1 Samuel 20:32

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?”

American Standard Version (1901)

And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore should he be put to death? what hath he done?

Bible in Basic English

And Jonathan, answering his father Saul, said to him, Why is he to be put to death? What has he done?

Free Bible Version

“Why does he have to be put to death?” Jonathan asked. “What has he done?”

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Translation for Translators

Jonathan asked his father, “Why should David be executed? What wrong has he done?”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Jonathan answered Saul his father, “For what reason should he be put to death? What has he done?”

Noah Webster Bible

And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, Why shall he be slain? what hath he done?

World English Bible

Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”

Young's Literal Translation

And Jonathan answereth Saul his father, and saith unto him, 'Why is he put to death? what hath he done?'

Context

Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan

³¹For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingship shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!”³²“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?”

Summary

In this verse, King Saul expresses his anger and desire to kill his own son, Jonathan, upon realizing that Jonathan had helped David escape. This intense reaction reveals Saul's jealousy and paranoia towards David, whom he saw as a threat to his kingship. It also showcases the strained relationship between Saul and Jonathan, as Jonathan's loyalty to David conflicted with his allegiance to his father. This verse sets the stage for the ongoing conflict and pursuit of David by Saul throughout the rest of the narrative in 1 Samuel.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Jonathan answered Saul his, father, and said unto him,.... Making no answer to the charges of perverseness, rebellion, and folly brought against himself, which he bore with patience, but could not bear to hear his dear friend spoken against, and as worthy of death; and therefore in answer to that says: wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? has he attempted to take away thy life? to deprive thee of thy crown? to settle himself upon the throne? what overt act of treason has he been guilty of; that he should die? on the contrary, has he not done many things worthy of immortal honour, for the good of the nation, and the glory of thy reign? and if God has determined the kingdom for him, and anointed him to it, what blame can be laid upon him? nay, should he not be the rather respected and honoured?