1 Samuel 14:39
For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חַי
liveth
H2416
חַי
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
2 of 18
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוָ֗ה
For as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
For as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַמּוֹשִׁ֙יעַ֙
which saveth
H3467
הַמּוֹשִׁ֙יעַ֙
which saveth
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּ֧י
H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
8 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֶשְׁנ֛וֹ
though it be
H3426
יֶשְׁנ֛וֹ
though it be
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
9 of 18
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
בְּנִ֖י
my son
H1121
בְּנִ֖י
my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָמ֑וּת
die
H4191
יָמ֑וּת
die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
13 of 18
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
יָמ֑וּת
die
H4191
יָמ֑וּת
die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
14 of 18
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
עֹנֵ֖הוּ
that answered
H6030
עֹנֵ֖הוּ
that answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
Cross References
1 Samuel 14:44And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.2 Samuel 12:5And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:1 Samuel 14:24And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings were expected to enforce oaths absolutely, even against family. Saul's inclusion of Jonathan demonstrates (or performs) impartiality. The people's silence may indicate they already knew or suspected Jonathan was the violator.
Questions for Reflection
- How do compounding oaths create impossible situations?
- What does the people's silence suggest about their view of Saul's leadership?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.
Saul's oath intensifies the tragedy: 'though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.' The Hebrew moth yamuth ('he shall surely die') is emphatic. Saul commits to execute even his own son without knowing who is guilty. This compound oath - cursing those who eat and vowing death to the oath-breaker - reveals Saul's pattern of creating problems through impulsive words. The people's silence - 'there was not a man among all the people that answered him' - suggests disapproval they dare not voice.