King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:31 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:31 in the King James Version says “For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now se... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 20:31 · KJV


Context

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?

33

And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Saul's demand to 'send and fetch' David 'for he shall surely die' makes Jonathan choose between obedience to father and covenant with friend. The phrase 'thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom' reveals Saul's true concern - dynasty preservation. Ironically, Jonathan's covenant faithfulness to David would ensure his descendants' survival (2 Samuel 9), while Saul's violent methods would destroy his own house.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dynastic succession was paramount concern for ancient kings. Saul's fear that David would eliminate Jonathan's line reflected standard succession practice. His inability to see beyond political calculation blinded him to spiritual realities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does anxiety about legacy sometimes lead to actions that ensure its loss?
  2. What does Jonathan's choice of covenant over inheritance teach about eternal values versus temporal security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּ֣י1 of 22
H3588

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

כָל2 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיָּמִ֗ים3 of 22

For as long as

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֤ר4 of 22
H834

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

בֶן5 of 22

him unto me for he shall surely die

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

יִשַׁי֙6 of 22

of Jesse

H3448

jishai, david's father

חַ֣י7 of 22
H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

עַל8 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה9 of 22

upon the ground

H127

soil (from its general redness)

לֹ֥א10 of 22
H3808

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

תִכּ֖וֹן11 of 22

thou shalt not be established

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

אַתָּ֣ה12 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּמַלְכוּתֶ֑ךָ13 of 22

nor thy kingdom

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

וְעַתָּ֗ה14 of 22
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שְׁלַ֨ח15 of 22

Wherefore now send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וְקַ֤ח16 of 22

and fetch

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֹתוֹ֙17 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֵלַ֔י18 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּ֥י19 of 22
H3588

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

בֶן20 of 22

him unto me for he shall surely die

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

מָ֖וֶת21 of 22
H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

הֽוּא׃22 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo


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 20:31 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 20:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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