2 Samuel 1:5

Verse

Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

American Standard Version (1901)

And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?

Bible in Basic English

And David said to the young man who gave him the news, Why are you certain that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?

Douay-Rheims 1899

And David said to the young man that told him: How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son, are dead?

Free Bible Version

“How do you know Saul and Jonathan died?” David asked the man giving the report.

Geneva Bible 1599

And Dauid saide vnto the yong man that tolde it him, Howe knowest thou that Saul and Ionathan his sonne be dead?

King James (Authorized) Version

And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

Translation for Translators

David said to the young man, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

Unlocked Literal Bible

David said to the young man, “How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?”

Noah Webster Bible

And David said to the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?

World English Bible

David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?”

Young's Literal Translation

And David saith unto the youth who is declaring [it] to him, 'How hast thou known that Saul and Jonathan his son [are] dead?'

Context

Saul’s Death Reported to David

⁴“What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”⁵Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

Summary

In this verse, a young Amalekite man comes to David with news of King Saul and his sons' deaths. The man claims to have killed Saul at the king's request, expecting to receive a reward from David. This event sets the stage for David's reaction to the news of Saul's death and reflects the consequences of the Amalekite's actions. It also foreshadows the challenges and complexities David will face as he ascends to the throne of Israel.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And David said unto the young man that told him,.... These tidings: how knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? this he particularly inquired after, as what most affected him, and was most material for him to know; and his meaning is, whether he had this of his own sight and knowledge, or by report.