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1 Samuel 20:30

1 Samuel 20:30 in Multiple Translations

Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the disgrace of the mother who bore you?

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?

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

Then Saul was moved to wrath against Jonathan, and he said to him, You son of an evil and uncontrolled woman, have I not seen how you have given your love to the son of Jesse, to your shame and the shame of your mother?

Saul got very angry with Jonathan and said, “You rebellious son of a whore! Don't you think I know that you prefer the son of Jesse? Shame on you! You're a disgrace to the mother who bore you!

Then was Saul angrie with Ionathan, and sayde vnto him, Thou sonne of the wicked rebellious woman, doe not I know, that thou hast chosen the sonne of Ishai to thy confusion, and to the confusion and shame of thy mother?

And the anger of Saul burneth against Jonathan, and he saith to him, 'Son of a perverse rebellious woman! have I not known that thou art fixing on the son of Jesse to thy shame, and to the shame of the nakedness of thy mother?

Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse rebellious woman, don’t I know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness?

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

Then Saul being angry against Jonathan said to him: Thou son of a woman that is the ravisher of a man, do I not know that thou lovest the son of Isai to thy own confusion and to the confusion of thy shameless mother?

Saul was ◄furious/very angry► with Jonathan. He yelled at him, “You stupid bastard [EUP]! I know that you are being loyal to that son of Jesse. By doing that, you will bring shame to yourself and to your mother.

Saul got very angry with his son, and he yelled at him like this, “You stupid fool. I know that you listen to David and not to me. That’s a shame job. You even shame your own mother.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:30

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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 20:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּֽחַר אַ֤ף שָׁאוּל֙ בִּ/יה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔/וֹ בֶּֽן נַעֲוַ֖ת הַ/מַּרְדּ֑וּת הֲ/ל֣וֹא יָדַ֗עְתִּי כִּֽי בֹחֵ֤ר אַתָּה֙ לְ/בֶן יִשַׁ֔י לְ/בָ֨שְׁתְּ/ךָ֔ וּ/לְ/בֹ֖שֶׁת עֶרְוַ֥ת אִמֶּֽ/ךָ
וַ/יִּֽחַר chârâh H2734 to be incensed Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַ֤ף ʼaph H639 face DirObjM
שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
בִּ/יה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן Yᵉhôwnâthân H3083 Jonathan Prep | N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff
בֶּֽן bên H1121 son N-ms
נַעֲוַ֖ת ʻâvâh H5753 to twist V-Niphal
הַ/מַּרְדּ֑וּת mardûwth H4780 rebellious Art | N-fs
הֲ/ל֣וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part
יָדַ֗עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
בֹחֵ֤ר bâchar H977 to choose V-Qal
אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron
לְ/בֶן bên H1121 son Prep | N-ms
יִשַׁ֔י Yishay H3448 Jesse N-proper
לְ/בָ֨שְׁתְּ/ךָ֔ bôsheth H1322 shame Prep | N-fs | Suff
וּ/לְ/בֹ֖שֶׁת bôsheth H1322 shame Conj | Prep | N-fs
עֶרְוַ֥ת ʻervâh H6172 nakedness N-fs
אִמֶּֽ/ךָ ʼêm H517 mother N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:30

וַ/יִּֽחַר chârâh H2734 "to be incensed" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
אַ֤ף ʼaph H639 "face" DirObjM
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
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.
בִּ/יה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן Yᵉhôwnâthân H3083 "Jonathan" Prep | N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § 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) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר 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.
ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
בֶּֽן bên H1121 "son" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
נַעֲוַ֖ת ʻâvâh H5753 "to twist" V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to do wrong or commit iniquity, like when people turn away from God's laws. It appears in various forms, such as doing wickedly or perverting what is right. In the Bible, it is often used to describe those who stray from God's path.
Definition: 1) to bend, twist, distort 1a) (Niphal) to be bent, be bowed down, be twisted, be perverted 1b) (Piel) to twist, distort 1c) (Hiphil) to do perversely
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: do amiss, bow down, make crooked, commit iniquity, pervert, (do) perverse(-ly), trouble, [idiom] turn, do wickedly, do wrong. See also: 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 38:7; Psalms 106:6.
הַ/מַּרְדּ֑וּת mardûwth H4780 "rebellious" Art | N-fs
Marduwth refers to rebelliousness or a rebellious attitude, often describing a state of disobedience or resistance. This concept is found in various Old Testament passages, highlighting the importance of obedience to God.
Definition: rebellion, rebelliousness
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] rebellious. See also: 1 Samuel 20:30.
הֲ/ל֣וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדַ֗עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בֹחֵ֤ר bâchar H977 "to choose" V-Qal
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לְ/בֶן bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשַׁ֔י Yishay H3448 "Jesse" N-proper
Jesse was the father of King David and a member of the tribe of Judah, and his name means 'I possess', showing his importance in the family and community.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Obed (H5744); father of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J) Also named: Iessai (Ἰεσσαί "Jesse" G2421) § Jesse = "I possess" son of Boaz and the father of king David
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Jesse. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 72:20.
לְ/בָ֨שְׁתְּ/ךָ֔ bôsheth H1322 "shame" Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for shame describes a feeling of embarrassment or guilt, and can also refer to something that causes shame. It is used in the Bible to describe feelings of shame or embarrassment, as in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) shame 1a) shame 1b) shameful thing
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: ashamed, confusion, [phrase] greatly, (put to) shame(-ful thing). See also: 1 Samuel 20:30; Isaiah 54:4; Psalms 35:26.
וּ/לְ/בֹ֖שֶׁת bôsheth H1322 "shame" Conj | Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for shame describes a feeling of embarrassment or guilt, and can also refer to something that causes shame. It is used in the Bible to describe feelings of shame or embarrassment, as in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) shame 1a) shame 1b) shameful thing
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: ashamed, confusion, [phrase] greatly, (put to) shame(-ful thing). See also: 1 Samuel 20:30; Isaiah 54:4; Psalms 35:26.
עֶרְוַ֥ת ʻervâh H6172 "nakedness" N-fs
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.
אִמֶּֽ/ךָ ʼêm H517 "mother" N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:30

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 21:24 Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride.
2 James 1:19–20 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.
3 Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.
4 Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
5 Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
6 Proverbs 19:19 A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.
7 Proverbs 27:3 A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
8 Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.
9 Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
10 Matthew 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

1 Samuel 20:30 Summary

In this verse, Saul becomes very angry with Jonathan because he thinks Jonathan is siding with David, who he sees as a threat to his power. This anger and jealousy are rooted in Saul's own heart and are a result of his rebellion against God, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23. Like Saul, we can all struggle with anger and jealousy, but we can learn from Jonathan's example to stand up for what is right and to trust in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7. By seeking to follow God's ways and trusting in His goodness, we can avoid the destructive path of anger and jealousy and instead cultivate a heart of love and humility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul become so angry with Jonathan in this verse?

Saul became angry with Jonathan because he felt Jonathan was siding with David, whom he saw as a threat to his throne, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:30, and this perceived betrayal fueled his anger, much like the anger expressed in 1 Samuel 18:8.

What does the phrase 'son of a perverse and rebellious woman' mean in this context?

This phrase is a severe insult by Saul towards Jonathan's mother, Ahinoam, implying that she was rebellious and that Jonathan has followed in her footsteps by siding with David, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 20:30, and is reminiscent of the way Eli's sons were described in 1 Samuel 2:12.

How does this verse relate to the larger themes of 1 Samuel?

This verse highlights the conflict between Saul and David, which is a central theme in 1 Samuel, and demonstrates how Saul's jealousy and anger lead him to lash out at those around him, including his own son Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:30-31, and ultimately leads to his downfall, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 15:23.

What can we learn from Jonathan's response to Saul's anger in the following verses?

Jonathan's response in 1 Samuel 20:32 shows that he is willing to stand up for what is right, even in the face of his father's anger, and this is a testament to his character and faith, as seen in his earlier actions in 1 Samuel 19:1-7, where he also defended David.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have seen anger and jealousy play out in my own life or in the lives of those around me, and how can I learn from Saul's example to avoid these traps?
  2. How can I, like Jonathan, stand up for what is right even when it is difficult or unpopular, and what role does faith play in giving me the courage to do so?
  3. In what ways do I prioritize my own desires and interests over the well-being of others, and how can I cultivate a more selfless and loving attitude, as demonstrated by Jonathan's love for David?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to seek wisdom and guidance from God, and how can I, like Jonathan, seek to do what is right in His eyes, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:30

Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan,.... For giving David leave to go, and for excusing him in this manner: and he said unto him, thou son of the perverse and rebellious [woman]; most of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:30

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:30

Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman; this base temper of thine thou hast not from me, but from thy mother; of whose perverseness I have had so much experience. Or, thou son of perverse rebellion, i.e. thou perverse and rebellious son. Or, thou most perverse rebel; for in the Hebrew language, the word son thus used, is an aggravation of a man’ s crime, and notes one who is extraordinarily addicted to it. Thus he calls him, because he hid and preserved that man whom the king had commanded to be brought forth, that he might be slain. To thine own confusion; for it will be a horrible shame and reproach unto thee, that David by his crafty insinuations, and fair pretences, should cheat thee of thy kingdom. To the confusion of thy mother’ s nakedness; men will conclude, that thy mother was a whore, and thou a bastard; and that thou hast no royal blood in thy veins, that canst so tamely give up thy crown to so contemptible a person.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:30

1 Samuel 20:30 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?Ver. 30. Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman.] Or, O thou son of perverse rebellion. He calleth good Jonathan all that is naught, and holdeth the worst word in his belly, as they say, too good for him. Nihil tam volucre quam maledictum, saith Cicero, nihil facilius emittitur. If passionate people be but crossed of their wills, oh the tragedies, the blusters, the thunder cracks of fierce and furious language that they presently vent and utter, railing with as much bitterness as if they went as far as hell for every word that comes from them! How basely doth this tyrant revile both his wife as perverse and rebellious, who perhaps was neither; and his son as a bastard, and so like the mother, that he was the worse again! And unto the confusion of thy mother’ s nakedness.] As if she were a harlot, and thou illegitimate; and so not fit to inherit the kingdom.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:30

(30) Saul’s anger was kindled.—As David expected, his absence kindled into a flame the anger of Saul. Probably he had determined at that very feast, surrounded by his own devoted friends and members of his family, to carry out his evil designs against David’s life. Murder was, probably enough, one of the incidents arranged for at that banquet, but the absence of the intended victim marred the plot; besides which, the king, too, with the cunning which the partially insane so often display, saw through the veil of the specious excuse that David too clearly suspected his wicked design, and purposely stayed away; nay, more, that his own son Jonathan, the heir of his kingdom, suspected him, and openly sympathised with his friend David, for whose pointed absence he thus publicly apologised. Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman.—These words, spoken in public, in any sense were a bitter insult to the prince. Another and better rendering has, however, been suggested. The word naãvath, rendered perverse, instead of being a feminine adjective, is probably an abstract noun. The translation would then run, “Thou son of perversity of rebellion,” a common Hebraism for “a man of perverse and refractory nature;” so Clericus, Lange, and Payne Smith. This avoids the extreme improbability that Saul insulted his own wife, Jonathan’s mother, which, as has been observed, contradicts the Hebrew family spirit. The confusion of thy mother’s nakedness.—This is far from insulting Jonathan’s mother; it is simply an Oriental mode of saying, “she will feel ashamed at having brought such a son into the world.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:30

Verse 30. Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman] This clause is variously translated and understood. The Hebrew might be translated, Son of an unjust rebellion; that is, "Thou art a rebel against thy own father." The Vulgate, Fili mulieris virum ultro rapientis; "Son of the woman who, of her own accord, forces the man." The Septuagint is equally curious, Υἱεκορασιωναυτομολουντων; "Son of the damsels who came of their own accord." Were these the meaning of the Hebrew, then the bitter reflection must refer to some secret transaction between Saul and Jonathan's mother; which certainly reflects more dishonour on himself than on his brave son. Most sarcasms bear as hard upon the speaker, as they do on him against whom they are spoken. Abusive language always argues a mean, weak, and malevolent heart.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:30

30. Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman] “To any Oriental, nothing is so grievously insulting as a reproach cast upon his mother.… The mother herself is not held to be affronted in such cases, but the son who hears such words applied to her is insulted, and meant to be insulted, beyond expiation.” Kitto, Bible Illustr. The words might also be rendered, “thou son of perverse rebellion,” i.e. according to a common Heb. idiom (cp. 1 Samuel 1:16), “thou perverse rebel.” that thou hast chosen] The Sept. reads, “that thou consortest with.” to thine own confusion, &c.] Thy unfilial conduct disgraces both thyself and the mother who bare thee.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:30

The greatest insult and most stinging reproach that can be cast upon an Oriental is to reproach his parents or ancestors (see Job 30:8). Saul means to intimate that Jonathan was stubborn from his mother’s womb.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:30

30. Son of the perverse rebellious woman — On this passage the versions vary, but ours conveys the meaning of the Hebrew.

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