King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:43 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:43 in the King James Version says “Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 14:43 · KJV

Context

41

Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. Give: or, Shew the innocent escaped: Heb. went forth

42

And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

43

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.

44

And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.

45

And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

Read 1 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Saul's question 'Tell me what thou hast done' demands confession despite the lot's verdict already establishing guilt. Jonathan's response is remarkably restrained: 'I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.' The contrast between the trivial action ('a little honey') and the dire consequence ('I must die') exposes the injustice of Saul's oath. Jonathan neither defends himself nor condemns his father; he simply states facts that speak for themselves.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Confession was required even after lot identification in ancient Israelite jurisprudence (Joshua 7:19-20). Jonathan's admission confirms the divine verdict while his description emphasizes the disproportion between act and penalty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jonathan's measured response model dignity under unjust accusation?
  2. What does the contrast between action and consequence reveal about Saul's oath?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩1 of 22

“him and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁאוּל֙2 of 22

“Then Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֽוֹנָתָ֗ן4 of 22

“And Jonathan”

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

וַיַּגֶּד5 of 22

“Tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִּ֖י6 of 22
H0
מֶ֣ה7 of 22
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָשִׂ֑יתָה8 of 22

“me what thou hast done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וַיַּגֶּד9 of 22

“Tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֣וֹ10 of 22
H0
יֽוֹנָתָ֗ן11 of 22

“And Jonathan”

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

וַיֹּאמֶר֩12 of 22

“him and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

טָעַ֜מְתִּי13 of 22

“I did but”

H2938

to taste; figuratively, to perceive

טָעַ֜מְתִּי14 of 22

“I did but”

H2938

to taste; figuratively, to perceive

בִּקְצֵ֨ה15 of 22

“with the end”

H7097

an extremity

הַמַּטֶּ֧ה16 of 22

“of the rod”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

אֲשֶׁר17 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּיָדִ֛י18 of 22

“that was in mine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מְעַ֥ט19 of 22

“a little”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

דְּבַ֖שׁ20 of 22

“honey”

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

הִנְנִ֥י21 of 22
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אָמֽוּת׃22 of 22

“I must die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 14:43 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 14:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 7:191 Samuel 14:27Jonah 1:7-10

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Samuel 14 with CommentaryAll 1 Samuel ChaptersComplete 1 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes