King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:30 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:30 in the King James Version says “Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? Thou: or, Thou perverse rebel: Heb. Son of perverse rebellion”

1 Samuel 20:30 · KJV

Context

28

And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:

29

And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.

30

Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? Thou: or, Thou perverse rebel: Heb. Son of perverse rebellion

31

For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die . shall: Heb. is the son of death

32

And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?

Read 1 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?

Saul's volcanic rage against Jonathan - calling him 'son of the perverse rebellious woman' - attacks both Jonathan and his mother. The accusation that Jonathan has 'chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion' correctly perceives Jonathan's loyalty shift but interprets it as betrayal rather than spiritual discernment. Saul's mention of 'thy mother's nakedness' employs shame language indicating how personal his fury had become.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Insulting enemies through their mothers was common ancient practice. The 'perverse rebellious woman' accusation may reflect nothing true about Jonathan's mother. The reference to nakedness suggests sexual shame language used for intense insult.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does uncontrolled anger cause speech that wounds beyond any legitimate grievance?
  2. What does Saul's attack on Jonathan's mother reveal about how sin distorts family relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּֽחַר1 of 20

“was kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַ֤ף2 of 20

“anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

שָׁאוּל֙3 of 20

“Then Saul's”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

בִּיה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן4 of 20

“against Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר5 of 20

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֔וֹ6 of 20
H0
לְבֶן7 of 20

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נַעֲוַ֖ת8 of 20

“of the perverse”

H5753

to crook, literally or figuratively

הַמַּרְדּ֑וּת9 of 20

“rebellious”

H4780

rebelliousness

הֲל֣וֹא10 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֗עְתִּי11 of 20

“woman do not I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי12 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֹחֵ֤ר13 of 20

“that thou hast chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

אַתָּה֙14 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לְבֶן15 of 20

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשַׁ֔י16 of 20

“of Jesse”

H3448

jishai, david's father

וּלְבֹ֖שֶׁת17 of 20

“and unto the confusion”

H1322

shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol

וּלְבֹ֖שֶׁת18 of 20

“and unto the confusion”

H1322

shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol

עֶרְוַ֥ת19 of 20

“nakedness”

H6172

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

אִמֶּֽךָ׃20 of 20

“of thy mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

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 20:30 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 20:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 21:24James 1:19-20Proverbs 19:19Proverbs 25:28Ephesians 6:4Ephesians 4:31

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