³ Jonathan made a covenant with David^(A) because he loved him as much as himself.

¹⁴ If I continue to live, show me kindness^[a] from the Lord, but if I die, ¹⁵ don’t ever withdraw your kindness from my household – not even when the Lord cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.’^{(A) 16} Then Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David,^(B) saying, ‘May the Lord hold David’s enemies accountable.’^{[b](C) 17} Jonathan once again swore to David^[c] in his love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.^(D)

⁴² Jonathan then said to David, ‘Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the Lord when we said, “The Lord will be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring for ever.” ’^(A) Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city.