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.

1 SAMUEL 20:31KJV
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1 Samuel 20:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:31 mean?

1 Samuel 20:31 records King Saul telling his son Jonathan that as long as David (the son of Jesse) is alive, Jonathan’s position and future kingship are not secure, and Saul demands that Jonathan bring David to him so David can be killed. Saul sees David as a threat to Jonathan’s claim to the throne and insists that David must die to protect their dynasty.

In this scene, Saul is speaking directly to Jonathan during a tense conversation about David’s absence from a royal feast. Saul’s words reveal his fear that David’s continued life endangers the royal succession, showing how deeply Saul views David as a rival. This verse is a turning point, making clear Saul’s intent to kill David and the danger David faces.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:31

  • "Established" — כּוּן (kun): This word means to be made firm or secure. Saul is saying Jonathan’s rule cannot be firmly set up as long as David lives, highlighting Saul’s obsession with dynastic security.
  • "Kingdom" — מַלְכוּת (malkut): This term refers to the realm or reign. Saul is not just talking about Jonathan’s personal safety, but the entire future of their royal line.
  • "Send" — שָׁלַח (shalach) and "fetch" — לָקַח (laqach): Saul uses strong action words, commanding Jonathan to act immediately to bring David to him, showing the urgency and seriousness of Saul’s demand.
  • "Die" — מוּת (muth): The word for death here is direct and final, leaving no doubt that Saul wants David executed, not just threatened or exiled.

Why 1 Samuel 20:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Saul’s hostility toward David is not just personal jealousy but is rooted in fear for his family’s future rule, making the conflict about succession and legacy.
  • The demand Saul makes puts Jonathan in a position where he must choose between loyalty to his father and his friendship with David, setting up the dramatic tension that follows.
  • Understanding Saul’s reasoning here helps explain why Jonathan later warns David and why David must flee for his life, shaping the events that follow in the narrative.