1 Samuel 20:30
Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
H2734
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 20
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֤ף
anger
H639
אַ֤ף
anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
שָׁאוּל֙
Then Saul's
H7586
שָׁאוּל֙
Then Saul's
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
3 of 20
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
בִּיה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
against Jonathan
H3083
בִּיה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
against Jonathan
Strong's:
H3083
Word #:
4 of 20
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
לְבֶן
the son
H1121
לְבֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֗עְתִּי
woman do not I know
H3045
יָדַ֗עְתִּי
woman do not I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
11 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בֹחֵ֤ר
that thou hast chosen
H977
בֹחֵ֤ר
that thou hast chosen
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
לְבֶן
the son
H1121
לְבֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּלְבֹ֖שֶׁת
and unto the confusion
H1322
וּלְבֹ֖שֶׁת
and unto the confusion
Strong's:
H1322
Word #:
17 of 20
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
וּלְבֹ֖שֶׁת
and unto the confusion
H1322
וּלְבֹ֖שֶׁת
and unto the confusion
Strong's:
H1322
Word #:
18 of 20
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
Historical Context
Insulting enemies through their mothers was common ancient practice. The 'perverse rebellious woman' accusation may reflect nothing true about Jonathan's mother. The reference to nakedness suggests sexual shame language used for intense insult.
Questions for Reflection
- How does uncontrolled anger cause speech that wounds beyond any legitimate grievance?
- What does Saul's attack on Jonathan's mother reveal about how sin distorts family relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
Saul's volcanic rage against Jonathan - calling him 'son of the perverse rebellious woman' - attacks both Jonathan and his mother. The accusation that Jonathan has 'chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion' correctly perceives Jonathan's loyalty shift but interprets it as betrayal rather than spiritual discernment. Saul's mention of 'thy mother's nakedness' employs shame language indicating how personal his fury had become.