King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 20:34 Mean?

1 Samuel 20:34 in the King James Version says “So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved fo... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 20:34 · KJV


Context

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.

35

And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.

36

And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. beyond: Heb. to pass over him


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Jonathan's 'fierce anger' (chori 'aph) arose from grief for David 'because his father had done him shame.' The refusal to eat expressed mourning and protest. Jonathan's anger was righteous indignation at injustice against his friend. His willingness to openly break with his father over David demonstrated covenant loyalty surpassing filial duty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Refusing to eat at royal feasts was significant protest. The 'shame' (klm) done to David extended to Jonathan through their covenant bond. Jonathan's departure created public rupture with his father.

Reflection Questions

  1. When is fierce anger at injustice appropriate and righteous?
  2. How does Jonathan's public break with Saul demonstrate the cost of covenant faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיָּ֧קָם1 of 19

arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֛ן2 of 19

So Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

מֵעִ֥ם3 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַשֻּׁלְחָ֖ן4 of 19

from the table

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

בָּֽחֳרִי5 of 19

in fierce

H2750

a burning (i.e., intense) anger

אָ֑ף6 of 19

anger

H639

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

וְלֹֽא7 of 19
H3808

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

אָכַ֞ל8 of 19

and did eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְּיוֹם9 of 19

day

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

הַחֹ֤דֶשׁ10 of 19

of the month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשֵּׁנִי֙11 of 19

the second

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

לֶ֔חֶם12 of 19

no meat

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

כִּ֤י13 of 19
H3588

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

נֶעְצַב֙14 of 19

for he was grieved

H6087

properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion

אֶל15 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֔ד16 of 19

for David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

כִּ֥י17 of 19
H3588

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

הִכְלִמ֖וֹ18 of 19

had done him shame

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

אָבִֽיו׃19 of 19

because his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote 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 20:34 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 20:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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