And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?

1 SAMUEL 20:32KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 20:32 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:32 mean?

1 Samuel 20:32 shows Jonathan questioning his father Saul about why David should be killed, asking what wrong David has done. Jonathan is openly challenging Saul’s desire to harm David, seeking a reason or justification for such a severe action.

Jonathan is speaking directly to Saul, his father, in a tense and dangerous moment. Saul has just expressed his anger and intent to kill David, and Jonathan, David’s close friend, responds with a bold question. This verse highlights Jonathan’s loyalty to David and his willingness to stand up to his own father for what he believes is right.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:32

  • "slain" (מוּת, mût): This word means "to die" or "to be killed." Jonathan is not just asking about punishment but specifically about the death penalty, showing how serious Saul’s intentions are.
  • "done" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word means "to do" or "to act." Jonathan’s question focuses on David’s actions, asking what specific deed could possibly deserve death.

Why 1 Samuel 20:32 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Jonathan is not blindly loyal to Saul; he is willing to question his father’s judgment when he believes it is unjust.
  • The verse highlights the innocence of David, as even Saul’s own son cannot point to any wrongdoing that would justify killing him.
  • It sets up the growing conflict between Saul and Jonathan, which will shape the events that follow and deepen the tragedy of Saul’s reign.

Where else these words appear

“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 20:28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:
  • 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!