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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 20:32 "Why must he be put to death?" Jonathan replied. "What has he done?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/09_1Sa_20_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:32 - Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why must he be put to death? Jonathan replied. 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What has he done?&#8221 Jonathan asked his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“But why should he be put to death?” Jonathan asked his father. “What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, “Why should he be killed? What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Jonathan replied to his father Saul and said to him, “Why must he be put to death? What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, &#8220Why should he be put to death? What has he done?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why must he be put to death? What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan answered his father back, “Why is he to be killed? What has he done? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan answered his father back: &#8220Why is he to be killed? What has he done?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore should he be put to death? what hath he done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Why do you want to kill David?" Jonathan asked. "What has he done?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore should he be put to death? what hath he done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jonathan asked his father, "Why should he be killed? What has he done?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Why should he die?" Jonathan replied. "What has he done?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Jonathan asked his father Saul, "Why should he be killed? What did he do?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Why must he be put to death?? Jonathan replied. ?What has he done??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan responded to his father Saul, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, Why shall he be slain? what hath he done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jonathan answers his father Saul and says to him, “Why is he put to death? What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jonathan answereth Saul his father, and saith unto him, 'Why is he put to death? what hath he done?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jonathan will answer Saul his father and say to him, Wherefore shall he die? What did he?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Jonathan answering Saul his father, said: Why shall he die: what hath he done? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Jonathan, answering his father Saul, said: “Why should he die? What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Jonathan argued with his father Saul: “Why should he die? What has he done?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jonathan answered his father Saul, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Jonathan answered and said to Saul his father, Why should he be put to death? What has he done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Jonathan answered and said to Shaul his father: “Why should he die? What has he done?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him: 'Wherefore should he be put to death? what hath he done?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jonathan answered Saul, Why is he to die? What has he done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6153" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">31</span>For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingship shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” <span class="reftext">32</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·maṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">must he be put to death?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">has he done?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">33</span>Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">1 Samuel 19:4-5</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">1 Samuel 24:11-12</a></span><br />See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. / May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">1 Samuel 25:28-31</a></span><br />Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. / And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling. / When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9-11</a></span><br />But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-32.htm">2 Samuel 14:32-33</a></span><br />“Look,” said Absalom, “I sent for you and said, ‘Come here. I want to send you to the king to ask: Why have I come back from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.’ So now, let me see the king’s face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him kill me.” / So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-4.htm">2 Samuel 19:4-7</a></span><br />But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” / Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines. / You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm">2 Kings 5:13</a></span><br />Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a></span><br />Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/26-16.htm">Jeremiah 26:16</a></span><br />Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Matthew 10:22</a></span><br />You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, Why shall he be slain? what has he done?</p><p class="hdg">Wherefore</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">1 Samuel 19:5</a></b></br> 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 <i>it</i>, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-11.htm">Proverbs 24:11,12</a></b></br> If thou forbear to deliver <i>them that are</i> drawn unto death, and <i>those that are</i> ready to be slain; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8,9</a></b></br> Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction… </p><p class="hdg">what hath</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/27-23.htm">Matthew 27:23</a></b></br> And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/23-22.htm">Luke 23:22</a></b></br> And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let <i>him</i> go.</p><p class="hdg">cast</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">1 Samuel 18:11</a></b></br> And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall <i>with it</i>. And David avoided out of his presence twice.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">1 Samuel 19:10,11</a></b></br> And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Proverbs 22:24</a></b></br> Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:</p><p class="hdg">whereby</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">1 Samuel 20:7</a></b></br> If he say thus, <i>It is</i> well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, <i>then</i> be sure that evil is determined by him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:9</a></b></br> Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-28.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-11.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">David consults with Jonathan for his safety</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Jonathan's token to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Why must he be put to death?</b><br>Jonathan's question reflects his deep concern for David's life. In the context of ancient Israel, the death penalty was reserved for serious offenses, often requiring clear evidence and witnesses. Jonathan's challenge to his father, King Saul, indicates his belief that David has committed no such crime. This question also highlights the tension between Jonathan's loyalty to his father and his covenant friendship with David, which is a significant theme in the narrative.<p><b>Jonathan replied.</b><br>Jonathan's response to Saul is bold and courageous, considering the patriarchal and hierarchical nature of ancient Near Eastern societies. As the king's son, Jonathan had a duty to support his father's decisions, yet he chooses to defend David. This act of speaking up is a testament to Jonathan's integrity and his commitment to justice and truth, even at personal risk.<p><b>What has he done?</b><br>This rhetorical question underscores the innocence of David, who has been a loyal servant to Saul and a hero in Israel. Jonathan's defense of David is based on the absence of any wrongdoing on David's part. This question also serves to expose Saul's irrational jealousy and fear of David, which are driving his desire to kill him. The narrative invites readers to consider the nature of true justice and the importance of evidence before passing judgment.<br><br>In the broader biblical context, Jonathan's defense of David can be seen as a type of Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity. Just as Jonathan advocates for David's innocence, Christ advocates for believers, emphasizing themes of grace and redemption.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and righteousness, Jonathan often acts as a mediator between his father and David.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Anointed by God to be the next king of Israel, David is a man after God's own heart. At this point in the account, he is fleeing from Saul's attempts to kill him.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_royal_court.htm">The Royal Court</a></b><br>The setting of this event, where Saul's intentions towards David are being discussed, and Jonathan is advocating for David's innocence.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_covenant.htm">The Covenant</a></b><br>The bond between Jonathan and David, which is central to this account. Their covenant is based on mutual respect and love, transcending familial and political pressures.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_courage_of_advocacy.htm">The Courage of Advocacy</a></b><br>Jonathan's willingness to stand up to his father, King Saul, demonstrates the courage required to advocate for truth and justice, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_righteous_friendship.htm">The Power of Righteous Friendship</a></b><br>The bond between Jonathan and David exemplifies the strength and support that comes from godly friendships. Such relationships can provide encouragement and protection in times of trial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/q/questioning_injustice.htm">Questioning Injustice</a></b><br>Jonathan's question, "What has he done?" challenges us to critically evaluate situations of perceived injustice and to seek truth before passing judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_to_god's_anointed.htm">Loyalty to God's Anointed</a></b><br>Jonathan's defense of David, despite his father's opposition, shows loyalty to God's chosen one. This teaches us to prioritize God's will and purposes over human allegiances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peacemaking_in_conflict.htm">Peacemaking in Conflict</a></b><br>Jonathan's role as a mediator encourages us to be peacemakers in our own conflicts, striving to bring reconciliation and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_lev_20_27_align_with_1_sam_28.htm">In Leviticus 20:27, how does the death sentence for mediums and spiritists reconcile with the Bible's own instances of sanctioned supernatural encounters (e.g., 1 Samuel 28)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_saul's_rage_at_jonathan_so_extreme.htm">Why does Saul's sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30-33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_jonathan's_signals_in_1_sam_20_verifiable.htm">Are the clandestine signals used by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:19-22 verifiable through any parallel ancient Near Eastern texts or historical records?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_would_god_condemn_jonathan.htm">If Jonathan unknowingly broke Saul's oath, why would God seemingly condemn him to death (1 Samuel 14:43-45)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(32) <span class= "bld">And Jonathan answered.</span>--Jonathan, remembering the effect of his quiet, earnest remonstrance on a previous occasion, again tried to deprecate his father's unreasoning jealous anger, but this time to no purpose. A paroxysm of madness seized Saul, and he grasped the long spear leaning by his side, and with hate and fury in his eye raised the great war weapon to strike down his son.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 32-34.</span> - When Jonathan pleaded mildly for his friend, Saul did not <span class="cmt_word">east</span>, but "brandished" (see on 1 Samuel 18:11) his <span class="cmt_word">javelin at him,</span> threatening <span class="cmt_word">to smite him.</span> This fierce behaviour of his father filled Jonathan also with anger, and he arose, refused to partake of the meal, and went away in wrath. His indignation was roused not merely at his father having thus brandished his javelin in his face, for he was sitting close to Saul, but because he had cast shameful aspersions upon David in saying that he was a rebel, and deserved death. JONATHAN'S LAST MEETING WITH DAVID (vers. 35-42). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֥מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must he be put to death?</span><br /><span class="heb">יוּמַ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(yū·maṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jonathan</span><br /><span class="heb">יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֙עַן֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(meh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has he done?”</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשָֽׂה׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-32.htm">1 Samuel 20:32 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-32.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:32 Jonathan answered Saul his father and said (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:33" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>