Therefore: the Hebrew has only the common conjunction here, and it is omitted in most modern versions other than Revised Standard Version and New Revised Standard Version.

Deal kindly: literally “do kindness (chesed).” This Hebrew noun has a wide range of meanings. The English nouns “goodness,” “grace,” and “kindness” are all possible translations. Others focus on the element of “faithfulness.” Compare New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, “Deal faithfully with your servant.” Compare also the word translated “kindness” in 15.6.

In both cases where the expression your servant is used in this verse, first person singular pronouns will be the best translation in most languages, as in verse 7.

The sacred covenant: literally “a covenant of Yahweh.” The reference is to the agreement between Jonathan and David described in 18.3. A literal translation of the Hebrew will perhaps have no clear meaning in many languages. God was witness to the covenant, and the covenant was secured by swearing in God’s name (see verse 42). New International Version says “for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the LORD,” and New Jerusalem Bible says “since you have bound your servant to you by a pact in Yahweh’s name.” Contemporary English Version provides a more dynamic model communicating the same meaning: “After all, it was your idea to promise the LORD that we would always be loyal friends.”

Why should you bring me to your father? This question assumes that Jonathan’s father Saul would kill David if he had the opportunity. So to be brought to Saul would mean certain death. The meaning of this question is therefore “why put me in a position where your father can kill me?” David prefers to be killed by his friend Jonathan rather than by Saul, if indeed he is really guilty of any wrong doing.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .