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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 20:33 Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-33.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/09_1Sa_20_33.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:33 - Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/20-33.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/20-33.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 33</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/20-32.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:32">◄</a> 1 Samuel 20:33 <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:34">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan, intending to kill him. So at last Jonathan realized that his father was really determined to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Saul cast a spear at him to kill him, by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike and kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down, so Jonathan knew [without any doubt] that his father had decided to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan to kill him, so he knew that his father was determined to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan to kill him, so he knew that his father was determined to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul cast his spear at him to smite him; whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Saul threw his spear at Jonathan and tried to kill him. Then Jonathan was sure that his father really did want to kill David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Saul cast his spear at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Saul raised his spear to strike him. Then Jonathan knew his father was determined to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />At that, Saul threw his spear at Jonathan to kill him, and Jonathan realized that his father was really determined to kill David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Saul threw the spear that was beside him to strike Jonathan down. So Jonathan realized that his father was determined to kill David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan in order to strike him down. So Jonathan was convinced that his father had decided to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Saul raised his spear at him to strike him. Then Jonathan realized that this evil from his father to kill David was determined.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to slay David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Saul cast his spear at him to strike him. By this Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. <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 Saul casts the javelin at him to strike him, and Jonathan knows that it has been determined by his father to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Saul casteth the javelin at him to smite him, and Jonathan knoweth that it hath been determined by his father to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul will lift up his spear against him to strike him, and Jonathan will know that it was finished from his father to kill David.<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 Saul caught up a spear to strike him. And Jonathan understood that it was determined by his father to kill David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Saul picked up a lance, so that he might strike him. And Jonathan understood that it had been decided by his father that David be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />At this Saul brandished his spear to strike him, and thus Jonathan learned that his father was determined to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But Saul threw his spear at him to strike him; so Jonathan knew that it was the decision of his father to put David to death.<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 Saul lifted up a javelin to smite him; whereby Jonathan knew that his father was determined to slay David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul lifted a spear against him to strike him, and Yonathan knew the purpose from the presence of his father was to kill David<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 Saul cast his spear at him to smite him; whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to put David to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Saul lifted up his spear against Jonathan to slay him: so Jonathan knew that this evil was determined on by his father to slay David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-33.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=6159" 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">32</span>“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” <span class="reftext">33</span><span class="highl"><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.">Then Saul</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/2904.htm" title="2904: way·yā·ṭel (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hurl, cast. A primitive root; to pitch over or reel; hence to cast down or out.">hurled</a> <a href="/hebrew/2595.htm" title="2595: ha·ḥă·nîṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- A spear. From chanah; a lance.">his spear</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">at Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: lə·hak·kō·ṯōw (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">to kill him;</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.">so Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: way·yê·ḏa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knew</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: mê·‘im (Prep-m) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix."></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).">his father</a> <a href="/hebrew/3615.htm" title="3615: ḵā·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent. A primitive root; to end, whether intransitive or transitived.">was determined</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: lə·hā·mîṯ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">to kill</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/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David.</a> </span><span class="reftext">34</span>Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger and did not eat any food that second day of the month, for he was grieved by his father’s shameful treatment of 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/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10-11</a></span><br />The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9-10</a></span><br />But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-44.htm">1 Samuel 14:44</a></span><br />And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17-18</a></span><br />Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. / So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">1 Samuel 24:11</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9</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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9-10</a></span><br />Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” / But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-14.htm">2 Samuel 18:14</a></span><br />But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-15.htm">2 Kings 11:15</a></span><br />And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/23-14.htm">2 Chronicles 23:14</a></span><br />And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Psalm 37:12</a></span><br />The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-10.htm">Proverbs 29:10</a></span><br />Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Matthew 21:38-39</a></span><br />But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ / So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-7.htm">Mark 12:7-8</a></span><br />But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ / So they seized the son, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/34-24.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-28.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-32.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-9.htm">Decided</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-9.htm">Determined</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Hurled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Javelin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-32.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-11.htm">Pointing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-7.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-32.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-20.htm">Whereby</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-39.htm">Wound</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/21-2.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-27.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-3.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-11.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-29.htm">Decided</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-17.htm">Determined</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-14.htm">Hurled</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-10.htm">Javelin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-9.htm">Pointing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-10.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-8.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-50.htm">Whereby</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">Wound</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>Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him.</b><br>This phrase highlights Saul's intense anger and irrational behavior, which had been escalating throughout the narrative. Saul's attempt to kill his own son, Jonathan, underscores the depth of his jealousy and paranoia regarding David. This act of violence is consistent with Saul's previous attempts to kill David (<a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">1 Samuel 18:11, 19</a>:10), showing a pattern of using his spear as a weapon of murder. The spear, a common weapon in ancient warfare, symbolizes Saul's reliance on physical power rather than spiritual guidance. Saul's actions reflect a heart hardened against God's will, as he prioritizes his own kingship over God's anointed successor, David. This moment also foreshadows the eventual breakdown of Saul's reign and his tragic end.<p><b>So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.</b><br>Jonathan's realization marks a turning point in his relationship with both his father and David. Despite his loyalty to Saul as his father and king, Jonathan's covenant with David (<a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a>) and his recognition of David's anointing by God (<a href="/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17</a>) compel him to protect David. This knowledge confirms the seriousness of Saul's intentions and the danger David faces. Jonathan's discernment and subsequent actions demonstrate his integrity and faithfulness, qualities that align with biblical principles of friendship and loyalty (<a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Proverbs 17:17</a>). Jonathan's role as a mediator and protector of David can be seen as a type of Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity. This moment also sets the stage for David's eventual rise to kingship, as Jonathan's support helps preserve David's life, ensuring the fulfillment of God's promise.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's jealousy and fear of losing his kingdom lead him to attempt to kill David.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Jonathan is caught between his loyalty to his father and his covenant friendship with David.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel. David is a man after God's own heart, and his life is marked by faithfulness and trust in God despite being pursued by Saul.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_spear.htm">The Spear</a></b><br>A symbol of Saul's violent intent and his descent into irrationality and rage. It represents the physical manifestation of Saul's inner turmoil and rejection of God's will.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>This moment is a turning point where Jonathan fully realizes the extent of his father's intentions against David, solidifying his commitment to protect his friend.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_destructive_power_of_jealousy.htm">The Destructive Power of Jealousy</a></b><br>Saul's jealousy blinds him to God's plan and leads to destructive behavior. We must guard our hearts against jealousy, which can lead us away from God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_courage_of_true_friendship.htm">The Courage of True Friendship</a></b><br>Jonathan's loyalty to David, even at great personal risk, exemplifies the courage and selflessness required in true friendship. We are called to support and protect our friends, even when it is difficult.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_sovereignty.htm">Recognizing God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite Saul's attempts to thwart God's plan, David's life is preserved. This reminds us that God's purposes will prevail, and we can trust in His sovereignty over our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_disobedience.htm">The Cost of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's disobedience to God leads to his downfall. We are reminded of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of turning away from Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discernment.htm">The Role of Discernment</a></b><br>Jonathan's realization of his father's intentions highlights the need for discernment in our relationships and situations. We must seek God's wisdom to understand the true nature of the circumstances we face.<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_1_sam_19_align_with_divine_protection.htm">How does 1 Samuel 19 reconcile with accounts in other sections of the Bible where David is portrayed as protected by divine power rather than subterfuge?</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/why_the_conflict_on_who_attacked_philistines.htm">Why does 1 Samuel 13:3-4 give conflicting impressions of who actually attacked the Philistine garrison, Jonathan or Saul?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/summarize_the_exodus_from_egypt..htm">What does the Bible say about gun confiscation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-33.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">Then Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֧וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hurled</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֨טֶל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ṭel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2904.htm">Strong's 2904: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pitch over, reel, to cast down, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his spear</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֲנִ֛ית</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥă·nîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2595.htm">Strong's 2595: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lance</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at [Jonathan]</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to kill him;</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַכֹּת֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hak·kō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so 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">knew</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֙דַע֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his father</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבִ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was determined</span><br /><span class="heb">כָ֥לָה</span> <span class="translit">(ḵā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3617.htm">Strong's 3617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Completion, complete destruction, consumption, annihilation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to kill</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהָמִ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hā·mîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<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">David.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:33 Saul cast his spear at him (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:34"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:34" /></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>