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So Jonathan told him, I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. 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And now I must die!&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Tell me what you have done,” Saul demanded of Jonathan. “I tasted a little honey,” Jonathan admitted. “It was only a little bit on the end of my stick. Does that deserve death?” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14.htm">King James Bible</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/14.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, and said, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand. So now I must die!” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, and said, “I did indeed taste a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, &#8220Tell me what you have done.&#8221 So Jonathan told him and said, &#8220I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him and said, “I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him and said, “I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I must die!” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul commanded him, “Tell me what you did.” Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the end of the staff I was carrying. I am ready to die! ” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul commanded him, &#8220Tell me what you did.&#8221 Jonathan told him, &#8220I tasted a little honey with the end of the staff I was carrying. I am ready to die!&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and, lo, I must die. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Jonathan," Saul exclaimed, "tell me what you did!" "I dipped the end of my walking stick in some honey and ate a little. Now you say I have to die!" <a href="/erv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand; and, lo, I must die. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Tell me," Saul asked Jonathan. "What did you do?" So Jonathan told him, "I tasted a little honey on the tip of the staff I had in my hand. And for that I am to die?" <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Saul asked Jonathan, "What have you done?" Jonathan answered, "I ate a little honey with the stick I was holding. Here I am--I am ready to die." <a href="/isv/1_samuel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> Saul told Jonathan, "Tell me what you've done." So Jonathan spoke to him: "I did taste a little honey from the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I'm ready to die!" <a href="/msb/1_samuel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Tell me what you have done,? Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, ?I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?? <a href="/net/1_samuel/14.htm">NET Bible</a> So Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." Jonathan told him, "I used the end of the staff that was in my hand to taste a little honey. I must die!" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." And Jonathan told him, and said, "I certainly did taste a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand; and look, I must die." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand, and, lo, I must die. <a href="/web/1_samuel/14.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done!” Jonathan told him, and said, “I certainly did taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and behold, I must die.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul says to Jonathan, “Declare to me, what have you done?” And Jonathan declares to him and says, “I certainly tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that [is] in my hand; behold, I die!” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul saith unto Jonathan, 'Declare to me, what hast thou done?' and Jonathan declareth to him, and saith, 'I certainly tasted with the end of the rod that is in my hand a little honey; lo, I die!' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul will say to Jonathan, Announce to me what thou didst And Jonathan will announce to him and say, Tasting, I tasted with the extremity of the rod which was in my hand, a little honey, and behold, I shall die.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Saul said to Jonathan: Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said: I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod, which was in my hand, and behold I must die. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan revealed to him, and said: “Truly, I tasted a little honey with the top of the staff that was in my hand. And behold, I shall die.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” Jonathan replied, “I only tasted a little honey from the end of the staff I was holding. Am I to die for this?” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand; here I am, I will die.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan. Tell me what you have done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did taste a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand, and on account of that must I die? <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Shaul said to Jonathan: “Tell me what you have done!” And Jonathan told him and said to him: “With the top of the staff that was in my hand I tasted a little honey, because I was dying!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then Saul said to Jonathan: 'Tell me what thou hast done.' And Jonathan told him, and said: 'I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; here am I: I will die.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done: and Jonathan told him, and said, I did indeed taste a little honey, with the end of my staff that was in my hand, and, lo! I am to die. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/14-43.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=3873" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">The People Save Jonathan</a> …42Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected. 43<a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hag·gî·ḏāh (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To be conspicuous. ">“Tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you have done,”</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.">Saul</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.">commanded</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3129.htm" title="3129: yō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- Jonathan. A form of Yhownathan; Jonathan, the name of ten Israelites.">him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3129.htm" title="3129: yō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- Jonathan. A form of Yhownathan; Jonathan, the name of ten Israelites.">So Jonathan</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/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·geḏ- (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2938.htm" title="2938: ṭā·‘ōm (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To taste, perceive. A primitive root; to taste; figuratively, to perceive.">“I only</a> <a href="/hebrew/2938.htm" title="2938: ṭā·‘am·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To taste, perceive. A primitive root; to taste; figuratively, to perceive.">tasted</a> <a href="/hebrew/4592.htm" title="4592: mə·‘aṭ (Adj-msc) -- A little, fewness, a few. Or miat; from ma'at; a little or few.">a little</a> <a href="/hebrew/1706.htm" title="1706: də·ḇaš (N-ms) -- Honey. From an unused root meaning to be gummy; honey; by analogy, syrup.">honey</a> <a href="/hebrew/7097.htm" title="7097: biq·ṣêh (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- End, extremity. Or qetseh; from qatsah; an extremity.">with the end</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: ham·maṭ·ṭeh (Art:: N-ms) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">of the staff</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that was</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">in my hand.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hin·nî (Interjection:: 1cs) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">And now</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ’ā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">I must die?”</a> 44And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/11-30.htm">Judges 11:30-35</a> Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, / then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.” / So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hand. ... <a href="/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16-34</a> “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup.” / But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.” / Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. ... <a href="/leviticus/5-4.htm">Leviticus 5:4-5</a> Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter. / If someone incurs guilt in one of these ways, he must confess the sin he has committed, <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a> If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. <a href="/joshua/7-19.htm">Joshua 7:19-20</a> So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” / “It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: <a href="/2_samuel/12-13.htm">2 Samuel 12:13</a> Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die. <a href="/2_kings/5-25.htm">2 Kings 5:25-27</a> When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. / But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? / Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow. <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a> He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. <a href="/jonah/1-7.htm">Jonah 1:7-10</a> “Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. / “Tell us now,” they demanded, “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people?” / “I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.” ... <a href="/matthew/14-6.htm">Matthew 14:6-9</a> On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod / so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked. / Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” ... <a href="/matthew/26-69.htm">Matthew 26:69-75</a> Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” she said. / But he denied it before them all: “I do not know what you are talking about.” / When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” ... <a href="/mark/6-22.htm">Mark 6:22-26</a> When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” / And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” / Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” ... <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Luke 15:18-21</a> I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. / I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ / So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. ... <a href="/john/18-25.htm">John 18:25-27</a> Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they asked him, “Aren’t you also one of His disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” / One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?” / Peter denied it once more, and immediately a rooster crowed. <a href="/acts/5-1.htm">Acts 5:1-11</a> Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what you have done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand, and, see, I must die.Tell me<a href="/joshua/7-19.htm">Joshua 7:19</a> And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.<a href="/jonah/1-7.htm">Jonah 1:7-10</a> And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah… I did but<a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">1 Samuel 14:27</a> But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/12-22.htm">Account</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-41.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-14.htm">Declareth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">End</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-29.htm">Honey</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-42.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-29.htm">Little</a> <a href="/judges/15-11.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-42.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-7.htm">Story</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-15.htm">Taste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-29.htm">Tasted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Tip</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-9.htm">Account</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-44.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-16.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-18.htm">Declareth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-44.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">End</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-48.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-29.htm">Honey</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-20.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-44.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">Little</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-36.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-7.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-44.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-52.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-14.htm">Story</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-35.htm">Taste</a> <a href="/job/12-11.htm">Tasted</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-24.htm">Tip</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 14</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/14-1.htm">Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison</a> 15. <a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">A divine terror makes them beat themselves</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them</a> 21. <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.</a> 24. <a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory</a> 31. <a href="/1_samuel/14-31.htm">He restrains the people from eating blood</a> 35. <a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">He builds an altar</a> 37. <a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people</a> 47. <a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">Saul's victories, strength, and family</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/14.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/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. In this passage, King Saul is addressing his son Jonathan. The context is a critical moment after Saul had made a rash oath that cursed anyone who ate before evening. Saul's command reflects his authority as king and the seriousness of the situation. This moment highlights the tension between Saul's leadership and the actions of his son, which is a recurring theme in 1 Samuel. Saul's leadership is often marked by impulsive decisions, contrasting with Jonathan's more measured and faithful character.So Jonathan told him, Jonathan's response to Saul's command is immediate and honest, demonstrating his integrity. This reflects the biblical principle of truthfulness and transparency, even when facing dire consequences. Jonathan's willingness to confess his actions shows his respect for his father and the authority structure, despite the potential personal cost.“I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Jonathan's action of tasting honey was innocent and unintentional in breaking Saul's oath. The honey symbolizes sustenance and enlightenment, often seen as a gift from God in the Bible. The staff in his hand signifies his role as a leader and warrior, and the act of tasting honey with it underscores the simplicity and innocence of his action. This incident also highlights the impracticality of Saul's oath, as it inadvertently endangered his own people.And now I must die?” Jonathan's rhetorical question underscores the injustice of the situation. It reflects the tension between human law and divine justice. Jonathan's potential death for such a minor infraction points to the flawed nature of Saul's leadership and foreshadows the eventual decline of Saul's reign. This moment can be seen as a type of Christ, where an innocent person faces death due to the failings of human authority, prefiguring Jesus' own unjust suffering and sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. In this passage, he is seen as a leader who has made a rash vow that endangers his own son. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> The son of King Saul, known for his bravery and faithfulness. He unknowingly breaks his father's oath by tasting honey during a battle. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a> The context of this event is a battle against the Philistines, where Saul's army is engaged in combat, and Jonathan's actions play a significant role. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_oath.htm">The Oath</a> Saul had made a rash oath that cursed anyone who ate food before evening, which Jonathan unknowingly violated. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_honey.htm">The Honey</a> Represents the sustenance and refreshment that Jonathan partook of, symbolizing the need for wisdom and discernment in leadership decisions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_rash_vows.htm">The Danger of Rash Vows</a> Rash vows can lead to unintended consequences and harm to those we love. It is crucial to seek God's wisdom before making commitments. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a> Leaders must exercise discernment and wisdom, especially in times of stress and conflict, to avoid decisions that may harm others. <a href="/topical/m/mercy_over_legalism.htm">Mercy Over Legalism</a> God's desire for mercy over strict adherence to rules is evident. We should prioritize compassion and understanding in our relationships. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_communication.htm">The Role of Communication</a> Open and honest communication is vital in resolving conflicts and misunderstandings, as seen in Jonathan's explanation to Saul. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a> Jonathan's act of eating honey symbolizes trusting in God's provision even when human rules seem to contradict it.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14</a> <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 href="/q/who_was_jonathan_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jonathan in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_jonathan_defeat_20_philistines.htm">How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)?</a> <a href="/q/what_evidence_supports_philistine_panic.htm">What natural or historical evidence supports the sudden 'panic' that supposedly afflicted the Philistine army (1 Samuel 14:15)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(43, 44) Lo, I must die.--These wild and thoughtless vows are peculiarly characteristic of this half-barbaric period. We have already observed that the age now closing had been peculiarly the age of vows. A similar terrible oath, equalling Saul's in its rashness, had been taken by Jephthah. It is noticeable that not only Saul, who vowed the vow, but Jonathan, its victim, were convinced that the vow, though perhaps hastily and rashly made, must be kept. "Against both these," says Erdman in Lange with great force "rises the people's voice as the voice of God, the question (in <a href="/1_samuel/14-45.htm" title="And the people said to Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he has worked with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.">1Samuel 14:45</a>), 'Shall Jonathan die? 'and the answer,' Far be it,' expresses the sorrowful astonishment and the energetic protest of the people, who were inspired by Jonathan's heroic deed and its brilliant result. . . . Over against Saul's oath the people set their own: 'As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground.' Probably Saul was not unwilling in this awful question, when his son's life trembled in the balance, to submit his will for once to the people's.""Take then no vow at random: ta'en in faith,Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once,Blindly to execute a rash resolve,Whom better it had suited to exclaim,'I have done ill than to redeem his pledgeBy doing worse."--Dante, Paradise, 5:63-68. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/14-43.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Tell הַגִּ֥ידָה (hag·gî·ḏāh) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous me what מֶ֣ה (meh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what you have done,” עָשִׂ֑יתָה (‘ā·śî·ṯāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make Saul שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites commanded וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say him. י֣וֹנָתָ֔ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3129.htm">Strong's 3129: </a> Jonathan So Jonathan יוֹנָתָ֗ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3129.htm">Strong's 3129: </a> Jonathan told him, וַיַּגֶּד־ (way·yag·geḏ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous “I only טָעֹ֨ם (ṭā·‘ōm) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2938.htm">Strong's 2938: </a> To taste, to perceive tasted טָעַ֜מְתִּי (ṭā·‘am·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2938.htm">Strong's 2938: </a> To taste, to perceive a little מְעַ֥ט (mə·‘aṭ) Adjective - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> A little, fewness, a few honey דְּבַ֖שׁ (də·ḇaš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1706.htm">Strong's 1706: </a> Honey, syrup with the end בִּקְצֵ֨ה (biq·ṣêh) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7097.htm">Strong's 7097: </a> End, extremity of the staff הַמַּטֶּ֧ה (ham·maṭ·ṭeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe that [was] אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that in my hand. בְּיָדִ֛י (bə·yā·ḏî) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand And now I must die?” אָמֽוּת׃ (’ā·mūṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/14-43.htm">1 Samuel 14:43 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-43.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan Tell me (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/14-42.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:42"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:42" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/14-44.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:44"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:44" /></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>