1 Samuel 20:31
For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיָּמִ֗ים
For as long as
H3117
הַיָּמִ֗ים
For as long as
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 22
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בֶן
him unto me for he shall surely die
H1121
בֶן
him unto me for he shall surely die
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
חַ֣י
H2416
חַ֣י
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
7 of 22
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִכּ֖וֹן
thou shalt not be established
H3559
תִכּ֖וֹן
thou shalt not be established
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
שְׁלַ֨ח
Wherefore now send
H7971
שְׁלַ֨ח
Wherefore now send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
15 of 22
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
אֹתוֹ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
19 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בֶן
him unto me for he shall surely die
H1121
בֶן
him unto me for he shall surely die
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
20 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Dynastic succession was paramount concern for ancient kings. Saul's fear that David would eliminate Jonathan's line reflected standard succession practice. His inability to see beyond political calculation blinded him to spiritual realities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does anxiety about legacy sometimes lead to actions that ensure its loss?
- What does Jonathan's choice of covenant over inheritance teach about eternal values versus temporal security?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.
Saul's demand to 'send and fetch' David 'for he shall surely die' makes Jonathan choose between obedience to father and covenant with friend. The phrase 'thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom' reveals Saul's true concern - dynasty preservation. Ironically, Jonathan's covenant faithfulness to David would ensure his descendants' survival (2 Samuel 9), while Saul's violent methods would destroy his own house.