1 Samuel 14:43
Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּגֶּד
Tell
H5046
וַיַּגֶּד
Tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מֶ֣ה
H4100
מֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָשִׂ֑יתָה
me what thou hast done
H6213
עָשִׂ֑יתָה
me what thou hast done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וַיַּגֶּד
Tell
H5046
וַיַּגֶּד
Tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
הַמַּטֶּ֧ה
of the rod
H4294
הַמַּטֶּ֧ה
of the rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
16 of 22
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּיָדִ֛י
that was in mine hand
H3027
בְּיָדִ֛י
that was in mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
18 of 22
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Joshua 7:19And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.1 Samuel 14:27But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
Historical Context
Confession was required even after lot identification in ancient Israelite jurisprudence (Joshua 7:19-20). Jonathan's admission confirms the divine verdict while his description emphasizes the disproportion between act and penalty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jonathan's measured response model dignity under unjust accusation?
- What does the contrast between action and consequence reveal about Saul's oath?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.
Saul's question 'Tell me what thou hast done' demands confession despite the lot's verdict already establishing guilt. Jonathan's response is remarkably restrained: 'I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.' The contrast between the trivial action ('a little honey') and the dire consequence ('I must die') exposes the injustice of Saul's oath. Jonathan neither defends himself nor condemns his father; he simply states facts that speak for themselves.