1 Samuel 20:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:10 mean?

1 Samuel 20:10 shows David asking Jonathan how he will be informed about Saul’s reaction, especially if Saul responds harshly. David is concerned about his safety and wants to know who will bring him news if Jonathan’s father, Saul, is angry or threatening.

David is speaking privately with Jonathan, Saul’s son, as they try to figure out if Saul intends to harm David. The situation is tense, since David suspects Saul’s intentions but needs confirmation. This verse captures David’s anxiety and the practical problem of communication when his life may be at risk.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:10

• "Tell" (נָגַד, nagad): This word means to make something known or to report. David’s use of this word highlights his need for trustworthy information, not just rumors or guesses.
• "Answer" (עָנָה, anah): This word often means to respond or reply, but it can also carry the sense of giving a formal or decisive answer. David is worried about the seriousness of Saul’s response.
• "Roughly" (קָשֶׁה, qasheh): This word means harshly or severely. David is not just worried about a negative answer, but about a response that could be dangerous or violent.

Why 1 Samuel 20:10 matters

• This verse shows the depth of trust and dependence between David and Jonathan, as David relies on Jonathan to be his source of truth and safety.
• The verse highlights the real danger David faces and the uncertainty about Saul’s intentions, setting up the tension for the rest of the chapter.
• It clarifies that David is not just worried about being disliked, but about the possibility of a harsh, even deadly, reaction from Saul, which shapes the urgency of their secret plan.