1 Samuel 20:10
Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?
Original Language Analysis
מִ֖י
H4310
מִ֖י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 12
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יַגִּ֣יד
Who shall tell
H5046
יַגִּ֣יד
Who shall tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
א֛וֹ
H176
א֛וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
8 of 12
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יַּֽעַנְךָ֥
answer
H6030
יַּֽעַנְךָ֥
answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
10 of 12
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,
Historical Context
Bearers of unwelcome news to kings sometimes faced punishment. David's concern recognized Jonathan's risk in acting as intermediary. The need for covert communication methods reflected the danger of operating within Saul's surveillance.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you show concern for those who take risks to help you?
- What creative solutions have you developed for communicating in difficult situations?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?
David's practical concern - 'Who shall tell me?' - moves from commitment to logistics. The question 'what if thy father answer thee roughly?' (qashah, harshly) anticipates the danger Jonathan himself might face in delivering bad news. David's concern extended to Jonathan's safety, not merely his own. True friendship involves mutual protection, not just receiving help. This question prompted the arrow-signal plan that would allow communication while protecting Jonathan from being caught directly warning David.