So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.

1 SAMUEL 20:34KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 20:34 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:34 mean?

1 Samuel 20:34 describes Jonathan leaving the meal in intense anger and refusing to eat for the second day of the new month, because he was deeply upset that his father, King Saul, had shamed David. Jonathan’s reaction shows his loyalty to David and his distress over his father’s unjust treatment.

In this scene, Jonathan is at a royal feast with his father Saul. Saul’s harsh behavior toward David, who is absent, makes Jonathan furious and sorrowful. The verse highlights the personal cost Jonathan feels as he stands up for his friend David, even when it puts him at odds with his own father.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:34

  • "Fierce" (חָרָה, ḥārāh) and "anger" (אַף, ʾaf): The Hebrew words here together emphasize not just anger, but a burning, emotional intensity. Jonathan’s reaction is not mild frustration but a deep, passionate response to injustice.
  • "Grieved" (עָצַב, ʿātsav): This word means to be deeply hurt or distressed. Jonathan’s pain is not only about the situation but also about the shame his father brought upon David, showing real empathy and sorrow.
  • "Shame" (כָּלַם, kālam): This word means to humiliate or disgrace. The verse points out that Saul’s actions were not just harsh, but publicly dishonoring to David, which was a serious matter in their culture.

Why 1 Samuel 20:34 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jonathan was neutral or passive; he is emotionally invested and takes a clear stand for David, even against his own father.
  • The verse emphasizes the depth of Jonathan’s friendship with David, showing that Jonathan is willing to suffer personally because of Saul’s mistreatment of David.
  • 1 Samuel 20:34 connects to the larger story by highlighting the growing divide between Saul and those loyal to David, setting the stage for the coming conflict and David’s eventual rise.

Where else these words appear

“fierce” Hebrew H2750 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 11:8 And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.
  • Deuteronomy 29:24 Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger?
  • Isaiah 7:4 And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

“grieved” Hebrew H6087 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
  • 1 Kings 1:6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.
  • Psalms 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

“shame” Hebrew H3637 · used in 38 verses

  • Numbers 12:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
  • Psalms 35:4 Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
  • Isaiah 54:4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

“table” Hebrew H7979 · used in 62 verses

  • Exodus 25:23 Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
  • 1 Samuel 20:29 And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.
  • Job 36:16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.