1 Samuel 20:32
1 Samuel 20:32 in Multiple Translations
“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?”
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore should he be put to death? what hath he done?
And Jonathan, answering his father Saul, said to him, Why is he to be put to death? What has he done?
“Why does he have to be put to death?” Jonathan asked. “What has he done?”
And Ionathan answered vnto Saul his father, and said vnto him, Wherefore shall he die? what hath he done?
And Jonathan answereth Saul his father, and saith unto him, 'Why is he put to death? what hath he done?'
Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, Why shall he be slain? what hath he done?
And Jonathan answering Saul his father, said: Why shall he die: what hath he done?
Jonathan asked his father, “Why should David be executed? What wrong has he done?”
Jonathan asked his father, “Why has he got to die? What wrong thing did he do?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:32
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 20:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֨עַן֙
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
אֶת
שָׁא֖וּל
אָבִ֑י/ו
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
אֵלָ֛י/ו
לָ֥/מָּה
יוּמַ֖ת
מֶ֥ה
עָשָֽׂה
וַ/יַּ֨עַן֙
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֛י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יוּמַ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
מֶ֥ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
עָשָֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:32
וַ/יַּ֨עַן֙
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שָׁא֖וּל
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.
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
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.
אֵלָ֛י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | 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.
יוּמַ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
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.
מֶ֥ה
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.
עָשָֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:32
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:32
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:32
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:32
Context — Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan
30Then 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 shame of the mother who bore you?
31For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom 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?”
33Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. 34Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger and did not eat any food that second day of the month, for he was grieved by his father’s shameful treatment of David.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 27:23 | “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 19:5 | He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” |
| 3 | Luke 23:22 | A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.” |
| 4 | Genesis 31:36 | Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 20:7 | If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. |
| 6 | John 7:51 | “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 19:10–11 | Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But the spear struck the wall and David eluded him, ran away, and escaped that night. Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” |
| 8 | Proverbs 31:8–9 | Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 17:9 | The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 7:9 | Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. |
1 Samuel 20:32 Summary
In this verse, Jonathan is asking his father, Saul, why David has to be killed, because he doesn't think it's right. Jonathan is trying to protect his friend David, and he wants to know what David has done wrong. This shows that Jonathan is a loyal friend and is willing to stand up for what he believes in, even if it's hard. As we read in 1 Samuel 18:1, Jonathan loved David as himself, and this love and loyalty are examples for us to follow, just like Jesus taught us to love one another in John 13:34.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jonathan ask why David had to be put to death?
Jonathan asked this question because he was trying to understand the reason behind his father's desire to kill David, and he was also trying to protect his friend, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:32 and also in 1 Samuel 18:1 where it is written that Jonathan loved David as himself.
Was Jonathan aware of the danger David was in?
Yes, Jonathan was aware of the danger David was in, and he was trying to intervene on his behalf, which is evident from 1 Samuel 20:32 where he questions his father's decision to kill David, and also from 1 Samuel 19:1-2 where Jonathan warns David of the danger.
How did Jonathan's question affect Saul's behavior?
Jonathan's question made Saul even angrier, and he hurled his spear at Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:33, which shows the depth of Saul's hatred for David and his desire to kill him.
What can we learn from Jonathan's bravery in speaking up for David?
We can learn that standing up for what is right, even if it's difficult or unpopular, is important, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:32, and also in Proverbs 31:8-9 where it is written that we should speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Reflection Questions
- What would you do if you were in Jonathan's shoes, and how would you respond to a situation where someone you care about is in danger?
- How can you apply Jonathan's courage and loyalty to your own relationships and stand up for those who are being treated unfairly or persecuted?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of Jonathan, and what can we learn from his example?
- How does this verse relate to the broader theme of friendship and loyalty in the Bible, as seen in verses like John 15:13 and Proverbs 17:17?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:32
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:32
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:32
1 Samuel 20:32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?Ver. 32. Wherefore shall he be slain?] Good blood will not belie itself. Nicodemus, faint hearted at first, yet when Christ was likely to be apprehended, stickled for him, and to very good purpose.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:32
(32) And Jonathan answered.—Jonathan, remembering the effect of his quiet, earnest remonstrance on a previous occasion, again tried to deprecate his father’s unreasoning jealous anger, but this time to no purpose. A paroxysm of madness seized Saul, and he grasped the long spear leaning by his side, and with hate and fury in his eye raised the great war weapon to strike down his son.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:32
18–42. This section is the Haphtarah for the New Moon when it falls on the first day of the week.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 20:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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John 7:45-8:19 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the profound impact of Christ's teachings on the officers sent to arrest Him, contrasting their openness to His words with the Pharisees' hardened he |
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Rope Wanted by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Mary, a young woman who bravely risked her life to save others during a devastating tidal wave. Despite the warnings of her comrades |
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Good News to the Poor by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing Jesus' proclamation of preaching good news to the poor. He highlights the current need for this message, especially in times of nat |
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Call to Discipleship by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reaching out to children in need through the Bridge of Hope program by Gospel for Asia. It highlights the impact of investing in children's |
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Holl-09 Israel in the Cosmic Drama by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a prophetic perspective that considers eternity and its impact on the present. He calls out the church in Holland to |
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No Longer a Slum Dog - New Book by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon by K.P. Yohannan, President of Gospel for Asia, focuses on the plight and suffering of children, particularly the Dalit community in India and neighboring nations. He s |
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Righteous Anger by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the call for the church to be powerful, not passive, standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. It addresses the importance of speaking out against soc |