Bible Strands
1 Samuel 19:6
Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Saul listens to Jonathan’s plea and responds by swearing that David will not be put to death. This exchange occurs immediately after Jonathan warns Saul against killing innocent blood without cause.
The words — The oath formula חַי־ יְהוָה (chai-Yahweh) literally means “life of Yahweh” or “as surely as the LORD lives.” Saul’s verb וַיִּשָּׁבַע (va-yish-shav) records that he formally swore an oath to Jonathan’s voice.
The thread — This phrase functions as a standard pledge elsewhere, but Jeremiah 5:2 notes it is also used by those who swear falsely. Proverbs 26:24 parallels this tension by contrasting outward speech with a heart that lays up deceit.
Why it lands — The verse records Saul’s explicit verbal commitment to spare David without describing his internal resolve. A reader must evaluate the stated promise against the surrounding narrative where Saul’s words and actions frequently diverge.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 26:24 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.
- 1 Samuel 19:10 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.
- 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.”
- Psalms 15:4 who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,