1 Samuel 20:32
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֙עַן֙
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֙עַן֙
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 11
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,
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָבִ֑יו
his father
H1
אָבִ֑יו
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 11
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לָ֥מָּה
H4100
לָ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יוּמַ֖ת
unto him Wherefore shall he be slain
H4191
יוּמַ֖ת
unto him Wherefore shall he be slain
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
9 of 11
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
Matthew 27:23And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.1 Samuel 19:5For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?Genesis 31:36And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?Luke 23:22And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.
Historical Context
Legal proceedings required specific accusations and evidence. Jonathan's questions followed proper judicial form. Challenging a king's death sentence required considerable courage, especially for the heir apparent who might have benefited from David's elimination.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you courageously asked powerful people to justify their harmful intentions?
- What does Jonathan's willingness to challenge his father teach about the priority of justice over family loyalty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?
Jonathan's courageous response - 'Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?' - directly challenged his father's murderous intent with legal argument. These two questions demand justification: what crime deserves death, and what evidence supports it? Jonathan appealed to justice even against his father's rage. The questions exposed the irrational basis for Saul's hatred - there was no legitimate answer. Sometimes the most powerful defense is simply asking what wrong has been done. Jonathan stood between his father and his friend, demanding righteousness.