King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 19:2 Mean?

1 Samuel 19:2 in the King James Version says “But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: n... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

1 Samuel 19:2 · KJV


Context

1

And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.

2

But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

3

And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.

4

And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

Jonathan's delight (chaphets) in David and his warning intervention placed covenant loyalty above filial obedience. The practical wisdom of hiding 'until the morning' and 'abide in a secret place' provided immediate safety while Jonathan worked to change his father's mind. Jonathan's role as intercessor between king and fugitive foreshadows Christ's mediatorial work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern sons typically identified with paternal interests, especially regarding succession. Jonathan's loyalty to David was extraordinary given the threat David represented to his inheritance. His willingness to intervene risked severe consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. What relationships require you to advocate for someone against opposing interests?
  2. How does Jonathan's mediation between Saul and David illustrate the need for intercessors?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד1 of 15

told

H5046

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

יְהֽוֹנָתָן֙2 of 15

But Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

לְדָוִ֣ד3 of 15

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹ֔ר4 of 15

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מְבַקֵּ֛שׁ5 of 15

seeketh

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

שָׁא֥וּל6 of 15

Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אָבִ֖י7 of 15

my father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לַֽהֲמִיתֶ֑ךָ8 of 15

to kill

H4191

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

וְעַתָּה֙9 of 15
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִשָּֽׁמֶר10 of 15

thee now therefore I pray thee take heed

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

נָ֣א11 of 15
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בַבֹּ֔קֶר12 of 15

to thyself until the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְיָֽשַׁבְתָּ֥13 of 15

and abide

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בַסֵּ֖תֶר14 of 15

in a secret

H5643

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)

וְנַחְבֵּֽאתָ׃15 of 15

place and hide

H2244

to secrete


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 19:2 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 19:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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