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1 Samuel 14:43

1 Samuel 14:43 in Multiple Translations

“Tell me what you have done,” Saul commanded him. So Jonathan told him, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. And now I must die?”

Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.

Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and, lo, I must die.

Then Saul said to Jonathan, Give me an account of what you have done. And Jonathan gave him the story and said, Certainly I took a little honey on the end of my rod; and now death is to be my fate.

“Tell me what you have done,” Saul asked Jonathan. “I just tasted a little honey with the end of my stick,” Jonathan told him. “Here I am, and I have to die.”

Then Saul said to Ionathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Ionathan tolde him, and said, I tasted a litle hony with the ende of the rod, that was in mine hand, and loe, I must die.

And Saul saith unto Jonathan, 'Declare to me, what hast thou done?' and Jonathan declareth to him, and saith, 'I certainly tasted with the end of the rod that [is] in my hand a little honey; lo, I die!'

Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done!” Jonathan told him, and said, “I certainly did taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and behold, I must die.”

Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand, and , lo, I must die.

And Saul said to Jonathan: Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said: I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod, which was in my hand, and behold I must die.

Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done that was wrong.” Jonathan replied, “I ate a little bit of honey. It was only a little bit that was on the end of my stick. Do I deserve to be executed because of doing that?”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:43

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 14:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר שָׁאוּל֙ אֶל י֣וֹנָתָ֔ן הַגִּ֥ידָ/ה לִּ֖/י מֶ֣ה עָשִׂ֑יתָה וַ/יַּגֶּד ל֣/וֹ יוֹנָתָ֗ן וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ טָעֹ֨ם טָעַ֜מְתִּי בִּ/קְצֵ֨ה הַ/מַּטֶּ֧ה אֲשֶׁר בְּ/יָדִ֛/י מְעַ֥ט דְּבַ֖שׁ הִנְ/נִ֥י אָמֽוּת
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
י֣וֹנָתָ֔ן Yôwnâthân H3129 Jonathan N-proper
הַגִּ֥ידָ/ה nâgad H5046 to tell V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
לִּ֖/י Prep | Suff
מֶ֣ה mâh H4100 what? Part
עָשִׂ֑יתָה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-2ms
וַ/יַּגֶּד nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֣/וֹ Prep | Suff
יוֹנָתָ֗ן Yôwnâthân H3129 Jonathan N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
טָעֹ֨ם ṭâʻam H2938 to perceive V-Qal-Ptc
טָעַ֜מְתִּי ṭâʻam H2938 to perceive V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בִּ/קְצֵ֨ה qâtseh H7097 end Prep | N-cs
הַ/מַּטֶּ֧ה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בְּ/יָדִ֛/י yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff
מְעַ֥ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little N-ms
דְּבַ֖שׁ dᵉbash H1706 honey N-ms
הִנְ/נִ֥י hên H2005 look! Part | Suff
אָמֽוּת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:43

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
י֣וֹנָתָ֔ן Yôwnâthân H3129 "Jonathan" N-proper
Jonathan means Jehovah has given, a name shared by several Israelites, including King Saul's son and a friend of David. He was a key figure in 1 Samuel and a brave warrior. Jonathan's story is told in the books of Samuel.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.32; son of: Shammah (H8048I) Another spelling of ye.ho.na.tan (יְהוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3083J) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 5) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 6) another Judaite 7) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 8) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 9) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 10) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. See also: Judges 18:30; 1 Samuel 14:42; Jeremiah 40:8.
הַגִּ֥ידָ/ה nâgad H5046 "to tell" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לִּ֖/י "" Prep | Suff
מֶ֣ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
עָשִׂ֑יתָה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וַ/יַּגֶּד nâgad H5046 "to tell" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
ל֣/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
יוֹנָתָ֗ן Yôwnâthân H3129 "Jonathan" N-proper
Jonathan means Jehovah has given, a name shared by several Israelites, including King Saul's son and a friend of David. He was a key figure in 1 Samuel and a brave warrior. Jonathan's story is told in the books of Samuel.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.32; son of: Shammah (H8048I) Another spelling of ye.ho.na.tan (יְהוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3083J) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 5) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 6) another Judaite 7) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 8) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 9) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 10) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. See also: Judges 18:30; 1 Samuel 14:42; Jeremiah 40:8.
וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
טָעֹ֨ם ṭâʻam H2938 "to perceive" V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to taste or perceive something, and is often used figuratively. In the Old Testament, it describes experiencing or understanding something. The KJV translates it as 'taste' or 'perceive'.
Definition: 1) to taste, perceive, eat 1a) (Qal) to taste Aramaic equivalent: te.am (טְעֵם "to feed" H2939)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] but, perceive, taste. See also: 1 Samuel 14:24; Job 12:11; Psalms 34:9.
טָעַ֜מְתִּי ṭâʻam H2938 "to perceive" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to taste or perceive something, and is often used figuratively. In the Old Testament, it describes experiencing or understanding something. The KJV translates it as 'taste' or 'perceive'.
Definition: 1) to taste, perceive, eat 1a) (Qal) to taste Aramaic equivalent: te.am (טְעֵם "to feed" H2939)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] but, perceive, taste. See also: 1 Samuel 14:24; Job 12:11; Psalms 34:9.
בִּ/קְצֵ֨ה qâtseh H7097 "end" Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
הַ/מַּטֶּ֧ה maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/יָדִ֛/י yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
מְעַ֥ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
דְּבַ֖שׁ dᵉbash H1706 "honey" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
הִנְ/נִ֥י hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אָמֽוּת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:43

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 7:19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
2 1 Samuel 14:27 Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.
3 Jonah 1:7–10 “Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. “Tell us now,” they demanded, “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people?” “I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.” Then the men were even more afraid and said to him, “What have you done?” The men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

1 Samuel 14:43 Summary

This verse shows Jonathan being honest with his father, Saul, about disobeying instructions by tasting a little honey. Jonathan didn't think this small action deserved death, and he was seeking clarification on Saul's intentions. This story teaches us about the importance of honesty and obedience, and how authority figures must balance justice with mercy, as seen in other Bible stories like David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11-12. We can learn from Jonathan's example by being truthful and transparent in our own lives, as instructed in Proverbs 10:9 and Ephesians 4:25.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jonathan have to tell Saul what he had done?

Jonathan had to tell Saul what he had done because Saul had commanded him to, after Jonathan was selected by lot as the one who had potentially disobeyed God's instructions, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:41-42. This was a test of Jonathan's honesty and obedience.

What did Jonathan mean by 'I only tasted a little honey'?

Jonathan meant that he had only slightly disobeyed the instructions given by Saul in 1 Samuel 14:24, by tasting a little honey with the end of his staff, and he did not think this small action deserved death, as stated in 1 Samuel 14:44.

Why did Jonathan ask 'And now I must die?'

Jonathan asked this question because he was surprised and possibly felt that his small action of tasting honey did not warrant the punishment of death, as seen in his response in 1 Samuel 14:43, and he was seeking clarification on Saul's intentions, which were influenced by his own oath in 1 Samuel 14:44.

How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience to authority?

This verse highlights the importance of obedience to authority, as seen in Jonathan's willingness to confess his actions to Saul, and it also shows how authority figures, like Saul, must balance justice with mercy, as ultimately seen in the people's intervention in 1 Samuel 14:45, which is reminiscent of God's instructions in Deuteronomy 13:6-10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be 'tasting a little honey' and disobeying God's instructions, as Jonathan did?
  2. How can I, like Jonathan, be honest and transparent with those in authority over me, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:43, and with God, as seen in Psalm 51:6?
  3. What are some ways I can seek God's guidance and wisdom when faced with difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances, as Saul attempted to do in 1 Samuel 14:41?
  4. How can I, like the people in 1 Samuel 14:45, stand up for what is right and just, even if it means going against those in authority, while still showing respect for their position, as instructed in Romans 13:1-7?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:43

Then Saul said to Jonathan, tell me what thou hast done,.... What sin he had committed, the lot having fallen on him, and found him out: and Jonathan told him; the whole of the matter, all the truth,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:43

And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:43

I am sentenced to death for it; which is hard measure. He had another answer, that he knew not of his father’ s command; but that being said before, , it was needless here to repeat it.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:43

1 Samuel 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that [was] in mine hand, [and], lo, I must die.Ver. 43. And, lo, I must die.] This he speaketh, saith Josephus, out of his constancy and contempt of death. Others in this speech note his candour, ingenuousness, and honest simplicity; neither accusing his father, nor excusing himself, nor appealing to the army, whose darling he was.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:43

(43, 44) Lo, I must die.—These wild and thoughtless vows are peculiarly characteristic of this half-barbaric period. We have already observed that the age now closing had been peculiarly the age of vows. A similar terrible oath, equalling Saul’s in its rashness, had been taken by Jephthah. It is noticeable that not only Saul, who vowed the vow, but Jonathan, its victim, were convinced that the vow, though perhaps hastily and rashly made, must be kept. “Against both these,” says Erdman in Lange with great force “rises the people’s voice as the voice of God, the question (in 1 Samuel 14:45), ‘Shall Jonathan die? ‘and the answer,’ Far be it,’ expresses the sorrowful astonishment and the energetic protest of the people, who were inspired by Jonathan’s heroic deed and its brilliant result. . . . Over against Saul’s oath the people set their own: ‘As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground.’ Probably Saul was not unwilling in this awful question, when his son’s life trembled in the balance, to submit his will for once to the people’s.” “Take then no vow at random: ta’en in faith, Preserve it; yet not bent, as Jephthah once, Blindly to execute a rash resolve, Whom better it had suited to exclaim, ‘I have done ill than to redeem his pledge By doing worse.”—Dante, Paradise, 5:63-68.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:43

43. Tell me] In like manner Joshua moved Achan to confess, when the lot had fixed upon him as the “troubler of Israel” (Joshua 7:19). I did but taste, &c.] I did certainly taste … here I am: I will die. Jonathan’s words are not a lamentation over his hard fate, as the E. V. implies, but a confession that the guilt, though involuntary, was his, and an heroic expression of readiness to sacrifice his life for his country even in the hour off victory.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:43

SermonDescription
Phil Beach Jr. The Throne of Grace by Phil Beach Jr. Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of confession and humility before God, warning against the hypocrisy of worshiping with empty words while harboring pride and sin in our hea
Phil Beach Jr. You Shall See but Not Eat by Phil Beach Jr. Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical importance of responding to God's word with faith and confession, using the story from 2 Kings 7 to illustrate how one's response can determi

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