Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?

1 SAMUEL 20:10KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“roughly” Hebrew H7186 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 42:7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
  • Deuteronomy 26:6 And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:
  • 2 Chronicles 10:13 And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3083 · used in 73 verses

  • Judges 18:30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.
  • 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?
  • 2 Samuel 9:6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!