1 Samuel 19:5

3 I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, so I can ask about you. And if I find out anything, I will tell you.”

4 Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you.

He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”

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.”

7 So Jonathan summoned David and told him all these things. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul to serve him as he had before.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”
KJV
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
WEB
for he put his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great victory for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause?”
ASV
for he put his life in his hand, and smote the Philistine, and Jehovah wrought a great victory for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice; wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
DARBY
for he put his life in hand, and smote the Philistine, and Jehovah wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou didst see [it], and didst rejoice; why then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, in slaying David without cause?
BLB
For he took his life in his hands and killed the Philistine, and YHWH brought about a great deliverance for all Israel. You saw [it] and rejoiced; and why would you sin against innocent blood to kill David for nothing?”
ÅB
han satte sitt liv på spill og slo filisteren, og Herren lot hele Israel vinne en stor seier; du så det selv og gledet deg; hvorfor vil du da gjøre synd mot uskyldig blod og drepe David uten grunn?
OTB
For han satte sitt liv i fare og slo filisteren, og Herren brakte en stor seier for hele Israel. Du så det og gledet deg. Hvorfor skulle du da handle mot uskyldig blod ved å drepe David uten grunn?”
B1930
han satte sitt liv på spill og slo filisteren, og Herren lot hele Israel vinne en stor seier; du så det selv og gledet dig; hvorfor vil du da gjøre synd mot uskyldig blod og drepe David uten grunn?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Chronicles 11:14

    But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.

    Read in context
  • 1 Samuel 11:13

    But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.”

    Read in context
  • 1 Samuel 20:32

    “Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?”

    Read in context
  • Judges 9:17

    for my father fought for you and risked his life to deliver you from the hand of Midian,

    Read in context
  • Matthew 27:4

    “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”

    Read in context
  • 1 Samuel 28:21

    When the woman came to Saul and saw how distraught he was, she said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice. I took my life in my hands and did as you told me.

    Read in context
  • Acts 20:24

    But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 119:109

    I constantly take my life in my hands, yet I do not forget Your law.

    Read in context