swore to her by the LORD: “As surely as the LORD lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this.”
1 Samuel 19:10–11
Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel