1 Samuel 20:6 bbe — And if your father takes note of the fact that I am away, say, David made a request to me for himself that he might go…

Bible in Basic English

"And if your father takes note of the fact that I am away, say, David made a request to me for himself that he might go to Beth-lehem, to his town: for it is the time when his family make their offering year by year."

— 1 Samuel 20:6, Bible in Basic English

Read in Another Translation

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1 Samuel 20:6 in Other Translations

2 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Beth–lehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.”

  • NET

    “If your father happens to miss me, you should say,‘David urgently requested me to let him go to his city Bethlehem, for there is an annual sacrifice there for his entire family.’”

1 Samuel 20 — Context

3

But David took his oath again and said, Your father sees that I am dear to you; so he says to himself, Let Jonathan have no idea of this, for it will be a grief to him; but as the Lord is living, and as your soul is living, there is only a step between me and death.

4

Then Jonathan said to David, Whatever your desire is, I will do it for you.

5

And David said to Jonathan, Tomorrow is the new moon, and I will not be seated with the king at his table: but let me go to a safe place in the country till the evening.

6

And if your father takes note of the fact that I am away, say, David made a request to me for himself that he might go to Beth-lehem, to his town: for it is the time when his family make their offering year by year.

7

If he says, It is well, your servant will be at peace: but if he is angry, then it will be clear to you that he has an evil purpose in mind against me.

8

So, then, be kind to your servant; for you have been united with your servant in an agreement made before the Lord: but if there is any wrongdoing in me, put me to death yourself; why take me to your father?

9

And Jonathan said, Do not have such a thought: for if I saw that my father was designing evil against you, would I not give you word of it?

1 Samuel 20:6 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 20:6 say?
1 Samuel 20:6 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “And if your father takes note of the fact that I am away, say, David made a request to me for himself that he might go to Beth-lehem, to his town: for it is the time when his family make their offering year by year.”
Where is 1 Samuel 20:6 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 20:6 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20, verse 6.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 20:6.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 20:6 in?
1 Samuel 20:6 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 20:6?
1 Samuel 20:6 reads (BBE): “And if your father takes note of the fact that I am away, say, David made a request to me for himself that he might go to Beth-lehem, to his town: for it is the time when his family make their offering year by year.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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