King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:32 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:32 in the King James Version says “And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 20:32 · KJV

Context

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.

34

So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.

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Commentary

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

Jonathan's courageous response - 'Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?' - directly challenged his father's murderous intent with legal argument. These two questions demand justification: what crime deserves death, and what evidence supports it? Jonathan appealed to justice even against his father's rage. The questions exposed the irrational basis for Saul's hatred - there was no legitimate answer. Sometimes the most powerful defense is simply asking what wrong has been done. Jonathan stood between his father and his friend, demanding righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Legal proceedings required specific accusations and evidence. Jonathan's questions followed proper judicial form. Challenging a king's death sentence required considerable courage, especially for the heir apparent who might have benefited from David's elimination.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you courageously asked powerful people to justify their harmful intentions?
  2. What does Jonathan's willingness to challenge his father teach about the priority of justice over family loyalty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיַּ֙עַן֙1 of 11

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן2 of 11

“And Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

אֶת3 of 11
H853

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

שָׁא֖וּל4 of 11

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אָבִ֑יו5 of 11

“his father”

H1

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

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר6 of 11

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֛יו7 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לָ֥מָּה8 of 11
H4100

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

יוּמַ֖ת9 of 11

“unto him Wherefore shall he be slain”

H4191

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

מֶ֥ה10 of 11
H4100

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

עָשָֽׂה׃11 of 11

“what hath he done”

H6213

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

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 20:32 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 20:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:231 Samuel 19:5Genesis 31:36Luke 23:22Proverbs 31:8-91 Samuel 20:7

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